A new, small-scale grocery store could be coming to a Wellington Heights building that housed a grocer for much of its history.
Brad Bergeson, managing member of BB Properties of Atkins, presented a proposal for the new grocery store to the Cedar Rapids Planning Commission May 1.
The building that would house the new store, at 1626 Fifth Ave. SE, had previously housed the Hayden’s and Idlewild grocery stores. When it served as Idlewild, proprietor Charlie Mrech referred to the site as “the best location in the best neighborhood I ever had,” according to developer Brad Bergeson of BB Properties of Atkins, who is proposing the new grocery store.
Mr, Bergeson told the commission he purchased the property in 2020 with the intention of developing it as a single-family residence. But when Hy-Vee announced it was closing its First Avenue store in June 2024, he said he realized the site had “more potential” to serve the Wellington Heights neighborhood as a grocery.
According to Mr. Bergeson, the Hy-Vee closure created an “immediate and profound hardship” for the Wellington Heights neighborhood.
“Residents, particularly seniors, individuals without personal vehicles and families living on limited incomes, were left without a convenient, walkable option for purchasing healthy groceries and essential household goods,” Mr. Bergeson.
As a result of the closure, many Wellington Heights residents must travel several miles, by bus or foot, to access basic necessities such as fresh produce and meats, Mr. Bergeson said.
“This has effectively turned parts of our city into recognized ‘food deserts,’ a designation we know contributes to worsening health outcomes, social inequity and economic stagnation in affected neighborhoods,” he told the commission.
In response to a commission question, Mr. Bergeson said he’s not sure if the building, built in 1910 and most recently used as a private residence, will be usable for the proposed store or if he’ll need to construct a new building.
“We have to get structural in there and see what the integrity of it is,” he said. He also noted that he’s unsure if he’ll be able to apply for historic tax credits to rehabilitate the building.
Mr. Berguson confirmed the business would be a full-line grocery store, and not just a convenience store. He also said it would not offer tobacco or alcohol sales – in response to one of the primary concerns he said he’s heard from area residents.
And, he said, the proposal conforms with the city’s comprehensive plan. “This proposal is not just about addressing today’s needs,” he said. “It also honors our neighborhood’s past.”
The planning commission voted unanimously to recommend rezoning the site to accommodate the plan. A public hearing on the rezoning proposal will be held at the Cedar Rapids City Council meeting May 27.
