Thursday, July 17, 2008

Missing Roof Open Thread

At this point I have no idea what they're doing in the conversion of the old Salvation Army building on River Drive into the Riverwalk Lofts. They've torn the roof off, and taken down the pillars that held the roof up. I can only guess that they're either getting rid of the 4th floor, and rebuilding it and maybe even adding another floor on top. Or maybe they're just going for the 1945 Berlin look... any readers know what they're up to?

There have been some closings downtown, and I'm also hearing about some planned openings, so I'll save that for another post. Aside from the casino stuff I've been dwelling on, what else is up in the QC area?

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Saw last night council meeting? Seems Goose creek is converting back to the old American Park. Too bad.

Anonymous said...

Just saw the old Shopko will become a Burlington Coat Factory. Just happy to see a new store to the QC go in there.

Anonymous said...

I was hoping for nordstrom but hey what can you do?

Anonymous said...

Can't get too excited about BCF. Great anchor - - for an outlet mall.

Nice to see something happening nonetheless.

QuadCityImages said...

I noticed that in this round of articles the developer didn't have the nerve to refer to the planned shopping area as a lifestyle center. Its too bad that this didn't go more high-end; it seems like a great location.

Anonymous said...

Malin's number one city in the United States loses the first of three Starbucks. Stayed tuned for more.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, and so did 597 other StarBucks in other good communities, dumb ass.

Anonymous said...

Maybe they are making it a rooftop garden... with walls?

Anonymous said...

Nice to see the Riverwalk Lofts finally cut the 2' tall grass along the fence line... looks better.

Anonymous said...

Please go away Keith

Anonymous said...

If this is Keith, please stay. You were a great Alderman and you remain a great guy.

Anonymous said...

I don't think Riverlofts cut on their on accord, seen one of those Fire-inspectors floating around downtown a lot. Guys with yellow shirts from the fire dept. were cutting along the gutters downtown. Things are looking up.

QuadCityImages said...

Personally I don't usually expect construction sites to be well-landscaped.

Matt said...

i've been curious about something since i saw the building in its roofless, severely patched-up state about a week ago (i drive by it twice a day). so, to anyone out there that is more knowledgeable than i... why was this structure not completely torn down, and a new one built on the site? it seems that the remaining "stuff" is merely outer walls and floors, and those items look a bit shoddy.

QuadCityImages said...

Well, I am guessing the concrete structure of the building was essentially sound. The second reason, and the more cynical one, is that you can't get historical renovation grants for tearing down and building new.

Matt said...

ah. when was the original building built?

QuadCityImages said...

According to this QCTimes article,

"The building at Davenport’s 420 W. River Drive that MetroPlains Development expects to convert into apartments was constructed in 1919 for the Linograph Co., a manufacturer of typesetting machines.

It was designed by the firm of Clausen & Kruse Architects, founded by Frederick Clausen, a German immigrant. The firm was responsible for several landmark buildings, including John O’Donnell Stadium and the Petersen Memorial Music Pavilion in LeClaire Park."

Anonymous said...

Any updates on the building renovation at the foot of Brady Street hill? (Next to River Bend Antiques)

Anonymous said...

The City is looking at all options in trying to save this building. It is a priority but a big challenge given its age, condition and cost for renovations. Interested parties should contact the Community Planning and Economic Development Department at 326-7765.

Anonymous said...

This project is what is wring with Davenport. We wonder why we have so many shootings and gang and drug crap. We wonder why so much crime and so many vagrants and thugs, but we continue to build low income housing in the worst possible areas of the city. We don't need any more dependant people in this town. Enough is enough.