Dubuque council adopts Schmidt Island development plan, approves amphitheater contract

The Dubuque City Council on Monday adopted a comprehensive development plan for Chaplain Schmidt Island and approved the city’s construction contract package to build the Iowa Amphitheater, officials said.

Economic development director Jill Connors told the council the amended development plan—prepared by RDG Planning & Design and guided by a city–DRA steering committee—adds new projects for the Greater Downtown Urban Renewal Area, including deconstruction of the ABC Supply building at 100 South Main, upgrades to dehumidification at the arena, a smart parking system, parking‑ramp maintenance, renovation of the historic Federal Building, and the Iowa Amphitheater on Schmidt Island. The council adopted the development plan by roll call vote, 7-0.

Connors said the amphitheater project received a $3,000,000 Destination Iowa grant administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and requires a local match. Staff reported the local match and other funding sources totaling roughly $12,442,961 (documents later referenced project totals in the $15.4–$15.75 million range accounting for non‑eligible city costs). The city and the Dubuque Racing Association (DRA) are contributing as local partners.

City engineering staff said bid package No. 2, which covers utilities, paving and the amphitheater stage, received a low bid of $8,169,000. City engineer Gus Ahoyas recommended awarding the contract to Conlon Construction in the base amount of $8,169,000 and funding add‑on amenities 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 (entrance cut walls, parking lot enhancements, decomposed granite pathways, replace seating with sod, and concrete paving reinforcing) totaling $1,104,538, for a combined award of $9,273,538. Two add‑on amenities—stage rigging and drum lighting—were omitted from the award and may be added later via change order if the budget allows. The council approved the award, 7-0.

Alex Dixon, president and CEO of Q Casino Resort and the DRA, told the council the estimated cost for permanent stage rigging was higher than expected and that the project team plans to descope or rent equipment while the city evaluates long‑term options. "We had a little bit of sticker shock when we saw the rigging price," Dixon said, adding staff will work to identify alternates and potential structural requirements before committing to permanent installations.

Council members praised the plan’s public engagement and emphasized the phased nature of implementation, noting many items will require future capital budgeting, private partners, or additional grant matches. Mayor Cavanaugh and city staff said the plan provides a roadmap but not immediate construction on every element; several speakers said the city will need to coordinate public, private and philanthropic funding to advance the multi‑year priorities.

The council adopted the development plan and approved the amphitheater contract award in separate 7-0 roll call votes. Next steps include finalizing contract documents, permitting and staging construction work under the approved bid packages.