This rendering shows the four-story, mixed-use business building that is being planned at 227 LeClaire St., Davenport. The $19 million project – called Riverwatch Place – took a big step forward late Wednesday, Jan. 15, when the Davenport City Council approved a revised tax incentive plan resolution for the new development being planned for 227 LeClaire St. CREDIT STREAMLINE ARCHITECTS
A hotel and mixed-used building project planned for downtown Davenport is facing another delay, but it still might be built next year, according to city and real estate officials. Last week, the Davenport City Council failed to approve a tax incentive plan for the development of a $30 million hotel and commercial building in the […]
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A hotel and mixed-used building project planned for downtown Davenport is facing another delay, but it still might be built next year, according to city and real estate officials.Last week, the Davenport City Council failed to approve a tax incentive plan for the development of a $30 million hotel and commercial building in the downtown area at 227 LeClaire St., where the old Howard Johnson’s Hotel used to stand. One of the proposed buildings in the project will be a TownePlace Suites by Marriott Hotel. The other will be a four-story building that will include office space, a restaurant and retail shops.A few weeks ago, it was hoped the two-building project would start construction in the spring and be completed 14 to 16 months later, according to real estate professional Pete Stopulos, who represented project owner, 227 LeClaire LLC, during a Design Review Board meeting at Davenport City Hall on Sept. 23.While that timeline probably won’t happen, the project may still be alive.“The City of Davenport is still exploring what options exist to either reconsider the initial proposal or to change the development agreement. By working with the developer, the city hopes to bring it forward again when possible,” Denise Hnytka, chief communications officer for the City of Davenport, said in an emailed message to the QCBJ.Mr. Stopulos also said he hopes the project will move forward.“While we’re extremely disappointed with what transpired at council (last Tuesday), we’re resolute in our determination to move this project forward. We will continue our efforts to execute our plan to deliver a transformative project on this important site,” he added.The project has supporters and critics on the city council, which refused to support a tax incentive plan for it. Under those incentives, the city would have rebated 75% of the hotel/motel tax for the company’s first 10 years, then 50% for the five years after that.Last Tuesday, Nov. 26, five aldermen voted yes for the tax incentives, four vote no, and one abstained. The council rules require six votes for any item to pass, according to Third Ward Alderwoman Marion Meginnis.One of the council members who voted against the incentives was Fourth Ward Alderman Jade Burkholder. “I did vote against this item (Tuesday) night due to the way the project was presented as a whole and finding out that it is two separate developments, my concern for the environmental conditions and the tax rebate that is being requested,” she said.But the project also has its supporters on the council. One of those supporters is At-Large Alderman Kyle Gripp, who called the project a potential “game changer” for downtown Davenport.“I’m a proponent of the project. I think what Pete Stopulus and his team are looking to do on that site is going to be a game changer for the east side of downtown. The project makes sense from a tax revenue standpoint for the city. Currently, the property brings in $3,000 per year in property tax revenue. If approved, the development will bring in several million dollars in property tax, hotel/motel tax, and sales tax revenue over the next decade, even with the incentives,” he said.Mr. Gripp added that “this is a prominent and highly visible property in our downtown and one that many Davenporters would love to see restored. … I still believe strongly in the project. I think many people do. It’s good for the City of Davenport as a whole and I anticipate that the city council will see this item on our agenda again in 2025.”Here’s a look at some of the planned features of the two-building project when it was presented during a Design Review Board meeting in September:TownPlace Suites by Marriott Hotel
89 rooms and support facilities.
Indoor pool and fitness center.
Rooftop amenity space for guests. (During the September meeting, Mr. Stopulos told the board that rooftop space is being created to help give guests a unique experience and great views. Also, creating that space will reduce the number of available hotel rooms.)
Mixed-use building
Four floors.
Retail and restaurant space will be on the first floor.
During a September meeting, Mr. Stopulos told the board members that the buildings would be raised to protect the first floors against floodwaters.
Office space on second and third floors.
Event Center on the fourth floor.
There will be plenty of parking for guests and clients in the two buildings, Mr. Stopulos said.
