Russell Development announced Wednesday, June 11, that construction has begun on a new 10,000-square-foot retail center in Birchwood South that will include Burn Boot Camp and Tropical Smoothie Café as tenants.
The Davenport-based developer and builder said the new center will be located just south of Panda Express in the growing 53rd Street and Utica Ridge Road corridor in Davenport.
“We are proud to mark the next chapter of development at Birchwood South,” said Erron Vandemore, development manager at Russell. “Through thoughtful planning and strategic partnerships, we’ve transformed raw land into a vibrant retail destination that serves the needs of our growing community.”
This project marks Russell’s latest contribution to the area and follows the success of nearby developments including Bubba’s 33, which is now under construction, as well as Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh, Rock Valley Physical Therapy, Mister Car Wash, Panda Express, Starbucks, Freddy’s Frozen Custard, and Jersey Mike’s.
The continued demand for dining and wellness amenities, especially in proximity to Russell’s adjacent corporate business park and Class A office developments, was the motivating factor behind the decision to develop another retail center, Russell Development said in a news release Wednesday.
The other Quad Cities partners for this project include: Streamline Architects, Townsend Engineering, Carr Engineering Structural Services, and CBI Bank. The new center is expected to be complete sometime in 2026.
“Burn Boot Camp is officially coming to Davenport. We chose this location because of its incredible growth, vibrant community, and the perfect demographic fit for our mission,” Kelly Voges, Burn Boot Camp owner, said in the announcement released by Russell. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Russell before and am thrilled to partner with them again on bringing this vision to life.”
Burn Boot Camp was launched in 2012 by husband-and-wife Devan and Morgan Kline. Together, they have helped families with their health and wellness, igniting a movement built on purpose, passion, and community.
Today, the business is in 38 states with more than 400 awarded franchise locations and still growing. Burn Boot Camp has cultivated a following from both women and men alike, allowing families to work out together while taking advantage of Childwatch services provided exclusively to members. Burn Boot Camp offers 45-minute camps through highly innovative daily programming.
Likewise, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is excited to be expanding into the bistate region. “We’re thrilled to bring the first Tropical Smoothie Cafe to the Quad Cities,” said Cyndi Howard, one of the cafe’s owners. “It’s an exciting time to be part of the vibrant growth happening along the Davenport and Bettendorf border in the Birchwood South development.”
“We’re excited to partner with Russell on this project, as their reputation and commitment to quality made this an easy choice,” she added.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a national fast-casual restaurant brand built on a mission to “Inspire Better.” The company says it has a commitment that starts with better-for-you food and smoothies and extends to inspiring better in the communities it serves. Started on a beach in 1997, today Tropical Smoothie Cafe has more than 1,500 locations in 44 states.
In addition to Burn Boot Camp and Tropical Smoothie Café, Russell said the new retail development has 3,700 square feet of retail space still available and expects to lease it to one or two other tenants.
According to Russell, this new development continues to build on the momentum of the company’s long-term vision for the 53rd Street corridor of delivering modern amenities, attracting quality tenants, and strengthening the local economy.
Russell’s own headquarters are housed in the corridor at 4700 E. 53rd St. The Davenport operation now is among four national offices Russell operates across the Midwest.
