Richard Pratt's stories

The Core of Hiawatha rendering

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 intersection of Center Point and Robins Road, will serve as a key step in an ongoing effort to establish an identifiable downtown district for the…

QTS data center groundbreaking canceled in wake of deadly New York shooting

The groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for this morning at the QTS data center site in southwest…

QTS data center

Proposed Alliant power plant near airport raises concerns

The Cedar Rapids Airport Commission is expressing safety and proximity concerns about an Alliant Energy…

Alliant power plant proposed location

North Liberty’s Copper Boar named CBJ’s Fastest Growing Company

There’s no requirement that partners in a locally-owned restaurant have a longstanding personal friendship that…

Ty Medema, Shane Durian and Zeph Leaton are the co-owners of Copper Boar American Pub in North Liberty, the CBJ’s Fastest-Growing Company in the Corridor for 2025. CREDIT RICHARD PRATT

Groundbreaking set Tuesday for QTS data center project

A groundbreaking ceremony is set next week for the Quality Technology Services (QTS) data center…

QTS data center

Linn County board recommends approval of nuclear energy zoning code

A new Linn County ordinance amendment creating an exclusive use zoning district for nuclear power…

Duane Arnold Energy Center

U.S. Bank building sale offers challenging, exciting opportunity

The sale of the former U.S. Bank building in downtown Cedar Rapids, and its associated…

U.S. Bank building complex

Kirkwood receives nearly $625,000 in annual TRIO grants

Kirkwood Community College has secured two federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grants totaling $624,895…

Kirkwood Community College Student Center

Dows Farm construction underway as Corridor’s first agri-community takes shape

The long-awaited and oft-delayed Dows Farm development on the southeast outskirts of Cedar Rapids —…

A rendering of the Dows Farm agri-community project along Mount Vernon Road SE. CREDIT LINN COUNTY

Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa to close after 13 years

The Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa (CWJ) will permanently close after 13 years…

Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa

New McDonald’s planned for northeast Cedar Rapids

Plans for a new McDonald’s restaurant in northeast Cedar Rapids are moving forward. At its…

McDonald's new restaurant

Despite federal debates, Nordex leaders celebrate reopening of West Branch wind turbine plant

Despite the ongoing federal debates about the future of renewable energy tax credits, representatives of…

Nordex reopening West Branch

Development moratorium for certain portions of Marion being lifted

The moratorium on certain types of developments along some of the busiest commercial corridors in…

Tower Terrace Road Marion

Talent attraction director seeks funds from local cities for new efforts

The newly-hired talent attraction director for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance is reaching out…

Juli Schafer Collective Growth Initiative Talent Attraction Director

Eastern Iowa Airport sets May passenger record

The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) saw its highest-ever passenger total for the month of May,…

Eastern Iowa Airport gates baggage handling

Grant for new Mays Island trees celebrated

The center section of Mays Island has stood for decades as a largely underutilized greenspace…

Laura Kunkle America in Bloom Mays Island trees