Flood Recovery: Center will open soon in Witwer Building

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Witwer Building, which has been vacant since the June 2008 flood, will become occupied next month when a co-working center opens its first 26 offices.

The Business Exchange Center at 303 Second Ave. SE will offer monthly office rentals, which includes basic utilities and shared services such as a conference room, copier, receptionist, wireless Internet, janitor and restrooms.

The furniture-equipped units range in price from $299 to $995 depending on size. Most rent for $595 to $795 per month.

Business Exchange Center founder Teresa Bornbach has already rented seven of the 26 spaces on the second floor of the center. She expects to open 30 to 35 additional spaces on the third floor of the building by the end of April, moving the total to about 60 office spaces.

While downtown Cedar Rapids has a surplus of available office space, the Business Exchange Center space has a distinct feel, evoking the turn-of-the-century building's past as a federal building and post office. From the wide wooden moldings and high ceilings to the vintage elevator, it's a link to earlier times in Cedar Rapids.

“You've got all of the amenities of a big corporate office, but you're just paying for your space - and it's grand space,” said Bornbach, who has also operated the Corridor Co-Works at 222 Third Street SE, Suite 600, since February 2009.

Some of the more unusual amenities of the Business Exchange Center include a shared walking work station, where users can work on their laptop computers while walking on a treadmill.

Green Development of Iowa City acquired the Witwer building after the flood. The Business Exchange Center is leasing nearly 22,000 square feet of space on the second and third floors.

Bornbach said the space, formerly part of the Witwer Senior Center and Linn County Community Services, didn't require extensive renovations. The electrical service was upgraded, walls were painted, and new furniture was added.

Within a few months, Business Exchange Center tenants will be able to dine without leaving the building.

A new limited liability company led by Gregory White plans to open White Star Ale House on the first floor of the Witwer Center by the end of April.

The restaurant will seat about 230. It will feature a menu of about 50 beer options, about 25 wines, and American contemporary cuisine emphasizing fresh locally grown and organic foods when possible.

White has previously operated Teddy's Steak House, Metro Grill and the Amalgamated Spirit & Provision Co. He said the White Star Ale House will serve “more of a hometown crowd,” and encourage drop-in business with moderately priced fare and drinks.