National sporting goods retailer will occupy former Sears store at Lindale Mall

CEDAR RAPIDS — All 120,000 square feet of the long-closed Sears store at Lindale Mall in Cedar Rapids will be occupied by one retailer.

The occupant "will be a large national sporting goods retailer for the whole building," said Glen Kitto, construction director for the property owner and project developer, Reserve Development of Dallas, Texas.

Kitto, who attended Tuesday’s Cedar Rapids City Council meeting, said an agreement prevents naming the retailer until the development agreement and other necessary tasks are completed. He said that should be in March.

Additionally, the redevelopment proposes constructing a year-round all-purpose competition sports field. Scott Mather, Cedar Rapids’ economic development project coordinator, said the auto service bays on the building would be demolished to make room for the field.

After reviewing the information, the city council on Tuesday approved a resolution supporting increasing city incentives to boost redevelopment of the vacant Sears store, which closed in 2018.

Reserve Development of Dallas, Texas, bought the property last year for $3.4 million. The assessed value of the building is $3.6 million.

City staff recommended approving above standard financial incentives, noting the "building has been vacant for several years and required significant remediation of contaminants in order to allow for redevelopment."

The $25 million project is projected to provide 110 full time jobs.

Though the council approved the resolution, nothing can happen until a development agreement is hammered out and an urban redevelopment/TIF is established and agreed upon by all parties, Mather said. He anticipates that happening in March.

Construction could begin in August, and be completed in March 2026.