Lil’ Drug Store proposes new corporate headquarters and distribution center

CEDAR RAPIDS — Lil’ Drug Store Products has proposed an expansion that would have the company build a new headquarters and distribution center just east of Interstate 380 in southwest Cedar Rapids.

The Cedar Rapids-based company plans to construct about 100,000-square-feet of office and distribution space along Earhart Lane SW, south of Wright Brothers Boulevard SW. The project would cost about $13 million, city documents show.

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Pitz said the project is dependent on city and state approvals. Designs and a timeline are still in the works, but Pitz said the company would like to start construction this summer.

Cedar Rapids City Council will review the proposal for the first time Tuesday.

Lil’ Drug Store’s project would have the company move about 11 miles south of its current location, 1201 Continental Place NE. The new office and distribution center would be just south of Pearson Education’s location.

The site would be perfect for the company, Pitz said, because of its easy access to I-380.

“This area really fits who we are and what we want to do,” he said.

Founded in 1974, Lil’ Drug Store supplies health and beauty products, such as travel- and trial-sized pain relievers and cough medicine, to convenience stores, gas stations and other clients. Chris and Suzy DeWolf own the company.

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