The removal of the old I-74 bridge will leave vacant around 13 acres between 7th Street and the river, and the city will hold public meetings in the next month to learn what people want to do with the downtown space.
Liz Nolte from Renew Moline says the city is considering many possible ideas: performance spaces, housing, restaurants, parks, and more.
"Up until now, we really hadn't had an opportunity to expand to the river--to really create something that draws people down here. We know that recreation, the arts, are all really important. So we're hoping to really bring that area to life."
Nearly 75,000 vehicles use the I-74 corridor every day--with that number expected to jump to 100,000 by 2035. That means the space has a lot of potential for economic development.
"So we want to hear: what do you think about creating a "Heart of the Arts" district? Do you want to see more trails? What's an idea that we're not thinking of that'll really draw you downtown? And so our plea is just: take part, come join us. We want to hear your ideas."
The first public meeting will be held next Tuesday, September 28 at 6:30 at Heritage Church in Moline, and the second meeting will be Wednesday, October 6 at noon via Zoom. An online survey for residents to provide input is is available, as well as an advisory report from the Urban Land Institute.
