Google named as company behind Cedar Rapids' largest-ever economic development project

Google is the company behind a proposed $576 million data center in southwest Cedar Rapids, city and state officials confirmed this week — ending months of speculation about the mystery tenant at the Big Cedar Industrial Center.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority board voted unanimously Friday to grant Cedar Rapids access to the High Quality Jobs program for the project, authorizing approximately $56 million in local property-tax exemptions over two decades. The city had previously approved a development agreement in February that set a $576 million minimum investment, construction to start within three years, and at least 31 new full-time jobs meeting state wage thresholds.

City officials call it the largest economic development project in Cedar Rapids history. The site sits along Edgewood Road SW and 76th Avenue, and the city's FAQ notes Google is considering one or more facilities there.

A community development agreement would pay the city $400,000 per year per data center for 15 years, capped at $6 million per facility. Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell called the project "unprecedented growth for Cedar Rapids" and a result of "tremendous momentum." Councilmember Ashley Vanorny said the annual payments could fund arts, trails, and other city priorities.

State Rep. Sami Scheetz described the project as putting Cedar Rapids "at the cusp of a new era" for technological innovation and long-term jobs.

The developer, Heaviside LLC, had been identified in earlier council actions before Google was publicly named. Alliant Energy, ITC, the Cedar Rapids Economic Alliance, and IEDA are listed as project participants.

Google has not issued a public statement confirming the project. The city's development agreement includes a fallback tax-increment-financing rebate structure if the High Quality Jobs application had not been approved. Construction timelines, final facility count, specific job roles, and utility demands remain undisclosed.