Retailer Announces They’ll Build Two New Eastern Iowa Stores
We now know the retailer that will be building a new store in northeast Cedar Rapids. Fleet Farm will build its first corridor store in the Edgewood Town Center, on the west side of Edgewood Road between Blairs Ferry Road and Highway 100.
Fleet Farm announced Tuesday morning they'll also build a store in Cedar Falls. That location, which is already under construction, will be at the intersection Highways 20 and 58. It is expected to open before the Cedar Rapids location, where site preparations for Edgewood Town Center started just a few weeks ago. The Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids Fleet Farm stores will each be about 190,000 square foot buildings. Each store will likely employ around 200 people.
Originated in the mid-1950s, Fleet Farm has 42 stores around the midwest, including in Ankeny, Mason City, and Sioux City. They sell everything from outdoor equipment and hunting and fishing gear to pet and farm supplies, household goods, home improvement, clothes, shoes, auto parts, food, and toys. Stores typically have a convenience store/gas station and car wash and auto repair on site.
Tom Carrico, Fleet Farm Vice President of Real Estate and Construction, said in a media release,
As Fleet Farm continues to expand across the Midwest, we’re pleased with our customers’ response to our unique combination of products and services. We are proud to be expanding our store presence in Iowa, creating jobs and being part of a compelling retail growth story.
The Cedar Rapids Fleet Farm is expected to cover about half of the 55-acres in the Edgewood Town Center project. Developer Joe Ahmann is asking for a 50% tax break over ten years, valued at $5.6 million, according to the Gazette. The Cedar Rapids City Council is expected to sign off on the tax incentives today.