C.R. may get 2nd Kohl's store near Westdale Mall

Kohl's, one of the most successful department store operators, may be planning a second store in southwest Cedar Rapids.

The Cedar Rapids City Council on Tuesday set an Aug. 23 public hearing to consider amending an ordinance that rezoned property west of Wiley Boulevard SW between 29th and 31st Avenues for developer Gerry Ambrose of Coralville. The amendment would change conditions regarding right-of-way dedication and access requirements along Wiley Boulevard SW.

The Cedar Rapids Planning Commission on Thursday will consider a preliminary site plan submitted by Ambrose that includes a 55,000-square-foot Kohl's store in a U-shape retail development between Menard's and a branch of Collins Community Credit Union.

“We will know later this month if Kohl's has approved a store for that location,” Ambrose said Tuesday. “We also have national retailer that is considering a store next to Kohl's. They will be looking over the site this week.”

The Kohl's store would anchor Wiley Center, which Ambrose said “in concept” could have as many as four smaller buildings.

Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based Kohl's operates an 81,000-square-foot department store in the Northland Square Shopping Center at 361 Collins Rd. NE. The department store, equipped with the latest in high-tech merchandise management, opened in March 1995.

Kohl's operated 1,097 stores in 49 states on July 1, compared with 1,067 stores at the same time last year.

Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based Kohl's operates an 81,000-square-foot department store in the Northland Square Shopping Center at 361 Collins Rd. NE. The store, equipped with the latest in high-tech merchandise management, opened in March 1995.

Scott Olson of Skogman Commercial Group in Cedar Rapids has been working to attract a buyer/developer for Westdale Mall. Olson said the Kohl's project is a welcome development for the city's west side, which has experienced significant residential and commercial growth in recent years.

"This is going to be a real positive for the southwest side of Cedar Rapids," Olson said. "We also have some national retailers looking at the former Target store, which will be vacated by Options of Linn County when it moves to the county's new Community Services Building this fall."

Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz has indicated that there is interest in the purchase and redevelopment of Westdale Mall, which could be asvanced by a new Kohl's store in the vicinity.

"I've been approached by consultants who represent the owners of Westdale Mall," Pomeranz said. "They are asking if the city would be willing to collaborate with the future owners of the mall on some type of tax-increment financing. While we can't make any commitments, we would be willing to look at any opportunity and see what is feasible.

"We would certainly like to see Westdale Mall redeveloped, possibly as a combination retail and office project."

Pomeranz cited a tax-increment financing district that was set up by Des Moines and Urbandale to assist the redevelopment of Merle Hay Mall in Des Moines -- which straddles the two communities -- after Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines siphoned off sales.