The "Historic Shopping District" in the Village

Seeing the "Historic Shopping District" designation move toward official council approval has been satisfying throughout the course of the past week. I am hopeful this will pass through the final stages of our voting and come to fruition. The purpose is to "preserve and enhance the small scale or historic character of certain older commercial neighborhoods." The initial target has been the East Village, but the HSD designation could be implemented anywhere throughout the city. City staff has worked hard over the past few months with Village businesses, and ward alderman Bill Lynn (5th) and Charlie Brooke (6th) for a total team effort.

The Village is alive and well. This designation could help build the next layer upon its' foundation. Just Monday night, I walked through the park and noticed - about 75 folks at the softball field, 20 on the basketball courts, cars parked all up and down 11th St., and some busy staffers at a campaign office. I'd guess, at least, 200 people enjoying the Village on a Monday night. All the ingredients for success are here: a beautiful park (Lindsay), scenic views of the Mississippi, and a collection of buildings dating back to the late 1800's. The business offer a wide variety of options: from day spas, bars/restaurants, art galleries, a candy/ice cream parlor, professional offices, a coffee shop, a financial services office, bank, dance studio, a water taxi stop, and more. Over 90 businesses call the Village home. The Village also plays host to art fairs, car/tractor shows, Civil War re-enactments, and a Christmas festival.

Granted the HSD designation did grow out of controversial new use to Turner Hall, but, in my opinion, this is the right direction to head for the long term stability of this neighborhood - one of the unique historic shopping neighborhoods left in the city. Perhaps this will open the door to new small and historic districts in other corners of our city.

The protest rate for the re-zoning and designation was a mere 0.6%. Obviously, this is something the folks in the surrounding residential neighborhoods support.

The Village was founded in 1851 as a pre Civil War logging town. Five years later the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi was built just south of here. The Village was the site of Camp McClellan in the 1860's, holding training grounds and prisoners from numerous conflicts. Over time the commercial businesses became established and residential areas grew around the area in the early 1900's. Businesses have come and gone, but the buildings have been preserved and in 1980, the Village was named to the National Registry of Historic Places.

The area has a great deal of potential to take the next step. Many businesses have started by re-modeling and preserving the historic nature of the area. The city has moved forward with improvements on the Eastern Gateway of River Drive.

This is a true part of our history. I'm supportive of new developments in other areas of Davenport, but the Village is unique and is a special place for many. My only wish is that this would have been done sooner, before some of the mass demolitions we had in years prior in other parts of town.

Galena has done well to establish their older parts of town; perhaps we will be able to ramp up closer to what they have to offer in the Village. After living out East for a number of years, I was impressed by the extra emphasis to preserve history. Areas like the Village have character and charm. This is a step in the right direction; hopefully we will be able to identify more HSD's in Davenport as time moves forward.

What are your thoughts for other potential HSD's in the city or improvements to the Village or Lindsay Park? Do you have any pros or cons for the new HSD designation?

More info, on the Village, is online at: http://www.villageofeastdavenport.com.