NewBo City Market expansion delayed

CEDAR RAPIDS — The planned expansion at NewBo City Market has been delayed by unexpected construction costs.

The nonprofit announced the delay this week in a news release, citing "unforeseen costs for flood mitigation” resulting in more than $1 million in additional expenses beyond the project’s original $5.5 million estimate.

“The board (of directors) is currently reviewing design changes and flood mitigation costs while continuing the final phase of funding, which relies heavily on private and corporate donations,” the release states.

In response to an inquiry from The Gazette, market staff said the cost estimates have been “impacted by economic uncertainties” and that some costs have come back “significantly higher” than original projections.

The discrepancy will delay the project by several months with construction now set to begin in early 2026, rather than in September as originally planned. Still, the release states the board "remains committed to advancing this exciting initiative.”

The project — dubbed the Next Level local expansion — aims to bring additional shopkeeper space, an indoor performance stage, a community grocery store and an upper mezzanine level to the Cedar Rapids business incubator.

To date, the organization has raised $4.3 million as part of its capital campaign.

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