There’s a stretch of the Cedar River that has always known how to hold a story. Where fire once met steel and rail once met river, a new chapter is beginning.

East Bend & 2nd is Cedar Rapids’ newest riverfront district developed by Twenty40 Companies. Intentionally designed to reconnect two of Cedar Rapids’ most beloved neighborhoods while carefully honoring the history that shaped them and ushering in a new era of life along the Cedar River.

For years, NewBo and Czech Village have functioned as two of Cedar Rapids’ most vibrant districts. Each brings its own energy and following. But between them sits a stretch of riverfront that has never quite closed the loop.

East Bend & 2nd sits directly on that missing connection. It occupies a strategic location along the Cedar River that will strengthen walkability, expand recreational access, and physically link NewBo and Czech Village for the first time in decades.

This story isn’t unique to Cedar Rapids. Across the Midwest, cities are rediscovering their waterfront communities. They’re reactivating old industrial sites and turning them into thriving, mixed-use community assets.

East Bend & 2nd represents one of the most significant parts of a broader movement in Cedar Rapids riverfront development plans.

To understand where this district is going, it helps to understand where it’s been.

In 1871, Thomas McElderry Sinclair arrived in Cedar Rapids and built T.M. Sinclair & Co., a meatpacking operation that would eventually grow into one of the largest of its kind. Positioned along the river and stitched into the rail lines, the Sinclair site turned Cedar Rapids into a Midwestern crossroads.

Czech and Bohemian immigrant workers found their foothold here. They built homes and churches and laid the earliest foundations of what would become the NewBo District. The plant offered more than steady paychecks. It gave these new Americans a sense of identity and belonging in their new lives.

Ownership shifted over the decades. The plant became Wilson & Co., then Farmstead Foods, before eventually going quiet in 1990. Time, flooding, and demolition eventually took nearly everything surrounding it.

A single carved stone, marked 1929 and pulled from the old Beef Kill & Coolers Building, still survives. The community will bring that stone into its new vision as part of the LightLine bridge, connecting neighborhoods once tied together by industry.

The same spirit that encouraged new Americans to build their lives here now fuels a new generation of makers, dreamers, residents, and restaurateurs shaping what Cedar Rapids is becoming next.

East Bend & 2nd isn’t a stand-alone residential project. It’s part of a larger district being planned around daily interaction.

Public gathering spaces, green areas, trail access, and public-facing commercial activations are central to this rebirth. Each creates layered experiences meant to draw people in throughout the day, rather than just during peak hours.

This people-first approach reflects a shift happening in how great neighborhoods get built. Rather than designing for a single use like housing or retail, the vision behind East Bend & 2nd calls for shared amenities and walkable connections that will encourage residents, visitors, and business owners to share the same spaces naturally. That’s the kind of design that turns a development into a destination. It’s the kind that creates a sustainable community.

Across Iowa, younger professionals and downsizing households alike are drawn to walkable communities where dining, events, trails, and housing all fit within the same footprint. People want their daily lives to feel easier and more connected, and Live-Work-Play communities are one way to make that happen.

NewBo’s continued popularity proves this demand is playing out locally here in Cedar Rapids. People aren’t just looking for a place to live anymore. They want everything they need to be within walking distance.

East Bend & 2nd is a direct response to the demand for that live-work-play Cedar Rapids experience they’re searching for. It expands NewBo’s energy across the river and gives it more room to grow, so that even more people can take advantage of these community-centric neighborhoods.

Waterfront districts have become some of the most powerful economic engines available to Midwest cities. Riverfront communities drive up property values by encouraging tourism and small business growth. They also improve the quality of life for residents who live nearby.

Cedar Rapids’ ongoing flood-control investments have laid the essential groundwork for this kind of transformation. They’ve created the conditions for large-scale, transformational Cedar Rapids development to take root along the river.

East Bend & 2nd is positioned to capitalize on that investment. Rather than treating the riverfront as a backdrop to someone else’s goals, we view it as infrastructure for community and commerce alike. It’s a shared asset that benefits everyone who lives in the region, not just those with waterfront homes.

The most successful neighborhoods in any city share one thing in common: they aren’t single-use.

Every successful neighborhood thrives because residents, visitors, retailers, and public spaces all coexist within the same area. East Bend & 2nd follows that same formula, blending residential options, commercial activity, and public gathering spaces to create things to do throughout the day, rather than activities that spike and disappear within the workday.

What sets this Cedar Rapids mixed-use development apart even further is how truly authentic it is. Nationwide, developments rooted in real local history outperform those that feel interchangeable. People want to feel like they belong to something real.

Instead of erasing the past that came before us, East Bend & 2nd embraces the Sinclair legacy, the immigrant families and culture that built NewBo, and physical touchpoints like the LightLine bridge to carry our rich history forward.

Urban planning research consistently shows that when you build social infrastructure like plazas, trails, gathering places, parks, and public programming, it plays a major role in a community thriving long-term. Cool buildings might bring people in, but that sense of community is what keeps them.

That principle sits at the center of East Bend & 2nd’s design. Every plaza, trail connection, and shared space is designed to foster belonging and everyday interaction. This district is being built with the understanding that units sold will never tell the story of a community’s long-term success the way the relationships it forms will.

East Bend & 2nd is also designed with an eye toward who gets to call this district home. Plans call for a varied mix of housing options. Having opportunities for both homeownership and rental agreements will serve multiple generations and household types. Everyone from young professionals just starting out to empty nesters looking to simplify their lives will find a home here.

Inclusivity and accessibility aren’t afterthoughts here, either. They’re core design principles guiding the project from the ground up. When we say everyone will find a home here, we truly mean everyone.

East Bend & 2nd is a solid investment in Cedar Rapids’ next century. By weaving together economic growth, placemaking, cultural preservation, and neighborhood vitality, this project reflects Twenty40 Companies’ broader commitment to shaping projects to be rooted in local identity rather than built from a generic blueprint.

This story started over 150 years ago, and it’s far from finished. We’re honored to play a small role in this incredible piece of Iowa history.

Connect with Twenty40 Companies to explore opportunities to live, invest, or do business in the district. Subscribe to our newsletter for project news and development milestones as East Bend & 2nd continues to take shape.

The real estate industry has recently faced significant scrutiny regarding its traditional commission structures. The National Association of Realtors (NAR), the largest association in the United States representing real estate agents, has been at the center of this controversy. A recent lawsuit against NAR has brought to light the implications of removing the 6% commission on buying and selling homes, sparking debates and discussions across the industry.

The lawsuit against NAR, filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2020, alleged anticompetitive practices related to NAR’s rules and policies regarding commission rates. At the heart of the issue was the requirement that brokers representing sellers must offer a certain percentage of the sale price as a commission to the broker representing the buyer, typically around 3%.

Implications of Removing the 6% Commission

1. Increased Competition: One of the primary implications of removing the 6% commission requirement is increased competition within the real estate industry. Without the constraint of a mandated commission rate, agents and brokers would be free to negotiate rates based on their services, potentially leading to more competitive pricing and better value for consumers.
2. Cost Savings for Consumers: Removing the 6% commission could result in significant savings for homebuyers and sellers. With commission rates no longer set by industry standards, consumers may have the opportunity to negotiate lower rates or choose alternative pricing structures that better suit their needs and budgets.
3. Transparency and Accountability: Another implication is the potential for increased transparency and accountability within the industry. With greater flexibility in commission rates, agents may be motivated to clearly articulate their value to clients, leading to more informed decision-making by buyers and sellers.
4. Shift in Business Models: Removing the 6% commission could also lead to a shift in traditional real estate business models. Some agents and brokerages may explore alternative fee structures, such as flat fees or tiered pricing, based on the level of service provided. Alternative fee structures could foster innovation and encourage agents to differentiate themselves based on the quality of their services rather than relying solely on commission rates.
5. Impact on Agent Income: While consumers may benefit from removing the 6% commission, it could affect agent income. With the guarantee of a standard commission rate, agents can adapt their business strategies to remain competitive in a more diverse and dynamic market.
6. Regulatory Changes: The outcome of the NAR lawsuit and the removal of the 6% commission could prompt regulatory changes within the real estate industry. Regulators may explore additional measures to promote competition and consumer choice, potentially leading to further reforms in commission structures and industry practices.

This settlement eliminated the long-standing tradition of a buyer’s agent banking on receiving a paycheck from the amount advertised on the MLS. While a seller pays their listing brokerage and not a direct buyer’s agent commission, the broker shares that commission as an incentive for buyer’s agents to show and sell their listing; thus, indirectly, the seller pays the buyer’s agent’s commission. So, the ultimate question is, what are a buyer’s agent’s services worth? 

It’s a complex question, and many things must be considered (e.g., the length or complexity of the transaction, the number of homes shown, the number of offers written, the services provided, etc.). Our immediate analysis? Buyer’s agents: Be prepared to earn less per transaction. Buyers: Be prepared to pay more to acquire a home if you choose to purchase a home with agent representation.

At Twenty40, we’re in a unique position. Removing the 6% commission on buying and selling will impact our brokerage, construction company, and agents. However, we welcome the change. A buyer’s agent’s commission, or any commission for that matter, should be negotiable. Furthermore, buyers who need assistance and representation should pay a fair fee.

The implications for home builders and developers regarding the NAR lawsuit and the potential removal of the 6% commission on buying and selling homes are multifaceted. They could have both positive and negative effects on their businesses.

Positive Implications:

1. Cost Savings: Home builders and developers could save on the transaction costs of selling their properties. With more flexibility in commission rates, they can negotiate lower fees with real estate agents or explore alternative pricing structures.
2. Competitive Advantage: Home builders and developers offering lower overall costs to homebuyers may gain a competitive advantage. Reduced transaction costs could make their properties more attractive to potential buyers, especially in price-sensitive markets.
3. Increased Market Access: Lower transaction costs could broaden the pool of potential buyers for home builders and developers. With reduced barriers to entry, more individuals and families may be able to afford homes, leading to increased demand for new construction projects.
4. Innovation in Sales Strategies: Removal of the 6% commission requirement may prompt home builders and developers to innovate their sales strategies. They may explore new marketing techniques, digital platforms, or direct-to-consumer sales models to reach buyers more effectively and efficiently.

Negative Implications:

1. Impact on Real Estate Agents: Home builders and developers rely on real estate agents to market and sell their properties. Without the 6% commission requirement, real estate agents could have lower earnings, potentially affecting their willingness to prioritize and promote new construction projects.
2. Negotiation Challenges: Without a standard commission rate, negotiating fees with real estate agents could become more complex for home builders and developers. They may need to invest additional time and resources in negotiating contracts, which could impact their overall profitability and efficiency.
3. Uncertainty in Pricing: Removing the 6% commission requirement may introduce uncertainty in pricing structures for home builders and developers. They may need to carefully consider how changes in commission rates could impact their pricing strategies and overall profitability.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Homebuilders and developers may need to navigate regulatory changes resulting from the NAR lawsuit and any subsequent reforms in commission structures. Ensuring compliance with new regulations could require additional resources and may involve adjusting internal processes and procedures.

The implications for home builders and real estate developers regarding the potential removal the 6% commission on buying and selling homes are also complex. While there may be opportunities for cost savings and increased market access, there are challenges related to negotiating fees, navigating regulatory changes, and managing uncertainty in pricing structures.

Ultimately, home builders and real estate developers will need to adapt to the evolving landscape of the real estate industry and find ways to remain competitive in a changing market environment.

The DOJ’s intervention in the NAR probe signifies a significant escalation of the investigation and underscores the importance of ensuring fair competition within the real estate industry. It highlights the role of government agencies in enforcing antitrust laws and holding organizations accountable for any violations.

The NAR lawsuit and removing the 6% commission requirement have sparked meaningful conversations about competition, consumer choice, and transparency within the real estate industry. While the implications of these changes remain uncertain, they are reshaping how homes are bought and sold. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be essential for stakeholders to adapt to new realities and embrace innovation that benefits both agents and consumers alike.

At Twenty40 Real Estate + Development, we’re beginning to develop clear and transparent buyer’s agent service agreements with various options and fees, depending on the level of service a buyer chooses. Likewise, we’re redeveloping our listing pricing strategy by giving the sellers control over what they’ll ultimately pay at closing, impacting their bottom line.

You may have heard this one time or another in conversations with a neighbor, friend or family member, “Affordable housing and mixed-use developments bring down property values.”  This is a myth, and we are here to bust it. While we talk the talk, at Twenty40 we walk the walk.

The talk – The truth is that with proper planning, design and execution, affordable housing coexists harmoniously with other types of housing without negatively impacting property values. The walk – Our current project, Rookwood Estates, is becoming one of the most diverse new construction developments in the Cedar Rapids Area. Not only does it offer several price points, styles, and layouts, but it also features affordable townhomes for lease. Our next project, The Dows AgriCommunity, will be a one-of-a-kind mixed-use development that also integrates affordable housing.

Mixed-use housing are developments or buildings that combine residential units with other types of uses, such as commercial, retail, or office spaces. The concept behind mixed-use housing is to create vibrant and integrated communities that offer a variety of amenities within walking distance. This reduces the need for long commutes and promotes a more sustainable and walkable lifestyle. Therefore, mixed-use developments are designed to provide a range of benefits for both residents and the surrounding area.

1. Convenience and Access

   Mixed-use developments provide residents with easy access to various amenities like shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and offices. This proximity enhances convenience.

2. Increased Property Values

   The diverse range of amenities and services available within the development creates a desirable living environment. This attracts potential buyers or renters which increases demand. As a result, property values in mixed-use areas may appreciate over time.

3. Vibrant and Active Communities

   By integrating residential, commercial, and other uses, mixed-use developments foster a sense of community and promote social interaction. Including retail spaces, parks, or community centers within the development contributes to a vibrant atmosphere, making it an attractive place to live.

4. Walkability and Reduced Dependence on Cars

   Mixed-use developments prioritize walkability by providing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails. This design encourages residents to walk or bike to nearby amenities which reduces reliance on cars while promoting a healthier lifestyle.

5. Economic Benefits

   The integration of commercial and retail spaces in mixed-use developments has economic benefits for both residents and the local community. The presence of local businesses within the development creates job opportunities and stimulates local economic activity. This enhances the overall vitality of the area.

It’s important to note that the impact of mixed-use developments on property values depends on various factors, including location, quality of design and construction, market conditions, and the mix of uses within the development. Additionally, while mixed-use developments can generally have a positive influence on property values, there are specific factors that can produce negative impacts, such as poor planning, lack of property management, or excessive noise or congestion.

Affordable housing refers to residential properties that are reasonably priced within financial reach for individuals or families with modest incomes. The price range for affordable housing can vary depending on the location, available programs, and the income levels of the individuals or families being served. Please note that the availability and pricing of affordable housing can change over time due to market conditions, government policies, and local initiatives. Affordable housing initiatives play a crucial role in addressing housing inequality and promoting stable and thriving communities, while increasing access to housing.

The relationship between affordable housing and property values is a complex and often debated topic. While some argue that the presence of affordable housing brings down property values, this is not a universal truth. In fact, with proper planning, management and community engagement, affordable housing has been associated with mostly positive impacts. Positive impacts include revitalizing neighborhoods, increasing economic activity and enhancing community diversity. At Twenty40, we consider these nuances and engage in comprehensive urban planning to strike a balance that benefits both affordable housing seekers and property owners.

An agricommunity, short for agricultural community, is a development concept that combines residential living with agricultural elements. It’s a community where people live and work on or near agricultural land, often participating in farming, gardening, or other agricultural endeavors as part of their daily lives.

Agricommunities can vary widely in scale and scope. Some may be small, rural communities where residents grow their own food or engage in small-scale farming practices. Others may be larger developments or planned communities where agriculture is integrated into the design and infrastructure, with communal gardens, farms, or orchards providing food for residents.

There are several reasons why agricommunities are important:

Food Security

Agricommunities promote local food production, reducing dependence on long-distance food transportation and enhancing food security for residents. By growing food locally, agricommunities can ensure a steady supply of fresh, nutritious produce for residents, even in times of global food shortages or disruptions.

Sustainability

Agricommunities often prioritize sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming, permaculture, or regenerative agriculture. By minimizing chemical inputs, conserving water and soil resources, and promoting biodiversity, agricommunities can minimize their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable food system.

Community Building

At Twenty40 we’re all about community building. Agricommunities foster a strong sense of community among residents who share a common interest in agriculture and sustainable living. Working together on farming or gardening projects can strengthen social connections, promote collaboration, and create opportunities for learning and skill-sharing.

Health and Well-being

Engaging in agricultural activities can have numerous health benefits, both physical and mental. Gardening and farming provide opportunities for physical activity, outdoor recreation, and connection with nature, which can improve overall health and well-being for residents.

Economic Development

Agricommunities can stimulate economic development by creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, job creation, and local economic activity related to agriculture. By supporting local farmers, producers, and businesses, agricommunities can help bolster the local economy and create a more resilient community.

In conclusion, agricommunities offer a holistic approach to sustainable living, integrating agriculture, community, and environmental stewardship to create vibrant, resilient, and healthy communities.

Our latest project, The Dows Farm and AgriCommunity in Linn County, Iowa is just that. This 485 Acre development had been designated an Urban Revitalization project, and an exciting one at that. Not only will this one-of-a-kind community feature a working farm that provides crops to its residents, but it will also feature 88 acres of conservation land, trails, nearly 400 dwelling units, over 40,000sf of commercial space including a farm-to-table style restaurant and event center, and so much more.

To learn more and to sign up for project updates visit the Twenty40 Building Concepts website.