Just a few years after the city of Cedar Rapids signed off on an action plan to foster a more vibrant College District in the northeast quadrant, major development work is beginning to infuse new life into the area.
Marc Williams, senior vice president for operations at FedEx Ground, will be the keynote speaker for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance’s annual meeting on Jan. 27.
After early plans for redevelopment faltered, work is beginning on a $49 million mixed-use, multifamily development at 515 Fourth Ave. SE. The project will bring commercial space and over 200 mixed-income residential units.
The updated proposal for a senior living facility near Hickory Hill Park received unanimous final approval on Tuesday and praise from council members as a win for the city and community.
Caleb Mason started working for Cedar Rapids shortly before the 2008 flood. Now, he plays a key role in the city’s growth, managing efforts to create jobs and support development.
Racial Equity Connect — or R.E. Connect — was co-founded by Tracy Jon Sargeant and V Fixmer-Oraiz about six months ago. Since then, they have recruited organizations, spoken with elected officials and began creating a network for people of color.
Though Hunter Companies was under contract to purchase the former Transamerica site, the local developer is not moving forward with purchasing the property.
An initial plan for a mixed-use development at the former Transamerica site that sparked widespread concerns among residents is back on the Cedar Rapids City Planning Commission agenda for consideration Nov. 18. Proposed developer Hunter Companies tabled it last month to gather more input before bringing the plan to the panel.
The Cedar Rapids City Council on Tuesday agreed to $1.9 million in public incentives for a $20 million Alro Steel Corp. regional distribution facility, which is expected to create 40 jobs. The council also approved development agreements for the nearly $109.5 million FedEx warehouse and for the $32.6 million Terex site redevelopment.
Redevelopment of the Iowa Building’s upper floors and the old Skogman Realty building will add 84 housing units to the downtown.
Some residents are mobilizing against this potential proposal before it comes to the City Planning Commission Oct. 28 for consideration of a preliminary plat.
The Cedar Rapids Council has approved city incentives for a $22.2 million, 48-unit housing development on First Avenue SE, west of Brucemore.
Some urge accountability in city’s use of tax increment financing.
Independence will receive $499,968 in Community Development Block Grants for building facades of eight downtown businesses.
As Iowa continues to face workforce shortages, accepting diversity could make the difference between surviving and thriving
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