A parking structure (No. 12 on the rendering) is indicated for the site of the long-vacant Hy-Vee in First Avenue redevelopment plans presented during an open house on Feb. 9, 2026, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A parking structure labeled where the long-vacant Hy-Vee is located in redevelopment plans for First Avenue has led to a clarification from the city of Cedar Rapids.

Community advocate Sophia Joseph drew attention to the parking structure in the plans, which were presented during an open house by the city on Feb. 9, 2026.

In renderings for the First Avenue redevelopment plans, parking is labeled at the site of the former grocery store at 1556 First Ave. NE, which closed in June 2024.

Related: Grocery store opens near vacant Hy-Vee

“The neighborhood needs a grocery store and pharmacy now,” Joseph said, adding that it’s important for the city to hear from residents and understand the needs of the community.

The city later clarified in a Facebook post and on its website that the draft First Avenue East Corridor Redevelopment Plan includes a conceptual mixed-use redevelopment option for the site, and a parking garage “is not the city’s planned outcome or focus for that site.”

Residents attend an open house for the First Avenue redevelopment plan at Coe College on Feb. 9, 2026. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

“Mixed-use development often includes ground-floor retail — which could absolutely include a grocery store — with housing or other uses above,” the clarification noted. “The structured parking shown in the concept is one potential design tool commonly used in denser developments to support shoppers and residents. If pursued, it would likely be part of a private development solution — not a City-built parking garage. The City has received no such proposals for that space to date.”

Cedar Rapids city leaders have said they are continuing to work on attracting a grocery store to fill that gap.

“We are collaborating with retail recruitment partners, including the Independent Grocers Association, and remain engaged with interested parties,” the city notes on its website.

Other portions of the redevelopment plan include options for adding a tree-lined median down a portion of busy First Avenue in order to slow traffic.

Read more: Tree-lined boulevard under consideration for First Avenue

The city is continuing to accept feedback on the plan, which will eventually go to the City Council.

Residents can comment on the plan through Feb. 20, 2026, and find more information at the following link: Cedar Rapids First Avenue plan

A tree-lined boulevard is among the options under consideration for portions of First Avenue East, as shown in this rendering during the open house for the plan.