Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust Announces Lead Gift Launching May's Island Sculpture Park

The City of Cedar Rapids is proud to announce a major partnership with Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust (CRBT) that will help bring the vision for a new sculpture park on May's Island to life. Made as CRBT marks its 25th anniversary, the lead gift reflects the bank's longstanding commitment to investing in Cedar Rapids and helping shape the community's future.

First previewed by Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell during the 2026 State of the City address, the project is envisioned as a free and welcoming riverfront space where residents, downtown workers, families, and visitors can experience art, enjoy the view, and feel a stronger connection to the civic heart of Cedar Rapids.

"May's Island has long held a special place in Cedar Rapids' story," said Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell. "For Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, a financial institution founded here and now celebrating 25 years of investment in this community, there is something especially fitting about marking that milestone with a gift in the heart of Cedar Rapids. CRBT is an outstanding local partner, and this investment will help create something distinctive, lasting, and meaningful for generations to come."

"As Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust celebrates 25 years, we wanted to mark this milestone by investing in something that will continue giving back to the community for generations," said James D. Klein, CRBT President and CEO. "When CRBT opened its doors in 2001, we set out to build a new kind of local bank - one rooted in relationships, exceptional service, and decisions made close to the clients and community we serve. That commitment remains central to who we are today, thanks to the dedication of our employees, the trust of our clients, and the support of the greater Cedar Rapids community. We are proud to give back in a way that helps create a lasting destination that brings people together and reflects the community we are fortunate to call home."

The project also advances the Downtown Vision and Action Plan, which identifies embracing the Cedar River and activating May's Island as key priorities, while complementing the City's Greenway Parks Plan and other investments transforming Cedar Rapids' riverfront.

CRBT's lead gift will fund a major sculptural installation that will serve as the anchor work for the park and may also support additional works within the broader collection. In recognition of the gift, CRBT will serve as the park's naming sponsor and it will be called the Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust Sculpture Park. CRBT will also participate in the artist and artwork-selection process.

A competitive nationwide search will allow time to identify the right artist or artwork, complete any necessary development or preparation, and ready the site for installation. The anchor installation is anticipated to be unveiled in 2028, as part of the City's efforts to mark 20 years of community progress and transformation following the 2008 Flood.

The Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust Sculpture Park builds on planned City investments in May's Island and the surrounding riverfront. The City's FY27 Budget includes funding for river activation, including site improvements that will help prepare May's Island for the sculpture park, including:

• Renovation of the entry plaza and redesigned canopy;
• Accessible sidewalk network;
• Coordinated signage, lighting, and amenities to better integrate the park within its surroundings; and
• Potential complementary public-art elements elsewhere along the riverfront.

Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust Sculpture Park's long-term vision extends beyond a single installation. Additional philanthropic support will continue to be sought to add future works of art and help fully realize the park. Additional information about the artist-selection process, future fundraising opportunities, and project development will be shared as planning advances.

About Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust
Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust (CRBT) is a locally focused, full-service bank providing commercial and consumer banking, trust and asset management services. Founded in 2001 on a commitment to relationship banking and exceptional client service, CRBT has grown to more than $2.9 billion in assets while maintaining a strong focus on its employees, clients, , and community..For more information, visit crbt.bank. Member FDIC.

About the City of Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids is a vibrant urban hometown - a beacon for people and businesses invested in building a greater community now and for the next generation. Cedar Rapids offers a unique balance of big-city amenities without all the typical hassles and headaches that come with a large city. This extra time afforded to our residents and visitors is why Cedar Rapids is known as "The City of Five Seasons." The fifth season affords us time to enjoy all other seasons and to enjoy life. In Cedar Rapids, we say, "Welcome is Our Language." To us, "Welcome" is more than a word; it's an invitation to play an important role in the community we have been building for more than 175 years. Learn more at CityofCR.com/Welcome