Bruegger’s Bagels may relocate, upgrade to drive-through in Iowa City

IOWA CITY - City documents detail plans to close the Iowa City Bruegger's Bagels store on Riverside Drive.

But fret not, bagel fans, as plans also include the relocation of the store to the other side of the street in a brand new building that would boast a drive-through option, outdoor patio, and wider coffee selection.

Information in the agenda packet for the Iowa City Board of Adjustment's Jan. 14 meeting include plans to relocate the Bruegger's Bagels at 715 S. Riverside Drive across the street to 708 S. Riverside Drive.

'Basically what's happening is the current location is going to be redeveloped by the landlord,” said John Wadhams, Bruegger's Bagels Vice President of Real Estate. 'Hopefully if all goes well we'll start construction maybe this summer and open up later this year.”

As the property falls within the recently rezoned West Riverfront Subdistrict of the Riverfront Crossings District, construction of a drive-through requires a special exception, which has been recommended for approval by city staff.

The building would have to meet Riverfront Crossings District requirements including aesthetic improvements, pedestrian friendly sidewalks, and street-oriented storefronts.

Sarah Walz, Iowa City associate planner, said the corner lot on the northeast side of the Benton Street and Riverside Drive intersection has been vacant since the 2006 tornado and any new development in the area is geared to build on the corridor's heavy vehicle traffic while adding more focus to pedestrians.

'It's trying to make that street a little friendlier, a little more attractive,” she said. 'People have been asking for that for a long time and slowly these things are coming together.”

Wadhams said he is excited to relocate into a district with a lot of potential growth and development.

'It's nice to be going into this area that's going to be redeveloped,” he said.

As for the property Bruegger's Bagels will eventually vacate, Walz said some discussions have been taking place about possibly locating a convenience store on the site.