Redevelopment Concept Plan : Creating Destinations in Downtown Moline

In the not too distant future, the City of Moline will be affected by the realignment of the I-74 Bridge. This realignment will open a large strip of land for re-development. In response to this opportunity to redevelop the areas immediately adjacent to the current I-74 corridor, the City of Moline and Moline Centre Partners asked us to prepare a concept plan for the I-74 Realignment Zone, with recommendations for implementation. The area is defined by the Mississippi river on the north, 7th avenue to the south, and between 18th and 23rd streets. As graduate students in the Urban and Regional Planning Program at the University of Iowa, our team has researched the planning issues facing Moline’s downtown. We have reviewed techniques used by communities across the nation for redevelopment of inner city areas facing blight and gentrification. Based on our research, we believe that Moline has an opportunity to develop a niche in the Quad Cities as an affordable recreation and entertainment center for singles, families, young professionals, and retirees seeking an active urban lifestyle. We started our research by conducting a reconnaissance study of the area as it existed in fall 2007. Emphasis was given to historical context, land use and zoning, demographic and economic factors, and real estate trends in Moline. Successful redevelopment projects conducted by other communities in the United States were identified and evaluated. Literature review provided insight into regulatory, financing, and marketing measures. A focus group of residents, business owners, and other stakeholders was conducted during the latter half of March 2008 to solicit their opinions regarding redevelopment of the area. The views and suggestions received at the focus group meeting were valuable in formulating the redevelopment plan and recommendations.