Dozens of central Davenport homeowners can soon begin tackling new home projects thanks to the city’s latest round of DREAM awards.
The City of Davenport announced in a news release Wednesday, Feb. 11, that it has awarded funding to a total of 49 homeowner projects in what was the seventh round of the DREAM Project. According to the city, the program received 285 applications vying for a share of the $1.2 million in available funding.
In the latest round, the city tentatively approved DREAM funds for 41 projects by current homeowners and eight new homeowner projects. This round opened last August.
City staff have contacted all the recipients for an initial consultation regarding the first step in their new project.
“We love seeing the before and after pictures when these meaningful projects are
completed,” said Bruce Berger, the city’s Community & Economic Development director. “Even better is seeing the pride people have in their homes and neighborhoods because of
these improvements.”
Launched in 2019, the neighborhood restoration program works to inspire a renewed interest in the unique architecture and character found in the city’s heritage neighborhoods. To date, the DREAM Project has awarded nearly $6.8 million to revitalize 252 properties in the central city. The target area is roughly the older neighborhoods south of Telegraph Road and Locust Street down to River Drive and between Bridge Avenue and South Fairmount Street.
From past experience, the city said in its release that the restoration of one home leads to the rebuilding and engagement of an entire community.
The DREAM Project assists residents and business owners by granting funds for them to build vibrant spaces. Its programs include:
- New homeowner assistance: Participants purchasing a home in the DREAM neighborhood will be eligible for a grant of about $20,000, forgiven over five years. Funds will first assist with needed exterior improvements and any additional monies can be used on interior improvements.
- Existing homeowner assistance: Homeowners in a DREAM Project neighborhood who are rehabbing a home will be eligible for a grant of about $20,000, also forgiven over five years. The property must be owner-occupied, and grants can be used for facade improvements.
- Extreme DREAM: In 2023, the city launched an Extreme Dream program aimed at rehabbing vacant and abandoned homes into owner-occupied residences. Available in the same Central City area, the program will match up to $100,000 in qualifying expenses. To be eligible, the home must have been vacant for at least six months, have severe code violations and either be owner occupied or sold to an owner occupant.
The Round 7 funds announced this week comes as the DREAM Project is preparing to expand its target area next summer. Last September, the Davenport City Council expanded the eligible area into the Ridgeview East and Central East neighborhoods. The expansion could add 16 more projects, including up to five projects for new homeowners.
Pending approval of the city’s fiscal 2027 budget, applications for Round 8 of the DREAM Project will open this summer.
