Richard Pratt's stories

Chris Wright QTS data ce

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 Rapids – the largest data center project in the QTS portfolio – will put the city on the “cutting edge” of industrial and technological development…

Panel Q&A: Local leaders offer perspectives at economic forecast event

A panel of local economic leaders offered their perspectives on a variety of issues at…

Panelists Brent Cobb, CEO of World Class Industries; May Farlinger, president of Interstate Power & Light Company and vice president of operations for Alliant Energy Corporation; Mike Gerdin, president and CEO of Heartland Express; Beth Goetz, director of athletics at the University of Iowa; and Jason Smith, CEO of TrueNorth Companies pictured at the CBJ's 2025 Economic Forecast Luncheon. CREDIT RICHARD PRATT

O’Donnell, Bergen offer new perspectives on Cedar Rapids casino campaign

Two of the leading figures in the years-long campaign to bring a casino to Cedar…

Cedar Crossing Cedar Rapids rendering

IRGC declines to consider petition seeking to block Cedar Rapids casino

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) decided Thursday not to answer a petition seeking…

Cedar Rapids casino supporters petition

Two new warehouse projects to bring jobs, development opportunities to Cedar Rapids

A pair of new warehouse development projects in southwest Cedar Rapids are expected to bring…

Cedar Rapids warehouse projects

Sears store redevelopment to include ‘national retailer,’ outdoor sports field

The redevelopment of the former Sears store in Cedar Rapids, including a portion for an…

Former Sears store rendering

Danisco planning $68 million addition at southwest Cedar Rapids plant

Danisco US Inc. is planning a $68 million addition at its plant in southwest Cedar…

New Danisco building rendering

The Eat Shop nears opening of second, larger location in Marion

Cheryl Maloney says she lives her life by saying “yes,” then figuring out the details…

Cheryl Maloney at the front counter of The Eat Shop’s new location in Uptown Marion. The bakery, at 1107 Seventh Ave., is set to open Feb. 1. CREDIT RICHARD PRATT

Cedar Rapids council to consider incentives for ‘all-purpose competition sports field’ at former Sears store

A new “year-round all-purpose competition sports field” could be coming to the former Sears store…

Lindale Mall former Sears

Linn County casino supporters file brief opposing effort to block consideration of new license

The Linn County Gaming Association and Cedar Rapids Development Group have filed a brief in…

Cedar Crossing casino new rendering

Pair of studies offer mixed views on Iowa gaming market

A pair of studies examining the Iowa gaming market – and the impact of a…

Cedar Crossing casino new rendering

Linn County approves new regulations on hazardous liquid pipelines

With no public comment, the Linn County Board of Supervisors voted Dec. 18 to implement…

The Linn County Jean Oxley Public Service Center in Cedar Rapids

Former Wells Fargo building in downtown Cedar Rapids to be repurposed as real estate office

Local Realtor Tiffany Earl Williams and the firm she founded, Midwest Equity Group, are planning…

Wells Fargo Tiffany Earl Williams headquarters 1

Council approves development agreement for proposed casino

Even as the Cedar Rapids City Council voted Dec. 17 to approve a development agreement…

Cedar Crossing casino new rendering

Linn County pursuing new regulations on hazardous liquid pipelines

Linn County officials are pursuing a new set of regulations on the construction of hazardous…

The Linn County Jean Oxley Public Service Center in Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids officials ‘actively pursuing’ new grocer for former First Avenue Hy-Vee

Cedar Rapids leaders are “actively pursuing” a Kansas City-area “price-impact grocer,” about operating a new…

First Avenue Hy-Vee empty