Monday, August 29, 2011

I-74 Corridor video

I don't think I posted this 2 years ago when it was released. I just ran across it the other day and don't remember watching it before. It gives an excellent rundown of all parts of the new I-74 bridge project, along with the entire I-74 corridor changes. That includes what's now being done at the 53rd Street interchange. The video also confirms that the actual bridge will be 4 lanes in each direction. Talk about a change for the better!

I-74 Corridor from Iowa DOT on Vimeo.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Still Alive Open Thread

Well, I'm still around. That's about all I can say for myself as a blogger anymore. I'm actually hoping to go out and take quite a few pictures one of these days, because there is a lot happening around the QC. The Kone building is going up, new restaurants are opening in downtown Davenport, and 605 Main has met the headache ball.

As Conservative Demo mentioned in the comments of the last thread, there's always room for some debate about the Bix at 6s, or in a related traffic-blocking note, all these water main breaks. I also might write something up on my feelings about the No-Notice City Lawn Mowing service. Or I might disappear for another 3 months, but lets hope not!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Cheaters win sometimes

Historic East Davenport home coming down -QCTimes

Get denied for a demolition permit for a historic home you should never have bought? Simply damage the structure until you can argue there's no reason to save it anymore.

Get flak from the neighbors for trying to destroy the integrity of their neighborhood? Graffiti your own house to spite them and push the city into caving.

Its seems to me that we've sent a clear message with this whole thing that all you have to do to beat City Hall is act as though none of the rules apply to you.

I won't be eating at the Precinct until its under new ownership someday.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Tax Credit Workshop
May 5th

I know the blogging's been lacking greatly, but I thought I'd pass this along at least.


Bringing it Home: Historic Tax Credits for Your Property

May 5, 2011, 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
German American Heritage Center, 712 W. 2nd Street, Davenport

Workshop in Davenport on Iowa’s Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit program presented by the State Historic Preservation Office. Participants will learn how the program works to provide a 25% “rebate” on qualified rehabilitation costs, how to determine if a property is eligible to utilize the program, the differences in the program for residential and commercial structures, and how to complete tax credit application forms. The workshop will include a primer on the National Register of Historic Places and a discussion of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Registration cost of $35 includes lunch and workshop materials, and registration is requested by April 26 to ensure adequate space. For a detailed schedule and registration information, visit www.iowahistory.org/historic-preservation or contact Marion Meginnis, marion_meginnis@msn.com.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

A Missed Opportunity

The Blackhawk Hotel had its grand opening tonight. This may come as a surprise to those of you who aren't on the Who's Who of Davenport list, because not only was this event not publicized, it was apparently not even public. The QCTimes has a photo gallery that refers to it as a private event. The spotlights shining up into the sky outside the hotel should have had dollar signs in them; kind of like the bat signal for rich people.

Why in the world did Restoration St. Louis and the City of Davenport not take the opportunity to show off the biggest project in years in downtown Davenport? Why didn't they invite in all the naysayers and downtown deniers to see what we're really capable of? Why continue the myth that there are 2 kinds of things downtown: Stuff for "6th ward people" like the Figge and symphony concerts, and stuff for the "homeless people" that some folks believe are standing on every corner downtown? That is far from the truth, of course. Downtown has something for everyone from John Deere enthusiasts, jazz lovers, Broadway show-enjoyers, bar patrons, park-lovers, artists, musicians, business travelers, families, and everyone else. Unfortunately, rather than invite everyone from all walks of life to come down and see the newest big thing in Davenport, the Blackhawk chose exclusivity over publicity.

How are we supposed to change peoples' views of downtown if we don't let them in?

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

How long?

Hotel Blackhawk opens today, unveiling 4-year, $35 million restoration -QCTimes (December 16th)

Market-rate Apartments: 20
Market-rate Apartments vacant upon opening: 0

Luxury apartments open in former eyesore -QCTimes

Market-rate Apartments: 24
Market-rate Apartments vacant upon opening: 1


How long before that last one is rented? I'd be willing to bet it is taken by the end of today.

How long before the negative folks like Mark Nelson admit that they are wrong about downtown Davenport? Who knows...