Design firm’s final draft for Downtown Moline revitalization delayed

Making revitalization a reality. We’ve talked at length about Rock Island’s focus in downtown.

Its process isn’t going so smoothly.

Moline also has big plans, and those plans are bigger. One of the first things the city has on schedule is to make changes to 7th Avenue.

Work could begin next year to install two roundabouts between 15th and 19th streets. That will come along with landscaping to make the area more attractive.

Moline has bigger designs for downtown overall. It’s in the process of figuring out what to do with the land made available after the demolition of the old Interstate 74 bridge.

New recreation, housing and retail business opportunities along the riverfront are the goals. The city hired MKSK design to incorporate public opinion and submit a detailed plan for the Moline Centre.

That draft from the design firm was supposed to be ready by the end of the summer. The city’s still waiting for that.

Those changes on the streets around downtown Moline are all about the vision of the Moline Centre concept.

That’s been taking shape under Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati. She joins host Jim Niedelman for a conversation.

“Seventh Avenue is in terrible shape,” Rayapati said. “It’s one of our worst roads, it’s a gateway road for our city.”

To hear more, click on the video.

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