This story is part of the QCBJ’s annual Newsmakers edition. This year-end wrap-up by the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal’s staff includes some of the biggest stories we brought you during 2024. Each story also includes an update on the subject. Excerpts from the original stories as well as the new updates appeared in print in our Monday, Dec. 23 edition.
The initial story was published in August of 2024.
As the end of this year approached, Davenport leaders were preparing to take the next big step in the effort to breathe new life into NorthPark Mall.
Bruce Berger, the City of Davenport’s community and economic development director, told the QCBJ late last month that the informal working group of key stakeholders who will guide the center’s rebirth was expected to begin meeting in December. Among them are Macerich, the largest landowner in NorthPark, and major tenants such as Von Maur.
Those stakeholders will help guide individual and collective efforts and strategies that could move forward recommendations contained in the 64-page NorthPark Mall Market Analysis and Use Strategy Final Report created by Leland Consulting Group, Greensfelder Real Estate Strategy and Confluence.
While it was too early to report anything concrete about that group and its goals late last month, Mr. Berger said the city “may be able to share more information as things progress in the first half of 2025.”
One thing about NorthParks’ future is certain, however: The mall’s former Younkers store is no longer being considered as a short-term location for the Davenport Parks and Recreation Department’s popular Junior Theatre program.
The cost of converting the space to accommodate the theater temporarily was prohibitive so the city continues to look for both a short-term and long-term solution for the organization that must relocate to make way for a new housing development on the old Annie Wittenmyer campus.
