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Commission begins long-term visioning for riverfront properties; options include incubator space, hot dog stand rehab and public art
Summary
The commission opened a long-term discussion about maximizing revenue and public value from riverfront properties. Topics included the listed Hahn property, vacant Union Station office space, the historic hot dog stand, a potential incubator for small businesses, and a proposed large public art installation.
The Davenport Riverfront Commission held a broad, early-stage discussion about long-term uses for city-owned riverfront properties and possible economic-development goals.
Staff highlighted several assets and options: the Hahn property (a former concrete plant) is listed for sale; the riverfront includes parcels that the city already owns and may redevelop to generate revenue; and Union Station has vacant office spaces — including a roughly 2,200-square-foot east wing and a smaller studio — that the city could market for tenants. Commissioners discussed whether to use realtors, pursue targeted recruitment of particular business types, or prioritize uses that generate foot traffic near the freight house and Main Street Landing.
Participants discussed the hot dog stand — a historic small building on the riverfront — and whether rehabilitating and leasing it as a seasonal concession (hot chocolate or food service, including for winter ice-skating operations at Main Street Landing) would be feasible. Staff noted the structure is on the National Register of Historic Places, which carries preservation constraints.
Commissioners also explored an incubator concept to help farmers-market vendors and small entrepreneurs grow from temporary stalls into year-round retail, using small, low-cost city spaces as stepping stones to scale up. That idea is intended to mesh with Main Street Landing, the freight house and farmer’s market activity to create a connected visitor experience.
Separately, an artist has proposed a large outdoor artwork—described in discussion as a glass-and-metal, photo-friendly installation—that some compared conceptually to Chicago’s "Bean." Commissioners said they like the idea in principle but urged an RFP and outside fundraising rather than relying on the city as the primary funder; staff and commissioners suggested partners such as the Figge Art Museum, Quad City Arts, Downtown Partnership and Visit Quad Cities could assist with fundraising or grant writing.
Staff also noted Main Street Landing construction is expected to finish around 2026 and suggested drafting a clearer vision for how each riverfront property should inform the mile-by-mile riverfront visitor experience. Commissioners asked staff to invite partners (for example, an artist or representatives from Quad City Arts) to present follow-up information at a future meeting and to produce cost/ funding options and potential RFP language.
