Dupaco expanding C.R. presence

Dupaco Community Credit Union's will build its second Cedar Rapids branch this year at the corner of First Avenue SE and 35th Street Drive.

The Dubuque-based credit union recently bought a building that housed R.J. Ender Computers and two adjacent lots. Work is expected to begin on the project in May, and be completed in December, Dupaco President Robert Hoefer said.

R.J. Ender Computers has already  moved from the location to nearby Town & Country Shopping Center.

Dupaco entered the Cedar Rapids market about five years ago, and built its current location at 3131 Williams Blvd. SW in  2007.

The new First Avenue location is part of a strategic plan by Dupaco to expand its presence in the market, Hoefer said.

Since arriving in Cedar Rapids, Dupaco has seen growth through mergers with other credit unions and by signing up new members. Dupaco recently added five employees at its west side location in Cedar Rapids, and will hire about seven more for its new First Avenue SE location.

The new location will be similar in design to the west side location, only smaller due to site limitations. Primus Construction will be architect and project manager.

Hoefer said all local labor will be used for the project to the extent that it is possible.

Dupaco has ten branch locations and is planning to open two more this year.