The Cedar Rapids Development Group (CRDG) and the Linn County Gaming Association (LCGA) have been granted a gaming license for the Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center, a proposed $275 million development to be built on the former Cooper’s Mill site on Cedar Rapids’ northwest side. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved the Cedar Crossing project in a 4-1 vote during its February meeting at Prairie Meadows in Altoona.
A groundbreaking ceremony hosted by CRDG and LCGA will be held at the casino site on Friday, February 7, at 11 a.m. Nonprofit groups, union representatives, business leaders, and city officials will gather to celebrate this milestone and share the next steps for development and construction.
“We are so thankful to the Commission for giving us a fair shot at sharing our vision and for making Cedar Crossing a reality,” said CRDG President Jonathan Swain. “This is a huge step in a long journey, and we are ready to deliver on our promise to Linn County and the State of Iowa.”
Site Development Plans and Amenities Cedar Crossing represents a $275 million investment, making it the largest gaming project in Iowa’s history and one of the state’s most significant development plans in recent memory. The project will include 700 slot machines and 22 table games, offering an unparalleled gaming experience. Cedar Crossing aims to be more than just a casino and will serve as a premier entertainment destination.
The facility will feature a variety of restaurants, including:
- Clubhouse by Zach Johnson: A relaxed, chef-run steakhouse developed with Iowa’s champion golfer, featuring locally sourced steaks, chops, local brews, and crafted cocktails.
- World’s Fare: A culinary journey capturing the essence of street food from around the world, with dishes such as Indian street food tacos, Korean-inspired crispy fried chicken, Mediterranean wraps, Tokyo tempura, French crêpes, and Spanish churros.
- River’s Edge Smokehouse and Tap: Farm-fresh meals including the Iowa Titan Tenderloin, pub burgers, pulled pork, beef brisket, and signature BBQ ribs, complemented by live music showcasing rock, country, and blues.
Additionally, Cedar Crossing will include a 1,500-capacity entertainment venue that will host top-tier performances and events, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond. The venue aims to elevate the entertainment options in the area and create a dynamic entertainment district.
The project will also feature an Arts & Cultural Center, which will serve as a cornerstone for community engagement, along with a state-of-the-art STEM lab designed to inspire and educate the next generation of innovators.
“Today marks an exciting new chapter for the thousands of people who will benefit from new jobs, economic opportunities, and entertainment possibilities created by Cedar Crossing,” said Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell. “Iowa’s second-largest city has finally been given the opportunity that our residents, business leaders, nonprofits, and surrounding communities have sought for years. Cedar Crossing will create new revenue for the state and bring new visitors every year – a solid win for every Iowan.”
Cedar Crossing will be built on the northwest side of Cedar Rapids at the former Cooper’s Mill site. The entertainment facility will revitalize an area that has not fully recovered from the devastating 2008 flood that inundated more than 10 square miles of the city. Developers will make several improvements and reinforcements at the site, including building the complex above the flood plain to mitigate flood risks.
Tax Revenues, Tourism, and Jobs According to a July 2024 study by Convergency Strategy Group (CSG), Cedar Crossing is expected to attract 1.1 million visitors annually, spurring additional capital investments and revitalizing the area with new businesses, retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
CSG also projected that Cedar Crossing will contribute an estimated $80.2 million in new taxable revenue for the state of Iowa, an increase from a 2021 market study that estimated new taxable revenues of $51 million for a Cedar Rapids casino.
The State of Iowa and Linn County will benefit from direct and indirect spending, including sales and use taxes, as well as incremental income and property taxes. CSG estimates that annual incremental sales taxes generated by Cedar Crossing will be $2 million for the state and $300,000 for Linn County. Annual income tax revenues for the state are projected to total approximately $1.1 million.
During the construction phase, the project is expected to sustain 931 construction jobs on site and an additional 805 indirect jobs throughout the regional and state economy – a total of 1,736 jobs, with 992 anticipated in Linn County. Once operational, Cedar Crossing will create 300 full-time jobs.
A January 2025 economic impact study by Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS) projected an economic impact of $257 million during the construction phase and $183 million in the first year of operations. Over the first 10 years of operations, the project represents more than $2.25 billion in economic impact.
Nonprofit Support Cedar Crossing has committed to contributing 8% of net adjusted gross revenue (AGR) to nonprofit organizations – the highest percentage in the state. CSG estimates that approximately $6.3 million will be distributed annually to area nonprofit organizations, a key reason for the enthusiastic support from local organizations for a gaming facility in Linn County.
“For years, we have championed the Corridor nonprofits and their work here in the region – and we have witnessed the financial strain they are under to support our community’s critical needs. Today, we know they will have an impact on our community unlike anything before thanks to Cedar Crossing,” said LCGA President Anne Parmley. “We are so thankful for our nonprofits’ support – and we are even more grateful that they will finally realize the same levels of contributions that others in the state have benefited from.”
Next Steps Following the groundbreaking ceremony, the project will move into its next critical phase, with the official closing on final pieces of real estate paving the way for development. Construction activities will begin on Monday, February 10, including establishing proper elevations for flood control, on-site stormwater storage, and maintenance.
As part of the early construction efforts, the site will be prepared for a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and mitigating potential flood risks. Cedar Crossing will continue working with the City of Cedar Rapids to finalize approvals and permits, allowing critical early-stage construction to proceed while ensuring compliance with all regulatory and municipal requirements.
The Time is Now “For years, we have asked Corridor residents to imagine the possibilities that Cedar Crossing can offer,” said Swain. “We are so thankful for the continued enthusiasm and passion shared by our large group of supporters – and finally, today, we can say that the time is now for Cedar Crossing to deliver and make those possibilities a reality.”
