Hilltop has plans to be ‘next cool section’ of Davenport

The Hilltop Campus Village will spearhead big projects and improvements and become the “next cool section” of Davenport in the coming years. That’s the hope of Brian Kramer, Hilltop Campus Village (HCV) executive director, as he outlined his goals for the future of the organization on Thursday night, June 20, during HCV’s annual meeting. That […]

The Hilltop Campus Village will spearhead big projects and improvements and become the “next cool section” of Davenport in the coming years. That’s the hope of Brian Kramer, Hilltop Campus Village (HCV) executive director, as he outlined his goals for the future of the organization on Thursday night, June 20, during HCV’s annual meeting.

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That meeting, which attracted about 30 people, was held at 330 W. Fifth St., Davenport, which is the warehouse and workshop of “American Pickers” TV show host Rob Wolfe. It was held near a vast variety of Mr. Wolfe’s vintage objects, including old cars and motorcycles, gas pumps, an old phone booth from England, and lots of neon signs. In fact, much of the meeting was held under a lit neon sign stating “Jesus Saves.” But much of Thursday’s annual meeting focused on the future. During that meeting, Mr. Kramer told stakeholders and members of the HCV community that the group needs to have a “master plan” to better articulate its goals, hopes and planned projects for the future. “This is the time for us to say ‘Hey, this is what the neighborhood is about.’ … The main thing I want people here tonight to see is we have a vision and we are moving forward,” he added. That master plan will “vocalize needs to policymakers and city planners” and take into account plans being made by nearby St. Ambrose University and Palmer College of Chiropractic. The village  plan is expected to cost about $30,000 to complete, according to information provided by the organization during the meeting. A big part of that plan will be to outline HVC’s goals of making improvements to the district, such as street upgrades, creating a welcoming place for businesses and residents, working with St. Ambrose and Palmer on a “unified vision” for the area, creating safety features that include lighting pathways, and much more. As Mr. Kramer put it, making all or parts of HCV “the next cool section” of the city with businesses and features people want to visit. “This (plan) is the first logical step to articulate our goals,” he added. Mr. Kramer found plenty of support for those plans from people at the meeting who praised his work and leadership with the HVC. “I want to see this become a better place, just like Brian said. … I want to help us grow and move the needle forward on the Hilltop,” said Rony Coney, a Hilltop resident. During the meeting, Mr. Coney, along with Lonnie Westerfield and Jazmine Butler, were elected to the HVC Board of Directors. Mr. Kramer added that part of moving the needle forward for HCV is to work on several major goals for the next year. In addition to creating the master plan, HCV officials presented these goals for fiscal year 2025:

• Fountain to Fountain Plan: This project focuses on revitalizing the Main Street corridor, from Main Street from the fountain on River Drive to Vander Veer Park. “Main Street has been identified as a safe multi-modal corridor for residents and students in the Davenport schools, Palmer College and St. Ambrose University to use,” according to HCV information. The plan’s estimated cost is $2 million.
• Safety features: This goal includes adding features, such as decorative lighting pathways and signage tol upgrade the appeal and safety of the neighborhood.
• HCV office project: The goal is to move forward with phase two of the office renovation project. This is expected to cost $25,000.
• Continue HCV programs: To continue programs, such as workshops to help small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Before Thursday’s annual meeting, Mr. Kramer also pointed out several accomplishments made since last June. They include: raising over $55,000 to support projects and operations; supporting 22 small businesses and entrepreneurs through workshops; and receiving accreditation as a National Main Street district. But much of Thursday’s meeting also forced on the future. Mr. Wolfe called the neighborhood a “gold mine” for future projects and development. “Everybody has a vision of what we want to do with the Hilltop. … This will take a vision,” he said. One vision Mr. Wolfe has is to better publicize one of the historic features of the Hilltop.  He pointed to the railroad tracks just outside his shop on West Fifth Street. He said those tracks have been in operation since Abraham Lincoln was a lawyer in the early part of the 1800s.  Mr. Wolfe said he would love to see the city turn the tracks into a historic feature. “We need to tell that story,” he added.