CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The highly anticipated Cedar Crossing Casino & Event Center is rapidly taking shape in northwest Cedar Rapids, with construction leaders emphasizing a commitment to local economic growth. Of the more than $40 million in contracts awarded so far for the $275 million project, an impressive 96% have gone to Iowa-based companies.

“Our philosophy in a lot of the markets we go into is we want to be part of the fabric of the community,” said Stefan Huba, Chief Development Officer at Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E). “The economic development that the project generates is really meant to be localized.”

Local Jobs, Local Materials

Construction began this spring, with site crews — many from within Linn County — working under Cedar Rapids-based Ryan Companies, the general contractor. Major Iowa firms such as Hawkeye Electric, Modern Piping, and King’s Materials have already signed on. Precast concrete used in early construction phases was sourced from Des Moines.

The project is expected to create around 800 construction jobs over its 18-month build. Once open, the casino will employ approximately 365 permanent staff members in gaming, hospitality, and operations.

Kim Pang, Vice President of Development at P2E, said the company has drawn heavily from its existing network of Iowa partners.
“Over the years that we built and expanded the amenities (in those locations), we built a catalog of companies and businesses that we’ve worked with,” Pang said. “We can go back to the well, so to say, when we need those people again.”

A Facility for Entertainment and Community

The completed Cedar Crossing Casino & Event Center will feature:

• 700 slot machines and 22 table games
• Multiple restaurants and bars
• A STEM lab for kids
• A 1,500-seat entertainment venue for concerts and events

The official opening date is set for December 31, 2026.

Union Labor Commitment

P2E has signed a project labor agreement ensuring all-union labor will be used.
“It’s basically a commitment to use all union labor on the project, and with that comes a promise from union labor to man the job and make sure it’s on time and on budget,” said Mike Sadler, President of the Cedar Rapids & Iowa City Building Trades. “It’s going to be big for local labor.”

Boosting Cedar Rapids Development

City leaders see the casino as a catalyst for additional west-side development. Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell noted that the project’s scale has already helped the city secure a $25 million federal grant for flood control efforts.

“When you’re able to go in and say ‘You know, someone is willing to put $275 million in economic development there,’ that’s huge,” O’Donnell said. “The more that we can show that happening — that others are willing to put skin in the game and the city is willing to put skin in the game — I’m confident we can continue to get more (grant) money for the west side.”

Infrastructure Upgrades in the Works

The city will integrate flood protection directly into the casino’s site plan, including:

• A flood-control levee extending from F Avenue NW to I Avenue NW
• Reconstruction of F Avenue NW into two-way traffic over the levee
• A new roundabout at F Avenue NW and Third Street for safer access
• Removal of E Avenue east of Third Street to accommodate levee construction

Economic Impact and Community Giving

Developers have agreed to a minimum property tax assessment of $50 million, which will generate roughly $2 million annually for the city. P2E has also pledged 8% of annual net adjusted gross revenue to nonprofit organizations — a significant investment in community programs.

Once open, Cedar Crossing Casino & Event Center is expected to attract visitors statewide, generate steady tax revenue, and enhance Cedar Rapids’ profile as a regional entertainment hub.

Originally reported by Grace Nieland in The Gazatte.