Thursday, May 04, 2006

Freight House Discussion

QCTimes Freight House article

Obviously anyone who's read this blog for more than 2 days knows that I support the Freight House market idea. I don't blindly support it, however, and I always had issues with the huge amounts of development that would come from it that were thrown around the press, with no real explanation.

However, I believe that the Freight House project was simply a different kind of incentive, as I've said before. People complain constantly that Davenport is unfriendly to businesses, but when we try to offer incentives (the public market) to get development (renovation of the Builders Sand and Gravel building across River Drive) people throw a fit.

I think we've sent a clear message how "friendly" we are to business around here.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just a thought for your consideration. Why don't we take one or more of these little used parking ramps and make outdoor markets out of them on Weds. and Saturdays? Structure already there. Multi level. Vendors pull their vehicles in and set up shop. Open to the public and let them walk and shop through the ramp. That would be a unique feature to market for the city of Davenport. And that would answer your desire to bring folks into the downtown area.

Ok, I braced for all of the rude answers but I think it is a pretty good idea.

Anonymous said...

Not bad, anon.

Look QCI, the freight house is a disaster. People don't want to go there. Not for great food, not for entertainment, and not for shopping. It's a crap location. I've lived and worked downtown for several years and must say that the freight house is the last place I would invest other people's money in, let alone my own. It's a pain in the ass to get there, parking's iffy at best, and it's completely inaccessable most weekends during the summer (don't think the festivals and vendors won't freak at the notion of air-conditioned semi-permenant vendors not 10 feet from the main entrance).

I'm not sure what you're on about with this "public market" and Builders. If someone can make better use of Builder's land than Builders can, they will be willing to pay an acceptable price for it. If someone with any business sense legitimately thinks they can make a go of the freight house, then let's give them a go (nice try, Happy). Otherwise lets put it out of its misery. We can always use more riverfront greenspace, right?

QuadCityImages said...

The old Builders Sand and Cement building across the street from the stadium was part of the Freight House deal. The whole reason the Freight House was going to be turned into a public market was to anchor a new residential market district. As far as I know, from the for sale sign on it, the building isn't being used by Builders anymore.

As far as the parking garage idea, that could work on Saturdays, but despite all the bad press, there are a decent number of cars parked in the garages on weekdays. Also, I don't think any folks are going to move downtown to live next to a parking garage.

Anonymous said...

I like it!
I think it is fantastic!

Anonymous said...

MIGHT HELP FILL ALL OF THOSE RECENTLY OVER PRICED PARKING METERS DOWNTOWN!

Anonymous said...

Hey I was in Des Moines last week and the cost to plug a meter is $1.00 per hour to park so I don't think the new cost is unreasonable.

Anonymous said...

The $800,000 your city spent on the new entrance signs could have been directed towards the Freight House or better parking plan. The Figge, Adler, JOD, New Ventures,River Music, etc.currently funded or supported by your city should provide enough of a base for anything commercially viable for the Freight House. Your city does not need to fund/develop another liability at this time.

Your city has proven they are unable to fiscally manage their parking, Rivercenter, JOD tenant without controversy and red ink. Your city is wisely stepping back on the Freight House because of all the other broken eggs in their basket.

Anonymous said...

Read the 2nd Ward blog regarding comment on a diversion tunnel. Why isn't the city council talking about this necessary project. How can anyone down there suggest spending money on skate parks, piers and public markets when the basic city infrastructure is substandard? Talk about irresponsible! I would rather hear talk about attracting businesses than tourists. It sounds like businesses can't even consider the west side of Davenport because the city services can not even begin to do the job.

QuadCityImages said...

I don't know what council you've been watching, but I've been hearing them talk about it for years.

Anonymous said...

All right, then why aren't they doing something about it?