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Plans & Studies

Studies, Plans and Market Data

The Downtown Davenport Partnership conducts research, completes studies and provides reports to help inform downtown improvements. The Partnership also collaborates with other leading area organizations to provide information and data. Browse our most recent research and reports for the latest downtown stats on historic districts, housing studies, master planning, and economic impact reports and so much more. 

For Quad Cities market data and detailed demographic data about the entire region check out the Economic Development department at the Quad Cities Chamber.

Plans

Master Plan - Davenport 2030: A Resilient City

Downtowns play a significant role in economic and community development across the Quad Cities region, and vibrant downtowns are crucial to attracting and retaining talent. The Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), in conjunction with the City of Davenport, is looking to build on the last two decades of accomplishments with a new Downtown Master Plan.

This project will help create a bold vision for how we want to see our downtown grow over the next ten years, specifically focused on economic development, placemaking and how to drive more investment and ultimately win over the next generation.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


FULL MASTER PLAN DOCUMENT


MARKET ASSESSMENT 


STREETS ASSESSMENT


FINANCIAL INCENTIVES & STRATEGIES

Mississippi River Flood Resiliency Plan

The City of Davenport offers unparalleled access, views, and connectivity with the Mississippi River along much of its 9-mile riverfront. Living with and working alongside the river has shaped the City’s three-prong approach to reducing flood risk through retreat, mitigation and active flood fighting.

In 2019, the city experienced record flooding when the Mississippi River exceeded the flood stage for 103 days and reached a new record crest. The 2019 flood event galvanized public support to re-assess the City’s approach to mitigating flood risk. Beginning in August 2020, the City embarked on a year-long planning study to develop recommendations to improve, simplify, and enhance the City’s response to Mississippi River floods, resulting in the Mississippi River Flood Resiliency Plan.

The balance of non-structural and structural recommendations within the Plan is challenging and intentional – that tension reflects differences in public opinion regarding flood risk, financial investment in flood mitigation efforts, level of service, accessibility, and viewsheds. The Mississippi River Flood Resiliency Plan offers short-term, incremental solutions and over the long term, transitions the City’s three-prong approach away from flood fighting and towards structural and non-structural mitigation solutions, while balancing respect for and retreat from the river.

View the presentation

Read the report.

Downtown Davenport Riverfront Plan (2019)

DDP and Figge Art Museum, in cooperation with the City of Davenport, presented a proposal that integrates public art concepts in to the design and development of the RiverVision plan and ongoing riverfront improvements. Produced in conjunction with RDG Dahlquist Art Studio, a division of RDG Planning & Design of Des Moines, the plan focuses on the Davenport riverfront portion known as Main Street Landing from Harrison to Pershing Streets.

View the plan

Downtown Davenport 10 Year Strategic Action Plan

DDP’s 10-Year Strategic Action Plan is based on proven market realities, and the reality is, downtown Davenport is poised for significant growth for both residential and commercial development.  Learn more about catalytic opportunity sites for development, riverfront plans, beautification efforts, transportation plans, and of course, challenges that must be addressed to move forward.

The term “action” is in the title for a reason; the Partnership intends to actively utilize this document to harness momentum and take downtown development to an even greater level of success. The plan will be updated as the years pass to update our market study and reassess our strategic goals.

Download Downtown Davenport 10-Year Strategic Action Plan

Downtown Davenport Western Gateway Vision Plan

The Partnership is proud to announce the release of the new Downtown Davenport Western Gateway Vision Plan. With a focus on the Western side of the downtown, the purpose of this plan is to establish a cohesive and inspiring vision for the western district that provides guidance for future enhancements to the public realm and private properties within.

Downtown Davenport Western Gateway Vision Plan 6/3/15

River Renaissance

River Renaissance was the result of a $113M public/private investment that enabled the creation of two world class cultural institutions, the Figge Art Museum and River Music Experience, as well as significant upgrades for the historic Adler Theatre and Modern Woodmen Baseball Park.  The iconic Skybridge was another result of this plan, as well the addition of two modern parking ramps and the founding of the NewVentures Center.  The project was funded in partnership with the State’s Vision Iowa program, City of Davenport, Scott County and private investors. An enormously popular regional initiative, River Renaissance was approved by 73% of Scott County voters in the fall of 2001 to capitalize on the tremendous energy and beauty of the Mississippi Riverfront.

The River Renaissance amenities served as a major catalyst for the growth downtown Davenport would enjoy in the mid-2000’s and in to the next decade.

City Livable Report – Jeff Speck

In 2008, renowned Urbanist Jeff Speck visited Davenport and gave a presentation regarding how our community can make the next steps towards an even more thriving downtown.

Follow the links below to either watch a video of his presentation, or read his final report.

Report Summary

Full Report

Historic Districts

Downtown is home to four districts listed on the National Register of Historic places. The vast majority of downtown Davenport benefits from these designations, making properties eligible for federal and state historic preservation tax credits that can be used by investors and developers to help finance renovations and spur further redevelopment. Davenport's rich architectural and cultural history is celebrated through these designated districts that unlock additional resources to shape an attractive and vibrant future for our community.

Davenport Commercial Historic District (NRHP 2020)

A 49-acre section containing a variety of historic buildings from commercial, governmental, domestic, social, religious, recreational and light industrial buildings, as well as some rail-related transportation resources. Click here to read more.

Davenport Motor Row and Industrial Historic District (NRHP 2019)

Six-and-a-half blocks containing 28 historic buildings, one former rail siding, and one railroad crossing bridge in Davenport. This Historic District is located on the east end of the downtown Davenport commercial business district, one block north of the river and encompasses about 6 acres. Click here to read more.

The Crescent Warehouse Historic District (NRHP 2003)

Occupies a roughly rectangular-shaped piece of ground containing 14 factory and warehouse historic buildings and two railroad-related structures. The District is located east of downtown Davenport and four blocks north of the Mississippi River, covering portions of East 4th Street, East 5th Street, Iowa Street & Pershing Avenue. Click here to read more.

The West 3rd Street Historic District (NRHP 1978)

A 6-block long "fringe" area situated between Davenport's central business district and a large working class residential neighborhood that occupies over a third of the "valley" portion of the city. The district presents a significant concentration of small-scale commercial architecture, ranging from the 1850's to the 1920's. Click here to read more.

Studies

Downtown Davenport Impact Analysis (2023)

In July of 2023, Development Strategies prepared an Impact Analysis on Downtown Davenport.

The report's findings concluded that "despite Downtown containing less than one percent of the city’s total land area, it generates 4.5 percent of the city’s total General Fund revenue. This highlights the significance of Downtown in supporting the overall prosperity of the city, and without a strong Downtown, the city would be adversely impacted. Based on the analysis in this report, the future competitiveness of Downtown and its relative contribution to citywide revenues will depend on population growth, hospitality and real estate development that are embedded in the Downtown Davenport Master Plan."

Follow the links below to read the full report and summary.

Report Summary

Full Report

Housing Assessment 2022

Downtown apartment occupancy levels fully recovered from the historic flood at peak apartment leasing season in 2019. As with the citywide rental market, COVID has no impact on current occupancy levels and achievable rents.

Downtown apartment occupancy: 96.4%, a bounce-back of six percentage points since the historic 2019 flood.

Read the full 2022 housing study.

Housing Assessment 2020

Market demand for rental housing in the Quad Cities and downtown Davenport remains strong and opportunity remains for further competitive development. The growth of downtown Davenport has also enabled owner-occupied housing as a future development option.

Download the Housing Assessment – 1st Quarter

3rd & 4th Street Two-Way Streets Study

Numerous cities have implemented conversion, resulting in a boost to the economy, safety and quality of life. Streets meet all technical criteria for conversion. The studies below show the key benefits and scope of work.

DDP Presentation at City Council Worksession on 2.22.22

Download the Two-Way Streets Plan Benefits

Download the 3rd and 4th Street Presentation

Download the 3rd and 4th Street Two-Way Plan

Arts & Economic Impact Study

The Economic Impact of the Nonprofit Arts and Culture Industry in the Quad Cities Region

Arts & Economic Prosperity IV provides compelling evidence that the nonprofit arts and culture are a significant industry in the Quad Cities Region—one that generates $71.34 million in total economic activity. This spending—$32.88 million by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and an additional $38.46 million in event-related spending by their audiences—supports 1,906 full-time equivalent jobs, generates $47.92 million in household income to local residents, and delivers $7.79 million in local and state government revenue. This economic impact study sends a strong signal that when we support the arts, we not only enhance our quality of life, but we also invest in the Quad Cities Region’s economic well-being.

Download the Arts & Economic Impact Study

Downtown Davenport Parking Study (2019)

Davenport has considerable resources to effectively accommodate parking demand for shoppers, visitors, office tenants and special event attendees. Timothy Haahs & Associates, Inc. (TimHaahs) was retained by the City of Davenport (the City) to conduct a downtown parking study. 

Full Report

Davenport In Motion – Transportation (2010)

The City of Davenport has set the development of a balanced, sustainable, multi-modal transportation master plan as a high-priority goal.

This study "Davenport in Motion" is a vehicle for implementing the policies of Davenport 2025, which calls for a transportation system that is multi-modal, interconnected and supportive of a pedestrian-friendly urban community where residents can access daily needs and activities by foot, bike or transit.

Annual Reports

Annual Meeting Report 2022 - 2023

The Downtown Davenport Partnership celebrated accomplishments of the fiscal year 2023 while reflecting on successes and challenges of the past year and looking ahead to future progress

“With stewardship of property top of mind and hard lessons learned, now is the time to come together as a community to heal, inspire change and redouble our efforts to invest in the place we proudly call home, said Kyle Carter, Executive Director, Downtown Davenport Partnership. 

View the presentation.

Watch the Video.

Annual Meeting Report 2021 - 2022

DDP celebrated the accomplishments of Fiscal Year 2022 and highlighted resilience, new programs and continued private investment during its annual meeting on June 28.

“Following three years headlined by flooding and a global pandemic, we’ve demonstrated our resilience downtown. The strong foundations built over the last decade led to an incredible 15 projects and $31 million invested by our downtown community in 2021-2022,” said DDP Executive Director Kyle Carter. 

Recent investments include:

15 completed projects reflect $31 million of new investment

8 projects are under construction representing $56 million of additional investment

$27 million in planned projects are still on the horizon for future years

$658+ million has been invested downtown since 2000

View the presentation.

Watch the video.

Annual Meeting Report 2020 - 2021

$27M in completed investments, $49M under or pending construction, surviving and rebounding from COVID-19, and the beginning of a resurgence tells the story from the 2021 Annual Meeting.

View the presentation.

Watch the video.

Annual Meeting Report 2019 - 2020

$7.5M in complete projects, $48M under or pending construction, a new city operations partnership and COVID-19 response strategies. 

Annual Meeting Presentation 2019-2020.

Annual Meeting Report 2018 - 2019

$43M in completed investments, historic flooding, with significant new and planned investment showcasing the resiliency of the downtown community headlined the 2019 Annual Meeting.

Annual Meeting Report 2018-2019

Annual Meeting Report 2017 - 2018

$82M in completed investments, big development plans, and sustainable residential growth headlined the 2018 DDP Annual Meeting. Highlights included major project milestones, downtown housing study, downtown livability and culture and workforce attractions.

Annual Meeting Report 2017-2018

Annual Meeting Report 2016 - 2017

$108 Million in construction, big development plans, and sustainable residential growth headlined the recent DDP Annual Meeting. Highlights included major project milestones, a downtown housing market report, downtown livability and culture and workforce attractions.

Annual Meeting Report 2016-2017

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$ in DDP Grants
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$ Invested in Downtown Since 2000
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$ Planned in Future Projects