Downtown Davenport Partnership Celebrates Annual Investments
The Downtown Davenport Partnership celebrated 11 completed projects totaling $29.1 million with eight projects currently under construction totaling $36.7 million and key developments in the project pipeline.
Looking ahead, DDP will lean into Downtown Davenport’s unique advantages and positions of strength. “There’s still a lot of opportunity to make strategic investments,” said Kyle Carter, Executive Director, DDP. “We’re boosting incentives and visibility for small and mid-size office users, helping to fill gaps to boost activity.”
“Additionally, we’re sharpening recruitment of market-ready retail and commercial businesses, ensuring the right people are matched with the right spaces. A new branding campaign that captures the heart of who we are is in development, and we’re further building our clean and safe partnerships, too,” said Carter.
Carter also shared DDP will “champion the arts as we aim to establish our region as the creative capital of the Midwest with our central hub downtown. And with major public infrastructure improvements on the horizon, we’re preparing to leverage these once-in-a-generation investments to shape a stronger and more connected downtown experience.”
During its annual meeting on June 11, Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) celebrated private and public investments over the past year (July 1, 2024– June 30, 2025).
Kyle Carter is executive director of the Downtown Davenport Partnership.
Here are the highlights discussed at DDP’s annual meeting:
New Investment
- In FY25, Downtown Davenport saw $29 million invested in 11 completed projects highlighted by Apartments on Main, Bucktown Lofts and the Figge’s Evanescent Field art installation.
- 8 major public and private projects are under construction downtown representing $37.7 million of investment, as well as 12 planned projects in the pipeline, including the proposed Riverwatch project in the eastern gateway corridor.
- 27 new, retained or expanded businesses including Micky’s Irish Pub, dPhilms, Style District 220, Delf’s Pro Gym, Envied Vintage and Café San Lorenzo.
Business & Economic Growth
- DDP utilized Placer.ai, an industry-leading location analytics software to track downtown foot traffic and economic trends. Results showed:
- Stable population of employees, visitors and residents year-over-year.
o Return to office with an 8.4% increase in workers downtown (3,700 total downtown workforce).
o A significant population increase in the evening hours as residents and out-of- market visitors used amenities and visited restaurants, bars, etc.
- DiSalvo Development Advisors’ Market Report highlighted that Downtown Davenport’s infrastructure, walkability and pricing make it an ideal place for next-generation workspace models – blending lifestyle, flexibility and collaboration.
o DDP will offer enhanced grant incentives to attract more small office users ideal for downtown’s unique buildings.
- The market report data further revealed downtown is an ideal location for a musical instrument store, ice cream shop, fine dining, optical store, florist and arcade bar with food.
dphilms has moved its offices to downtown Davenport.
- Housing remains stable with 138 new units opening in FY24 and a 95% occupancy rate. 2,300 residents now call downtown home. Housing is healthy, but more limited growth capacity over the next 5 years will require targeting specific market gaps.
- Visit Quad Cities, through the software Datafy, reported 289,000 total trips by visitors averaging 1.8 day stays.
- DDP property improvement grants:
o In FY25, 9 businesses were awarded Exterior and Structural Improvement grants amounting to $100,000; and 5 businesses were awarded Commercial Interior Improvement grants totaling $57,000.
o $130,000 worth of grants are available in FY26.
Livability & Infrastructure
- DDP Cleaning Ambassadors addressed over 26,000 cleaning issues in FY24, including removal of 832 cubic yards of trash, 600 graffiti/sticker removals, 350 hours of snow removal and 950 pet cleanups. DDP Ambassadors watered 864 flower baskets, pots and ground planters throughout the year.
- DDP had a successful launch of the Downtown Safety Patrol pilot program in partnership with the Davenport Police Department and social service providers.
- DDP Safety Patrol logged 712 business and building checks, 53 hospitality encounters, 17 social service referrals and 8 arrests since March. Additional daily mental health and homelessness outreach services are provided downtown by community partners Humility Homes and Vera French.
- Motor Row/Bucktown alley beautification is complete, a $180,000 investment featuring artistic iron archways and string lighting.
Advocacy, Promotions & Events
- Alternating Currents boasted record attendance and expanded programming in 2024, highlighted by the arrival of an America’s Got Talent producer to the event. An AC documentary produced by KWQC will be released in 2025 and featured at the Last Picture House.
- A new Perfect Day Downtown ad series with a family, couple and friends’ day out started running this spring.
DDP hosted small business promotions and place activations including Deck the Downtowns, Lemonade Sip N’ Shop, Cookie Crawl, Between Two Bridges, QC Cribs and Holiday Pickle Hunt. - Downtown drew thousands of attendees at Icestravaganza, Red White & Boom! and Bix family events.
The four-day festival is organized and presented free by the Downtown Davenport Partnership.
