Water Rock project signs initial tenant

The developers of Water Rock, an $11 million, 7.75-acre project at the southeast corner of Blairs Ferry Road and Rockwell Drive NE in Cedar Rapids, have leased the first building to a restaurant and bar.

Rock Top, an 11,700-square-foot facility, will have two levels offering indoor and outdoor space, with the second level showcasing an open-air paver patio.

Scheduled to open this spring, Rock Top will be owned by Dave Carey, who has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, owning and operating the Third Base and Fieldhouse venues.

'This new concept will change the landscape of the Cedar Rapids dining experience by introducing the first rooftop patio restaurant and bar,” Carey said in a news release.

Structural steel is being erected for Rock Top, including the exposed beams and columns that will be featured on each of the outdoor patios. Knutson Construction Services is the general contractor for Water Rock, which is being developed by Todd and Tami Culver, the owners of Culver's Lawn and Landscape in Marion.

The remaining development is slated to have four buildings. Final negotiations are progressing for two additional buildings, with a notice to proceed expected to be announced later this spring.

The Culvers have agreed to donate land at the south edge of the property to the city of Cedar Rapids, enabling the city to extend a bike trail.