WELCOME TO NEWSMAKERS
The QCBJ devotes the Newsmakers series to looking back on some of the biggest and most noteworthy stories we covered in 2025 across the Quad Cities region. Each story also includes a small update on the topic or news event. The stories are not ranked, but rather, appear in chronological order.
The original story ran in June of 2025
The busy business corridor around 53rd Street in Davenport and Bettendorf is getting busier.
More businesses are opening. More office and retail buildings are under construction.
Construction work began on the 10,000-square-foot Birchwood South Retail Center at 5133 Ravenwood Lane, and a new Bubba’s 33 restaurant will be built just south of the retail center.
Now, another project in the works — Birchwood South Class A Office Building — is set for completion in 2026. The 4515 E. 52nd St., Davenport, building will be a two-floor, 30,000-square-foot office and retail building.
The Morgan Stanley Wealth Management office will occupy the second floor, and up to four retail businesses will go on the first floor. (The suites will be about 2,800-4,200 square feet. As of early December, clients were still being sought for the space.)
But the second floor has been spoken for by Morgan Stanley.
“We are very excited about this. It’s been a long time coming,” Amy Beauchamp, branch manager of the Davenport office, said during a ground-breaking ceremony Wednesday, Nov. 4, for the new building.
Davenport-based Russell is the general contractor and will be the owner of the building. Streamline Architects, based in Moline, is one of its building partners.
Morgan Stanley will relocate from its nearby 4300 E. 53rd St., Davenport, office. The new building will provide the financial office with a new and modern facility to better help its customers, said Ms. Beauchamp.
“We have grown significantly. … This is a clear reflection of our commitment to the Quad Cities,” she added.
At the groundbreaking, Russell company leaders also said they are pleased to be involved in the new office/retail building.
“It’s really exciting for us. It will be a really fitting space for professionals,” said Erron Vandemore, development manager for Russell.
