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Buc-ee's clears early hurdle for first proposed Iowa travel center

Jason Clayworth

A photo of a Buc-ee's store. — Buc-ee's is a Texas-based travel center chain known for massive stores and beaver mascot. Photo: RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Buc-ee's, the Texas-based chain known for its gargantuan gas stations and barbecue menu, is trying to open its first Iowa location in Urbandale.

Why it matters: The new travel center would be a major destination and garner more than $60 million in investment and 200+ jobs to a high-profile I-35/80 site.

Driving the news: Buc-ee's won approval Monday night for a key land-use change near I-35/80 in Urbandale.

Urbandale's Planning and Zoning Commission approved a change to the comprehensive-plan designation from "Mixed Use" to "Corridor Commercial."

The intrigue: Former Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie is involved through Macon Realty Co., which owns the property and, alongside Buc-ee's contract purchaser, CSMS Management, petitioned for the land-use change.

What's next: Buc-ee's still needs zoning and site plan approvals before construction can begin.

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Buc-ee's clears early hurdle for first proposed Iowa travel center

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