Design Review Board approves gray ‘Dovetail’ paint for Freight House concrete columns

The Davenport City Design Review Board approved a paint selection for the concrete columns and beams on the south Riverside elevation of the Freight House, 401 West River Drive. The board selected the color identified in the applicant’s presentation as “Dovetail,” a medium-gray swatch, to pair with the building’s dark bronze gutters and trim.

The decision completes a follow-up to a February submission in which the board had previously approved replacement windows, a metal patio, painted deck handrails in a dark bronze, and a refurbished east entrance door in a natural stain. Staff presented photographs and sample swatches for the board to compare on the building facade; the board discussed contrast with the bronze gutter and how light and dark choices would change the visual prominence of the gutter and columns.

Board members indicated a preference for a medium-gray tone to provide contrast with the bronze gutter while not fully blending the concrete into the background. Staff confirmed the brick and other masonry will not be painted and that the approved change applies only to the concrete columns and beams on the south Riverside elevation.

A motion to approve the Dovetail color carried in a roll-call vote. Staff will record the approved color in the project file and the applicant will proceed with the exterior paint work in accordance with that approval.

The Freight House project remains subject to any building permits or inspections required by city regulations; no additional exterior changes beyond the approved paint for the south Riverside concrete elements were authorized at this meeting.