Work could start soon on the renovation of a key block in the middle of downtown Davenport. Tonight officials of Restoration Saint Louis will give a presentation to invited guests on their project called "City Square" - the Parker, Putnam, and Center buildings on Second Street between Main and Brady.
Senior Vice President, Sam Estep, says the 60 million dollar project will convert these historic buildings into offices, a hotel, and apartments, while preserving the exteriors.
Estep says preparations for the project are nearly complete and construction could begin within 1 to 2 months, with completion expected in a year.
Restoration Saint Louis has already completed three other projects in downtown Davenport, including the Hotel Black Hawk. And he says all of this would not be possible without the participation of the city, and Iowa's historic preservation tax credit program.
The company is currently working with the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges to study the feasibility of converting buildings in the same block, but facing 3rd Street, into a new urban campus. Estep says that could cost an additional 40 to 50 million dollars.
