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?
23 comments:
Did you get invited Image?
No, and I realize that what I wrote comes across as bitter. That said, I still think anyone, no matter if a single person in Davenport knows them, should have been allowed to attend the grand opening.
Hey, the taxpayers paid for the Blackhawk Gold Room and a whole lot more. Why ever should the common people be allowed to attend? Tired of carrying water Chris? There really are to classes in this town. Sorry they won''t let you in even after all your work and blatter. Wake up and get it.
two classes
I'm not jumping on the conspiracy bandwagon, I just think that one of the QC's biggest weaknesses is our inability to sell ourselves, both to potential visitors/residents and more importantly in this case, to our own residents.
As outsiders they kind of don't know what cliques they need to invite. That being said, they are probably trying to increase their perception level with the community: only high rollers welcome. Which is a shame.
I love what they did with the place though.
Sad thing is that you can bet that it wasn't just the Davenport elite that were invited, but people from every Quad City "who's who" list.
And it was Davenport taxpayers that made this deal happen.
Welcome to Davenport.
Conspiracy? Everybody who disagrees with you is on a conspiracy? Way to tow the party line Images.Must have been a Davenport One guest list.Guess you've been forgotten.
Its funny that in the same comment that questions my assertion that some of you think everything is a conspiracy, you basically allege some kind of D1 (which doesn't exist anymore, by the way) conspiracy.
I think the clique comment is way more accurate. The Hotel Blackhawk is a high end hotel, so they chose to invite only what they believe to be the high end people. This is completely wrong, of course, but I don't think its anything to do with the Downtown Partnership. Its just a terrible way to show off what can be done when the city and downtown businesses work together.
I wonder if Mark Nelson was invited?
You can bet they had plenty of security people out front and in the lobby to keep any of the homeless and hookers from getting too close. They sure wouldn't want them to appear in the pictures with all those 6th ward hoytee-toytee's.
Guys,
We had no intention of excluding anybody - we just wanted to thank some of the people who helped us develop this project for the people of Davenport. In fact, both the GM and I believe that from the day we officially opened (1/29/2011) the front doors of the Hotel will never be locked again. It is open to the people of Davenport and everybody is welcomed with the same fanfare by our courteous door men. In fact, thousands of Davenport citizens have already walked in and many have asked for and received a tour of public spaces of the Hotel ( without being paying customers). We built this for the people of Davenport and ALL who respect the space are welcome.
I am sorry if anybody felt excluded. That was never the intention.
Amrit Gill
I have no problem with a private gala for stakeholders, but I would have loved to see something huge and festive for the entire community. When the lofts opened in the Crescent Warehouse district, they had public ribbon cuttings to show off what had been accomplished. People read about the events in the paper and came out to see them. Sure, the most interested people might stop down and ask to see the place, but more typical citizens don't come out unless there's publicity around an event.
Well, we were in downtown Sunday to go to the Figge. (Yes, Davenport citizens DO go downtown. I'm also the guy that commented on the last posting and had dinner on a Wednesday night in downtown.) Anyway, we stopped in to see the Blackhawk and there were a lot of people just looking around as the Gill's said. The staff was very friendly and helpful as we looked around. I saw Mrs. Gill in the lobby and would have loved to have gone up to her and thanked her for all she has done for Davenport, but I didn't what to interupt her conversation with someone.
Anyway, if you what to see the place...walk in an take a look, the doors are NOT locked. Better yet, spend a night there!
Maybe the Gills can post exactly what the City has in their business. And exactly what they have in. A complete financial statement. That would be nice. They seem like nice people so it should be easy.
We the taxpayers don't owe a thanks to the Gills, but the Gills owe a thanks to the Davenport Taxpayers who made this possible.
I would suggest that both parties will benefit greatly.
You should have got your old pal Alderman McGovern to get you an invite QCI.
Do you suppose McGovern forgot to invite Image.How fair weather. I wonder if the former Alderman was actually there. Wonder who did the invite list.I doubt it was the Gills.
QCI would have to drive, as X-alderman Magivern has a few OMVI's on his record, including one where he had his kids in the car drunk while picking up a pizza from Happy Joe's.
You guys have sure gotten a lot of mileage out of that incident.
Conservative Demo here:
A change of pace if I might for just a comment or two, QCI.
I just tuned in (rather irregularly for the past 6 months) because why the heck check an inactive blog. Anyway, congrats and best wishes to you and your lovely bride.
You've left downtown? Care to give a hint of which neighborhood you are living in now?
Good to see you back on the air again.
Image probably moved next door to Barney and is waiting it out.
2/13/11 Care to show proof? And why would you care? Now, I see why Cruiser's bunch are so angry all time. They want to tell people what to do.
As one on 1/31/11 says, go on in and check the Blackhawk out. Nobody, unless Crusier's buddies have their way, is stopping you.
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