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Davenport Riverfront Proposal – The Riverfront as Integrated Art

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The Downtown Davenport Partnership (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.

The goal of the project is to integrate an artistic vision in to the ongoing design and development of the RiverVision plan, ensuring greater opportunities for the public to engage and enjoy the Mississippi riverfront and downtown.  Further, the proposal seeks to develop an overall story for the riverfront that will establish it as an iconic destination and bolster its connection with downtown Davenport and the entire Quad Cities.

“This proposed update to RiverVision was a thorough process and has great potential to create new private and public investment for years to come,” said Kyle Carter, Executive Director of Downtown Davenport Partnership. “The hard work of building public support, fundraising models, and execution of the big idea remain, but it all starts with a shared vision.”

“The undulating currents and whiling eddies of the Mississippi are echoed in the contours of the riverfront, offering new destinations for recreation and reflection, entertainment and events,” said David Dahlquist, RDG Dahlquist Art Studio. “The concept builds upon previous studies to connect the riverfront with downtown Davenport and the Figge Art Museum, inviting people to gather at the river’s edge and to explore multi-use venues. The Skybridge is a primary link to the pavilion, sky deck, event lawn, and more.”

The proposed 9-phase project has a projected $53 million total investment (excluding Phase 1 & 2, which are ongoing investments). The plan design is intended to be resilient in flooding and provide unique views during flood events, and is responsive to existing utilities.

• Construction of Celebration Plaza – flexible event space and adjacent lot improvements (Phase1 & 2)
• Skydeck Pavilion & Main Street Promenade ($9.8M)
  • Skydeck Pavilion provides opportunity for public/private restaurant and event space
• Main Street Events Lawn & River Edge Public Art ($6.5M)
  • Sculptural frameworks are thoughtfully integrated throughout, engaging people with beautiful views of their community and realigning perspectives
  • Sculptural frame concept provides opportunity for additional riverfront sculptures throughout each Quad Cities riverfront modified to each community’s unique vision
• Upstream River Edge, Promenade & Public Art ($9M)
• Playgrounds, Natural Discovery, Promenades (7.5M)
• River Access, Promenade, Transition to LeClaire Park ($5.6M)
• Urban Lounge Park ($2.2M)
• Mirror Plaza ($11M)

The riverfront proposal would enable significant new private/public investment opportunities downtown. Funding this proposal will require leadership from both the private and public sector.

The proposal was presented at a meeting February 15, 2019 hosted by Davenport Mayor and City Council, DDP Board, and Figge Art Museum Board, and includes additional stakeholders: Davenport Riverfront Improvement Commission, Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Design Review Board, and the Q2030 Riverfront Work Group. All parties saw the proposal simultaneously with the public.  This coalition of civic and private organizations has never met all at once, which is itself a historic and exciting moment.

This proposed plan will continue to be discussed and public feedback will be important.

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Halloween Happenings

Get spooky in downtown Davenport. From Trick or Treat, parades, haunted speakeasys, and showings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show – here’s the list of everything Halloweenish happening downtown this week:

Friday, October 27

6 – 9 PM  •  Artoberfest Final Friday at Bucktown Center for the Arts

Combining Fall, Halloween and of course, Art, for this month’s Final Friday, there’ll be a chili cookoff and artist decorated Halloween/Autumn glasses with craft beer from Front Street Brewery.

Sara Slee Brown’s work is on exhibit in the MidCoast Gallery, Central High School students will sing a medley of tunes from Little Shop of Horrors (8 – 9 p.m.) and Heidi Brandt is launching the third Art Meets the River calendar.

And of course, there our great artists will be on hand to visit and talk about their work! More info>

Saturday, October 28

10:30 AM  •  The Darker Side of Davenport Ghost Tour, German American Heritage Center & Museum

Join the GAHC for the much anticipated and inaugural, haunted walking tour! After much success with the summer historic house tour, they thought it only appropriate to create a tour that’s a little spookier just in time for Halloween. So grab your walking shoes and a water bottle and join them every Saturday at 10:30 as we explore downtown Davenport and share the many haunts, murders, and mysteries that Davenport holds!
Tours are $5 per person More info>

2 PM  •  City of Davenport Halloween Parade 

Looking for the parade route? Click here.

8 PM  •  Howl UP at the moon

Head to UP Skybar at The Current Iowa for a Halloween party & costume contest!  $800 in prizes for costume contest, Winners announced at 11pm.
Free appetizers 8pm-10pm. Live DJ with DJ Tom X. Price: $20.00 per person. More info>

8PM  •  Haunted Speakeasy Party

Join Cru for their 3rd annual Haunted Speakeasy party! Costumes are encouraged but not required. Featuring some devilish drink specials throughout the evening! More info>

Sunday, October 29

Noon – 5 p.m.  •  Day of the Dead Family Fiesta

This traditional Mexican holiday, The Day of the Dead, is celebrated with great joy, laughter, music and dance as we remember the lives of lost loved ones. Enjoy free admission all day as you join us to celebrate the rich cultural traditions of El Día de los Muertos through art projects, live performances, music and food. More info>

Monday, October 30

6 – 9 PM  •  Eat the Treets

If you haven’t been to Eat the Streets yet, it’s a social gathering with lots of cool cars, and awesome food trucks happening at the foot of the Davenport Skybridge. More info>

6 – 9 PM  •  Halloween Group Run

Brought to you by Fleet Feet Sports Davenport who says… Don’t come to this. It will be boring. Don’t show up in a costume. Don’t win free shoes from Altra Running for having the “best” costume, OR, the “least runable” costume. Certainly, do not have fun while running a bridge loop with friends. And please, do NOT drink a beer afterwards at Great River Brewery. Finally, certainly refrain from bringing a spooky snack for our petrifying potluck in the reserved side room. Stay home. More info>

Tuesday, October 31

5 – 9 PM  •  6^th Annual Rocky Horror Picture Show

happening at Fresh Deli by Nostalgia Farms, Dinner Buffet from 5pm until 7pm when Rocky Horror starts, The first movie showing starts at 5pm with Practical Magic starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman followed by the Rocky Horror Picture Show!

Menu includes:
7-layer salad
Hot German Potato salad
Chicken Pot Pie
Tuna casserole
Acorn Squash
Assorted Appetizers and Desserts

More info>

5:30 – 7:30 PM  •  City of Davenport Trick or Treat

7 PM • Frankie and the Witch Fingers w/ Native Harrow

at Triple Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel. Get tickets>

8 PM  •  The Dawn presents: Halloween Show

at Dayrotter. Get tickets>

Know of a Halloween event happening downtown that is not on the list? Shoot Alisha a note at aespey@quadcitieschamber.com and we will get it added!

5 Reasons to Love Third Thursday Downtown

Every month, the small businesses of Downtown Davenport team up to stay open a little bit later (9PM), hold special events, and offer special discounts on a ton of pretty rad stuff. We’ve deemed this occasion “Third Thursday” because, well, it’s on the 3^rd Thursday of the month and why complicate things?   We highly suggest you come down and celebrate all things downtown!  Here’s why:

1. Deals, Steals & Freebies – DUH!
   Downtown Davenport businesses offer serious benefits during third Thursday. Nearly every month you can find a shop giving away free drinks, find all day happy hours, or significant percentage off unique retail items.
2. Local, Unique Entrepreneurs Build Communities
   By now you’ve probably seen the “Every time you buy something at a small business, a real person does a happy dance” quote. Well, it’s true. When you shop downtown, you’re actually fueling someone’s dream and HARD work while keeping your money in town. Support the local entrepreneurs busting their butts to make cool stuff and provide awesome service- not people sitting in a corporate board room hundreds of miles away. Supporting downtown biz fosters creativity and pushes OUR community forward!
3. It’s Thirsty Thursday, Too
   In addition to boutiques, shops and restaurants offering steals, deals and discounts… THE BARS DO TOO! 2 for 1’s; $2 off, all day happy hours,1/2 bottles of wine…the list goes on! If there’s one thing for certain, downtown is not lacking on drink specials during Third Thursday.
4. Special Events
   Almost every month one of our venues host a concert/comedy night during third Thursday. So not only can you shop/eat/drink without hurting your wallet, but you can make it a full-fledged date night complete with a show. This month we even have a magazine release & fashion show!
5. Because Downtown Rules!

With all that said, GET DOWNTOWN!

September 2017’s Third Thursday specials:
• Barrel House (211 E 2nd St) –Don’t miss out on ½ priced fall martini’s and bottles of wine! Half priced appetizers start at 9 pm!
• Energized Café (226 W 3rd St.) – Energized Café is hosting an Open Mic Night! Sing a song, share a poem or just enjoy LIVE music and great coffee from 6-8pm.
• Figge Art Museum (225 W 2nd St.) – Take a moment to appreciate the new exhibit “Endless Flight” with the artist who created it, Edouard Duval-Carrie. The opening reception starts at 5:30pm with Duval-Carrie’s talk starting at 7pm.
• Me & Billy (200 W. 3rd St.) – Get ready for fall with a $5 Pumpkin Mule! Support local and your wallet with $2 off any local drink!
• River Music Experience (129 Main St.) – The Tillers are opening for the post-modern bluegrass group Head for the Hills! Music starts at 8pm!
• The Phoenix (11 E 2nd St.) – The Phoenix is teaming up with Strung by Shawna and The Project of the Quad Cities for a string art benefit! (Registration is through Eventbrite) Let your waitress know that you’re there for Third Thursday and receive exclusive happy hour prices all day long!
• Salon Luce (400 N Main. St) – RELEASE OF THE EDITORIAL QC MAGAZINE 3RD ISSUE & FASHION HAIR/MAKEUP SHOW W/ GUEST DJ HIGGYY!!!!!
• Sippi’s American Grill & Craft Beer – Show your waitress this Facebook post and receive a 25 oz mug of one of our 22 craft beers for the price of a pint.
• Triple Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel (304 E 3rd St.) – Detroit-based rock band, Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas are headlining the night! Music starts at 7pm! Be sure to stick around for the free Triple Crown Comedy night that starts at 9:30!
• What A Gem (218 W 3rd St.) – Use the code “editorial” for 10% off your purchase!

‘Talking Art’ With Johnnie Cluney

Longtime WVIK listeners might remember the program Art Talks. It was hosted by the late Bruce Carter and featured interviews with local painters, musicians, and writers.

Now, as part of our efforts to enhance coverage of the local art scene, we’ll bring you Talking Art, a segment during Morning Edition.

Listen to the full story here.

Scott Community College’s New Urban Campus On Schedule To Open Soon

If you’ve been to downtown Davenport recently, you’ve probably noticed a big transformation taking place on 3rd Street between Brady Street and Main Street.

It’s the future site of Scott Community College’s Urban Campus and we learned that it’s on schedule and under budget when WQAD News 8 had Breakfast With…” Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Chancellor Don Doucette on Thursday, September 14th live on Good Morning Quad Cities.

Read the full story here.

Ruby’s shifts Q-C bar scene in new gear

Photo Credit: Kevin E.Schmidt (Quad City Times)

Our scene isn’t like anywhere else, and we should embrace that

“A football game and family time were the initial reasons for my trip to Austin, Texas, last week.

But after hearing so much about the city’s booming music scene, I made it my mission to go to a show one night when I was free.”

Read the full story here.

Photo Credit: Amanda Hancock (QC Times)

Artist takes on tall task, creates downtown Davenport welcome sign

“Iowa-bound drivers on the Government Bridge soon will be greeted by a vibrant piece of art as they enter downtown Davenport.

Inaugural Alternating Currents ‘exceeded expectations’

“It’s nearly impossible to track how many people attended the inaugural Alternating Currents, which filled 16 venues in downtown Davenport with music, comedy, film and art over the weekend.

Still, the Downtown Davenport Partnership crew, who organized the festival that replaced River Roots Live, say Alternating Currents’ first run “exceeded expectations.”

Read the full story here.

Photo Credit: Jeff Cook (QC Times)

The Big Story: Making progress on Davenport’s riverfront

“The canvas for the nine miles of city-controlled land along Davenport’s riverfront is so wide that Mayor Frank Klipsch’s map barely can contain it all.”

Read the full story here.

Photo Credit: Kevin E. Schmidt (QC Times)

New festival marks a new kind of momentum in downtown Davenport

“Alternating Currents, the mega two-day festival that kicks off Friday in downtown Davenport, wouldn’t have worked here just a year or two ago.”

Read the full story here.

Photo Credit: Jeff Cook (QC Times)

First-ever Alternating Currents is this weekend: What you need to know

“If you’re still wondering when River Roots Live is this year, you have some studying up to do about Alternating Currents. ”

Read the full story here.

Summer 2017 Galleries: Davenport welcomes the inaugural Alternating Currents festival

“Labor Day weekend is here and summer draws to a close. But we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to the season just yet. Throughout the weekend, we’ll be giving you a look back at the summer that was. This summer saw the inaugural Alternating Currents music, art, comedy and film festival in Davenport, Iowa Saturday August 26, 2017.”

Read the full story here. 

Photo Credit: Jeff Cook (QC Times)

Follow-Up File: Ellis Kell won’t be forgotten at RME

“Standing on the Adler Theatre stage last Saturday, Bret Dale had one minute and a microphone.

Before Ben Folds performed, as part of the inaugural Alternating Currents festival, Dale wanted to honor the Quad-City music icon Ellis Kell.”

Read the full story here. 

Photo Credit: Kevin E. Schmidt (QC Times)

Ribfest joins Street Fest to feature bands, barbecue

Bigger and busier than ever, Street Fest took over downtown Davenport this past weekend closing off July with barbecue and live music.

Read the full story here.

Photo Credit : Meg McLaughlin (QC- Online)

Big Story: Introducing the Current Iowa

Read the full story here.

Photo Credit : Kevin E. Schmidt (Quad-City Times)

Luxury hotel, rooftop bar opens in downtown Davenport

DAVENPORT, Iowa — A luxury, boutique hotel complete with rooftop bar and restaurant has opened in downtown Davenport.

On Wednesday, July 26, developers and city leaders cut the ribbon on The Current Iowa.

Read the full story.

Bix Beiderbecke Gets a Museum in America’s (Other) Birthplace of Jazz: Iowa

By many jazz experts’ accounts, the genre had two grandfathers, separated by a little less than a thousand miles along the Mississippi River: Louis Armstrong, in New Orleans, and Leon Bismarck “Bix” Beiderbecke in Davenport, Iowa. They both played the cornet, both established styles unlike any of their contemporaries and both left an indelible mark on American music history.

Read the full story.

Quad-City Times Bix 7 : What’s new along the course?

If you haven’t noticed all the new development around the Quad-City Times Bix 7 course, you may want to take another look.

Read the full story here.

New luxuray Davenport hotel shoes off art, amenities

DAVENPORT — The sleek, stylish Current Iowa hotel, 215 Main St., is as much a sprawling modern-art gallery as it is the area’s newest travel and culinary destination.

The $35-million yearlong transformation of the 1912 Putnam Building (designed by famed architect Daniel Burnham) — featuring the area’s first rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking the Mississippi — was done by the owners of Hotel Blackhawk, 200 E. 3rd St., Davenport. The 1915 Blackhawk reopened in late 2010 after a $46-million renovation and addition by Restoration St. Louis (RSL), and the nine-story Current Iowa opened Wednesday.

Read the full story here.

Photo Credit: Meg McLaughlin (QCOnline)