The old Howard Johnson in Davenport may be replaced by a new, six-story office and retail building called "Riverwatch Place." Today, the Downtown Davenport Partnership announced it has selected a development proposal from Bush Construction, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, BLDD Architects, and Attorney John Carroll. The triangular site is located on LeClaire Street at River Drive and East Third Street.
John Ruhl, President of NAI Ruhl Commercial, says the first floor will feature a bank and a restaurant, both with drive-up service. "Class A" office space is planned for the second through fifth floors. The developers hope to capitalize on the view of the Mississippi River on the top floor with a new, Davenport Club plus a restaurant for the public.
He says the market needs high-end office space, and tenants are already interested in leases. The property is located on the eastern edge of downtown Davenport, and the former Howard Johnson building is an eyesore. Ruhl says the new building can become a "trophy" at the key entry point.
The Riverwatch Place project has a price tag of 25 million dollars, and the private developers are looking for more investors. Ruhl says the next step is to sign an agreement with the Downtown Davenport Partnership and its non-profit, Demolition Davenport, which owns the property.
He hopes the old Howard Johnson will be torn down by the end of the year.
