Emphasizing the benefits of employing local workers for casino construction serves as a smart decision
In the heart of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the much-anticipated Cedar Crossing Casino is taking shape, with vertical building work well underway as of mid-2025. This ambitious $275 million project is slated for completion by New Yearโs Eve, December 31, 2026 [1][2].
The casino project, backed by Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, has made a firm commitment to local labor. A signed project labor agreement ensures that all union labor will be employed, providing a significant boost to the local workforce and unions in the Cedar Rapids area [2]. Furthermore, over 96% of the awarded contracts, amounting to more than $40 million, have been given to Iowa-based businesses [3].
Mike Sandler, President of the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Building and Construction Trades Council, expressed his support for the Cedar Crossing Casino project in 2022, stating that it will be the best casino that can be brought to Cedar Rapids [4]. Sandler also emphasized that the casino will be constructed by local tradesmen and tradeswomen [4].
Once complete, the casino will be Iowaโs 20th state-licensed gaming facility. It will offer 700 slot machines, 22 table games, multiple dining options, a STEM lab for kids, and a 1,500-seat entertainment venue [2]. City leaders are optimistic that the casino will catalyse further west-side development and improvements, including securing a $25 million federal flood control grant [2].
In a move to win a state license, the casino project has also included an editorial push [5]. Mike Sandler, President of the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Building and Construction Trades Council, has been associated with the casino project's Editorial Board [5].
In summary, the Cedar Crossing Casino is progressing on schedule with construction visibly advancing, and it maintains a strong commitment to supporting local union labor and Iowa-based contractors throughout the build [1][2][3].
References:
[1] Cedar Crossing Casino. (2025). Construction Progress. Retrieved from https://cedarcrossingcasino.com/construction-progress
[2] Cedar Rapids Gazette. (2025). Cedar Crossing Casino Construction Advances. Retrieved from https://www.thegazette.com/cedar-rapids-iowa-news/2025/06/25/cedar-crossing-casino-construction-advances
[3] Cedar Crossing Casino. (2025). Iowa-Based Contractors. Retrieved from https://cedarcrossingcasino.com/iowa-based-contractors
[4] Sandler, M. (2022). Support for Cedar Crossing Casino Project. Retrieved from https://www.thegazette.com/cedar-rapids-iowa-news/2022/03/15/sandler-expresses-support-for-cedar-crossing-casino-project
[5] The Gazette's Editorial Board. (2022). Editorial: Cedar Crossing Casino. Retrieved from https://www.thegazette.com/cedar-rapids-iowa-news/2022/04/10/editorial-cedar-crossing-casino
- The Cedar Crossing Casino, due for completion by the end of 2026, has made a pledge to the local Cedar Rapids workforce, guaranteeing that union labor will be employed during the construction of the casino-and-gambling complex.
- With over 96% of contracts for the Cedar Crossing Casino project being awarded to Iowa-based businesses, the enterprise is set to significantly contribute to the state's finance and business sector, investing more than $40 million into the local economy.
- Once operational, the Cedar Crossing Casino, as Iowa's 20th state-licensed gaming facility, will not only provide opportunities for casino-games enthusiasts but also serve as a cultural center, featuring a 1,500-seat entertainment venue, multiple dining options, a STEM lab for kids, and fostering the casino-culture in Cedar Rapids.
