FY2024 accomplishments celebrated at Annual Meeting
June 27, 2024
DDP celebrated historic private and public investments during its annual meeting on June 27, calling attention to completed projects, small business growth and major infrastructure priorities during FY2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024).
“Capital follows talent, talent follows place and place needs investment,” said Kyle Carter, Executive Director DDP.
“We’re leaning into our bold vision and master plan for downtown, inspired by Davenport’s historic $60 million public infrastructure investment on the horizon, and bolstered by the private sector’s firmly rooted commitment to its success. This past year alone, 8 projects totaling $42 million were completed downtown, with $27 million under construction and millions more in the development pipeline,” said Carter.
Here are some of highlights discussed at DDP’s annual meeting:
Infrastructure & Livability
The City of Davenport successfully secured $60 million in funding to improve critical downtown, riverfront and west-end infrastructure. 84% of the total project costs are covered by grants and private investment, totaling $50.5 million. Projects include Destination Iowa (which includes Main Street Landing, the Figge light art installation and railroad quiet zones), multiple flood mitigation improvements and 3rd and 4th Street rehabilitation.
Construction is pending for the historic Emerson Alley iron archways and the overhead decorative lighting in the Motor Row and Bucktown neighborhood.
Downtown housing units numbered 1,887 this past year, and an additional 175 market-rate units are now under construction.
Completion of a variety of capital improvements included streetscape repairs, new street and holiday lighting, a pedestrian crosswalk, railroad viaduct cleanup and electrical grid expansion.
Business & Economic Growth
Downtown Davenport saw more than $42.4 million invested into 8 completed projects with highlights including The Last Picture House, MLK Park, Federal Pointe, Bowstring Lofts, The Garrison and Great River Brewery.
In addition, 9 projects are under construction representing $27 million of additional investment. Key projects include Apartments on Main, YMCA Soccer Fields, The Legacy (formerly Executive Square), American Power Systems and a mixed-use development at the former 3E Building.
17 planned projects are in the development pipeline valued at $123+ million.
Davenport had 26 new, retained or expanded businesses downtown.
DDP awarded $126,000 in façade improvement grants to 14 properties which leveraged $364,000 in private investment.
DDP also awarded $34,000 in commercial interior improvement grants to 3 downtown businesses, leveraging $1.2 million in private investment.
Advocacy & Promotion
New retail activations and marketing included Sip ‘N Shop events, Downtown QC Cribs video campaign showcasing the downtown lifestyle and an overall 477% increase in business promotion and event assistance.
The 2023 Alternating Currents festival featured over 200 art activations at over 30 venues. As the event continues to grow, it’s generating positive economic impact for businesses and becoming a true calling card to showcase the vibrant quality of place in the Quad Cities region.
A new software system was launched to track and celebrate the work of the downtown cleaning ambassador crew. In its first month of use, over 700 work logs were submitted.
