Davenport’s Hilltop Campus Village (HCV) will take another significant step forward in its revitalization efforts with a new master planning process.
The HCV announced that the Regional Development Authority (RDA) has awarded the neighborhood district a $20,000 grant. That RDA grant along with $2,500 from the Hilltop Business Association will enable the Hilltop to conduct a Community Master Planning Project, HCV said in a news release.
The funding will pay for the planning and design efforts necessary to guide future development of the neighborhood. The goal is to create a vision that will enhance the Hilltop and add vibrancy and sustainability over the next 15 years.
Located just north of downtown Davenport, HCV is a Main Street Iowa Urban Commercial District. The central city neighborhood is working to re-establish itself as a vibrant area offering culture, education, shopping, dining and entertainment.
“We are grateful to receive this generous funding from the Regional Development Authority and the Hilltop Business Association, and are confident that it will help us lay the foundation for a community-driven vision,” HCV Executive Director Brian Kramer said in the release.
According to HCV, the preservation of historic properties, together with the improvement of buildings, redevelopment of vacant sites and upgrading of infrastructure are making the district more attractive, secure and livable as well as helping to restore civic pride in the area and in surrounding neighborhoods.
The Hilltop neighborhood is home to a commercial district, several churches, residences and two college campuses – Palmer College of Chiropractic and St. Ambrose University – and Davenport Central High School.
Development blueprint
The new master plan will serve as a blueprint for future development, infrastructure improvements, public spaces, and community engagement initiatives.
The Community Master Plan will focus on a wide range of topics, including:
- Urban design to improve the neighborhood’s walkability and connectivity.
- Public spaces that foster social interaction and community pride.
- Identify affordable housing and mixed-use development options.
- Development strategies to attract both private and public investment.
The HCV Board of Directors also recently voted to partner with Streamline Architects as the project’s lead consultant. The East Moline firm will work closely with residents, business owners, and community leaders to craft a comprehensive master plan.
HCV said Streamline has designed multiple projects within the neighborhood such as Miss Phay Cafe, MLK Park, Iron+Grain Davenport, and has provided numerous design concepts for future projects. In addition, Streamline has a presence there with an office within the Main Street district.
“Partnering with Streamline Architects will ensure that we have the expertise and experience needed to create a thoughtful, inclusive plan that reflects the hopes of the people who call this neighborhood home,” Mr. Kramer added.
In the release, HCV said Streamline has extensive experience in community-driven planning with a team that is dedicated to engaging with residents and stakeholders.
The HCV expects Streamline to begin the planning process in January with public workshops, surveys, and stakeholder meetings to gather input. The final Community Master Plan is expected to be completed in summer 2025.
