Davenport Awarded $9.6 Million Through Destination Iowa
December 02, 2022
DAVENPORT, IOWA (December 2, 2022) – Governor Reynolds announced $9.6 million has been awarded to the City of Davenport and the Figge Art Museum through the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Destination Iowa Creative Placemaking Fund for a series of signature projects along the Davenport riverfront. Destination Iowa seeks to create attractive and memorable places for people to live and work through transformational projects that leverage community assets to improve the experience for visitors and residents.
The City of Davenport’s project, in coordination with the Figge Art Museum, will include the following improvements at Main Street Landing:
- Installation of a high-intensity, multi-generational experience zone that will include, but is not limited to, a signature tower structure, slides, climbing assets, an interactive water feature, and a space for winter activities.
- Creation of a passive activity zone close to Lock and Dam 15 that highlights the existing amphitheater and scenic views.
- Additions such as a new restroom facility, colorful LED lighting, shade structures, seating, and unique swing elements.
- Installation of a railroad quiet zone that will stretch from Marquette Street to Mound Street to reduce noise pollution and increase safety throughout the downtown riverfront.
- Construction of a pedestrian bridge that allows continuous and safe access over the Canadian Pacific rail line.
- Renovation and upgrade of the Skybridge facility’s LED lighting system.
- Installation of artistic LED programmable lighting on the exterior of the Figge Art Museum that will consist of over 3,000 feet of colorful fixtures.
“I want to thank the State of Iowa for selecting Davenport for this award,” said Davenport Mayor Mike Matson. “Current and previous Davenport City Councils have recognized the importance of our riverfront and have thoughtfully planned for its future. This has well-positioned Davenport to be able to bring these plans to reality in cooperation with the Destination Iowa program.”
“We are so grateful to Governor Reynolds and Destination Iowa for this important investment in Davenport and arts and culture,” said Michelle Hargrave, Executive Director and CEO of the Figge Art Museum. “The State’s support in conjunction with contributions from the Regional Development Authority, the Bechtel Charitable Trusts, and other generous donors will bring the work of internationally renowned artist Leo Villareal to all in our community and will energize the riverfront for residents and visitors in exciting ways.”
The project is estimated to cost $24 million. The Destination Iowa award will provide $9.6 million - $8 million for the City’s project at Main Street Landing and $1.6 million for the Figge Art Museum’s light feature. The City will fund the remaining $12 million cost for the riverfront improvements through local ARPA funds and the Canadian Pacific Community Investment Agreement. The Figge will contribute the additional $2.4 million for the lighting of its façade.
“On behalf of the Visit Quad Cities Board of Directors and team, we are incredibly grateful and thank Governor Kim Reynolds and our partners at the Iowa Economic Development Authority for their transformative investment and commitment to our regional destination’s future and for tourism,” said Dave Herrell, President and CEO, Visit Quad Cities. “This is a huge win for the City of Davenport and the Quad Cities region. It will serve as a catalyst to further our goal of making the Quad Cities an internationally recognized, must-experience riverfront destination.”
Herrell continues, “This strategic investment in destination development will build on the momentum we have for tourism and deliver on visitor experience and resident engagement. This exciting opportunity will not only reimagine the riverfront but will also support efforts to competitively position the QC for increased visitors, talent retention and attraction, and energize civic pride. We would also like to recognize Mayor Matson, the Davenport City Council, and the talented City of Davenport professional staff for their hard work in making this opportunity a reality. The collaboration among the city and our beloved Figge Art Museum is proof positive that teamwork makes all the difference in community building opportunities. We look forward to next steps and continued involvement on this initiative as we all strive to develop a meaningful sense of place for visitors and Quad Citizens.”
Construction of the project is expected to begin in the summer of 2024 and be completed in the spring of 2026.
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About the City of Davenport
Davenport, Iowa, with a population of more than 100,000, is the regional epicenter of the metropolitan Quad Cities, population 400,000, and the third largest city in the State of Iowa. It is a place proud of its unique heritage at the crossroads of America. Davenport is a vibrant and progressive community that has been declared “The Most Livable Small City in America.” Covering the entirety of the city from fields to the riverfront, the City of Davenport has a Mayor/Council form of government with a professional City Administrator that implements policies of the elected City Council and oversees day-to-day operations of the City. The City’s four frontline departments and library system are accredited. For more information, visit davenportiowa.com.