Cedar Rapids Welcomes Wild Rose Gaming Venture Downtown
Guest column by Steve Emerson and Hunter Parks explains inviting Wild Rose to partner on a downtown Cedar Rapids gaming destination. They argue the project supports core businesses, avoids incentives, shares 5 percent of gross receipts to Linn County charities, and aims to boost downtown momentum without isolating visitors.
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Linn County
Cedar River Alliance For Gaming
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Aspect Arcchitecture
Hunter Parks
Hunter Companies
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Cedar Crossing urged as Cedar Rapids casino plan stakes future
Steve Gray urges Linn County residents to back Cedar Crossing in the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission hearing at the DoubleTree Hotel Cedar Rapids. He notes public support from the Linn County Board of Supervisors and city council, the project’s $100 million downtown investment, and a plan to replace the Five Seasons Parking Ramp.
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Florida
Caribbean
Wall Street Journal
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U.S. Cellular Center
Cedar Crossing Central
Five Seasons
DoubleTree Hotel
Contested Cedar Crossing case fuels Iowa casino vote talks
Dorman and studies in October focus on dining and entertainment beyond gambling. Cedar Crossing, backed by Cedar Rapids officials and community groups, argues for economic development while Wild Rose touts a boutique box casino as restraint on cannibalization. Critics claim insider politics bias and a tilted process. The commission’s decision hinges on market studies due in October and whether a slim boutique can compete with existing casinos.
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Wild Rose
Cedar Crossing
Cedar Rapids
Linn County Board of Supervisors
Steve Gray
Brent Stevens
Peninsula Pacific
Commission
Steve Emerson
Hunter Parks
Gary Kirke
Iowa
The
Gaming Commission
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Brent Oleson
Kim Reynolds
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