Cedar Crossing Casino Set to Open in November: What to Expect

The Cedar Crossing Casino, located at the crossing of F Avenue NW, is scheduled to open in mid-November- with road construction nearby scheduled for completion about a week before. Years of planning are coming to a close ahead of schedule as the opening was previously set for New Year’s Eve.

On Tuesday, some roads in the F Avenue NW area were blocked off and Iowa Department of Transportation crews worked near an overpass around First Street NW.

City construction engineering manager Taylor Burgin says coordinating with flood control efforts has been key with the northwest side road projects.

“There was a lot of collaboration starting multiple years ago trying to get the casino here in the first place,” he said. “Then working with flood control and making sure that not only could we build what we needed to in the future, but they could build with the casino what they needed. We do have a big grant coming that did prohibit some stuff being done on the east side here.“

That grant consists of $25 million dollars from the federal government for a future flood management project scheduled for 2028. It is all part of the city’s goal to protect and revitalize the area.

New murals from local artist coming to the casino

Inside the casino, artist Ali Hval, who has painted several murals in Cedar Rapids, is installing new pieces inspired by Czech culture and the Art Nouveau movement. She also teaches at the University of Iowa and is the artist behind a mural of a woman adorned with flowers in the Czech Village.

Hval said she is excited for the public to experience her art in a new setting - hoping people stop for a moment to engage with the colorful, flower-filled art.

“This is one of the first times I’ve had to keep a project under wraps,” she said, citing the public nature of her mural work. “When there’s the big ribbon cutting for the casino and it’s open, it’s going to be very exciting that all of a sudden, everything is brand new.“

Nearby restaurant welcomes the casino

Down the road at Double Z Bar and Grill, construction has brought more people in the door in recent months. Owner Jaymz Larson anticipates that trend will continue.

He said the casino is an opportunity for collaboration rather than competition.

“I think this part of the town needed that kind of shot in the arm and just seeing all the activity down here and we know here in a month, we’re going to see a lot more traffic count, people coming in and we’re just hoping they come down here and have a cold beer when they’re done,” Larson said.