Our recent research for a project in Cedar Rapids, Iowa revealed some exciting new hospitality-related developments happening in the area. These developments will have an impact on tourism, employment, and the general economy in Cedar Rapids and the surrounding areas in 2024 and beyond.

• A new full-fledged casino has been proposed on city-owned property on the west side of the Cedar River in downtown Cedar Rapids. In addition to casino gaming, this $275 million project would include event space and restaurants featuring celebrity chefs. This is now the third attempt at a casino project in the area, and the fate of this proposal will be determined by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission in February 2025. If approved, this major project would draw visitors to downtown Cedar Rapids and spur additional commercial development.

• A new $81.5 million mixed-use development called Kingston Yard is now taking shape in the Kingston Village neighborhood of Cedar Rapids. Among the development’s first tenants are Big Grove Brewery, a taproom and restaurant with event space, and Pickle Palace, which offers pickleball courts and duckpin bowling, along with a restaurant, bar, and event hall. Future elements will include apartments, commercial space, a hotel, and a parking ramp, all of which are slated for completion within the next two to three years.

• Google recently announced plans to build a new $576 million data center at the Big Cedar Industrial Center in southwest Cedar Rapids, near Interstate 380 and the Eastern Iowa Airport. This project will be supported by a 20-year, $56 million property tax rebate. Touted as the largest economic development project in the city’s history, this project will create hundreds of jobs in the construction stage and 31 permanent jobs once completed.

• Eastern Iowa Airport is nearing the end of a 10-year renovation campaign that has added terminal gates, jet bridges, and various amenities for passengers. Representing a total investment of about $120 million, these projects have improved the overall passenger experience and will enable the airport to handle increased passenger volumes going forward. In 2023, the airport served a record-high 1.4 million passengers, a figure that includes both enplanements and deplanements.

• A major project to expand Interstate 380 south of Cedar Rapids is now moving forward with the help of a $57.3 million federal grant. This massive project will add additional lanes and create a new interchange off the interstate between North Liberty and Cedar Rapids. Representing a total investment of around $140 million, the Interstate 380 widening project will alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety conditions for motorists approaching Cedar Rapids from the south.