(Cedar Rapids, IA) -- Work has begun on a new multi-purpose development in downtown Cedar Rapids.
A groundbreaking was held Wednesday at the site of the forthcoming $49 million four-story Banjo Block building across from the downtown library, which will house over 220 apartments, almost 1,200 feet of commercial space, a rooftop patio and a pool.
City leaders say its a step toward attracting more people and businesses.
"When you have people living ... downtown, then they're looking for restaurants that are close by to where they live," says Ron Corbett, Vice President of Economic Development at the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. "So you have that base of support in addition to the people that work in the downtown [area]."
Construction is scheduled to last through January of 2024. The city says this development has been in the works for decades.