Richard Pratt's stories

Tim and Kirsten Jacobs Palo data center ordinance

Public hearing for proposed Palo data center ordinance draws vocal critics

Palo city officials have repeatedly stressed that a proposed city ordinance is intended to govern data center development in general, not specifically a proposed Google data center project. Even so, dozens of speakers overwhelmingly voiced their opposition on several fronts…

Whirlpool Amana plant to shut down next week to ‘manage production’

The Whirlpool plant in Middle Amana will be shut down next week to “manage production,”…

Whirlpool Amana refrigerator plant

The Purple Wagon, Frankie P’s moving to former Maid-Rite building in Uptown Marion

One of Marion’s newest businesses is moving soon – to one of Uptown Marion’s most…

Karlee Peters and Danielle Frein The Purple Wagon Frankie P's

Westdale Town Center surpasses $100 million valuation, seeks potential buyers

As the owner of the Westdale Town Center in southwest Cedar Rapids explores a potential…

Todd Nelson, president and CEO of Frew Development Group’s Midwest Division, stands next to Westdale Town Center’s newest building, which will house Bath and Body Works and other retailers. CREDIT RICHARD PRATT

UPDATE: ‘Core’ mixed-use project expected to propel development of downtown presence in Hiawatha

Hiawatha officials are hoping plans for the “The Core,” a mixed-use development planned near the…

The Core of Hiawatha rendering

Alliant seeks IUC decision on Linn County natural gas power plant by December

Alliant Energy is asking for a decision from the Iowa Utilities Commission by December on…

Alliant Marshalltown natural gas power plant

Sub-Zero announces $196.3 million expansion of Cedar Rapids facility

Sub-Zero announced a $196.3 million expansion of its Cedar Rapids facility Tuesday, April 28, including…

Sub-Zero Cedar Rapids expansion rendering

Proposal would repurpose former Principal building in downtown Cedar Rapids into residential, commercial spaces

Local developer Steve Emerson is seeking Cedar Rapids financial incentives to repurpose the former Principal…

Former Principal building downtown Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids’ Executive Aero Club helps private pilots be ready for takeoff

As Matthew Gunderson sees it, the newly-formed Executive Aero Club is not simply a members-only…

Executive Aero Club founder Matthew Gunderson stands with one of the club’s Cirrus SR Series G7 Plus planes at the company’s hangar at Signature Aviation in Cedar Rapids. CREDIT Richard Pratt

QTS data center project will put Cedar Rapids on ‘cutting edge,’ leaders say after site tour

The massive QTS data center campus now under construction on the south edge of Cedar…

Chris Wright QTS data ce

Area residents raise more concerns about proposed Alliant gas-fired power plant in Linn County

A number of area residents expressed concerns about Alliant Energy’s proposed natural gas-fired power plant…

Linn County supervisors 2026

Mercy Medical Center agrees to $14.8 million payment for violating OIG civil penalties law

Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids has agreed to a $14.8 million payment to the…

Mercy Medical Center Cedar Rapids

Duane Arnold temporary training center opens in Hiawatha

It isn’t the actual control room of the Duane Arnold Energy Center, but the training…

Duane Arnold training center 1

Plans emerge for new Gateway Lofts mixed-use development in New Bohemia

A new mixed-use development is taking shape in the New Bohemia district in southeast Cedar…

Gateway Lofts New Bomehia rendering

Duane Arnold licensing bundle could be issued by January 2028

A licensing bundle that would pave the way for the restart of the Duane Arnold…

Frank VanEtten Duane Arnold meeting

Gina Landau: Breaking ground on a new path forward

In the world of Corridor real estate development, Gina Landau sees herself as a pioneer…

Gina Landau