Proposed Panther District to add hotel, restaurant, retail to UNI campus, Cedar Falls
Proposed Panther District to add hotel, restaurant, retail to UNI campus, Cedar Falls
Economic development project including housing would be located at Hudson Road and West 27th Street
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The University of Northern Iowa is proposing a mixed-use development known as Panther District that would add an exciting mix of restaurants, retail establishments, a hotel and housing options to the Cedar Falls community.
This project would be the latest major construction development on the city’s west side in recent years, a list that includes the new Cedar Falls High School that opened in 2024, as well as multiple additions to the Cedar Falls Industrial and Tech Park that spans both sides of Hudson Road just a few blocks south of the UNI campus.
“The Panther District represents another fabulous opportunity for UNI to help enhance our already vibrant Cedar Falls community,” said UNI President Mark Nook. “The Panther District will provide dining, shopping and social opportunities for UNI students and members of the public attending sporting and arts events at UNI and Cedar Falls High School."
Additional details regarding the proposed project, including a Request for Qualifications for developers, can be found at PantherDistrict.com.
Potential developers have expressed interest in constructing this complex on the west side of Hudson Road, directly across West 27th Street from the McLeod Center. Once an agreement with a developer is finalized, the university will begin the process of obtaining all necessary approvals from the Iowa Board of Regents. Construction could potentially begin as soon as those approvals are obtained, contracts are finalized and the developer is ready.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the City of Cedar Falls,” Mayor Danny Laudick said. “We often talk about how we can lean into our heritage and connection with UNI, and the Panther District is a great opportunity to do that. It provides a new type of experience for students and visitors coming into town for events nearby, and it builds on the incredible quality of life and unique amenities that we continue to invest in through our mixed-use districts like Downtown and College Hill.”
In addition to the location’s proximity to performance venues on the UNI campus such as the McLeod Center, the UNI-Dome and the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, the Panther District would be just two blocks east of Cedar Falls High School. That location would make it a very attractive destination before and after events at those venues. Additionally, the Panther District would be easily accessible for students, faculty, staff and visitors to UNI and Cedar Falls.
“The Panther District is exactly the kind of bold, vibrant development that energizes a community,” said Grow Cedar Valley President and CEO Katy Susong. “UNI plays a critical role in attracting people to the Cedar Valley and when we create places that make them want to stay, the entire region benefits. This project strengthens the connection between campus and community, supporting the talent pipeline and the local economy alike.”
UNI views the Panther District as yet another amenity to help attract students, employees and businesses to Cedar Falls. While the city already boasts a wide variety of existing dining, retail and housing options, a project of this scale would represent an exciting development west of Hudson Road. And developers have indicated to UNI officials that new construction built to specifications in this area is preferable for a variety of reasons, as opposed to reconfiguring existing space in the city.
The housing aspect of the project is being designed as a market rate option for the area workforce and not for UNI students. The university is also working on plans to better familiarize fans attending events on campus with alternative parking areas within easy walking distance of the McLeod Center and the UNI-Dome.
Further details regarding the project will be released once finalized.
- UNI -
Images are conceptual renderings only. The selected project developer and UNI will collaborate on the final design.
