Governor Reynolds announced $9.6 million has been awarded to the City of Davenport and the Figge Art Museum through the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Destination Iowa Creative Placemaking Fund for a series of signature projects along the Davenport riverfront. Destination Iowa seeks to create attractive and memorable places for people to live and work through transformational projects that leverage community assets to improve the experience for visitors and residents.
The City of Davenport’s project, in coordination with the Figge Art Museum, will include the following improvements at Main Street Landing:
- Installation of a high-intensity, multi-generational experience zone that will include, but is not limited to, a signature tower structure, slides, climbing assets, an interactive water feature, and a space for winter activities.
- Creation of a passive activity zone close to Lock and Dam 15 that highlights the existing amphitheater and scenic views.
- Additions such as a new restroom facility, colorful LED lighting, shade structures, seating, and unique swing elements.
- Installation of a railroad quiet zone that will stretch from Marquette Street to Mound Street to reduce noise pollution and increase safety throughout the downtown riverfront.
- Construction of a pedestrian bridge that allows continuous and safe access over the Canadian Pacific rail line.
- Renovation and upgrade of the Skybridge facility’s LED lighting system.
- Installation of artistic LED programmable lighting on the exterior of the Figge Art Museum that will consist of over 3,000 feet of colorful fixtures.
“We are so grateful to Governor Reynolds and Destination Iowa for this important investment in Davenport and arts and culture,” said Michelle Hargrave, Executive Director and CEO of the Figge Art Museum. “The State’s support in conjunction with contributions from the Regional Development Authority, the Bechtel Charitable Trusts, and other generous donors will bring the work of internationally renowned artist Leo Villareal to all in our community and will energize the riverfront for residents and visitors in exciting ways.”
Through software and over 1,000 LED lights, Villareal’s innovative, constantly changing light sculpture will illuminate all four sides of the building. “I am honored and excited by the invitation to create a public artwork called Evanescent Field at the Figge Art Museum,” said Leo Villareal. “This lighting sculpture will be integrated into David Chipperfield’s stunning architecture with the goal of activating the museum through sequences of undulating light for everyone in the Quad Cities to enjoy.” Sir David Chipperfield, the designer of the landmark glass building stated, “I am delighted to hear that the original plan to illuminate the façade will finally become a reality and look forward to seeing the realized project personally as soon as possible.”
The project is estimated to cost $24 million. The Destination Iowa award will provide $9.6 million - $8 million for the City’s project at Main Street Landing and $1.6 million for the Figge Art Museum’s light feature. The City will fund the remaining $12 million cost for the riverfront improvements through local ARPA funds and the Canadian Pacific Community Investment Agreement. The Figge will contribute the additional $2.4 million for the lighting of its façade.
“This is a huge win for the City of Davenport and the Quad Cities region,” said Dave Herrell, President and CEO of Visit Quad Cities. “This project will serve as a catalyst to further our goal of making the Quad Cities an internationally recognized, must-experience riverfront destination.”
Construction of the project is expected to begin in the summer of 2024 and be completed in the spring of 2026.
Original source can be found here.
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