Moline Riverfront Property gets a facelift in 2014 - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Moline Riverfront Property gets a facelift in 2014

By: Christine Souders

csouders@cbs4qc.com

WIU's campus isn't the only place that will soon see changes.  Moline city leaders are racing to finish another project right next door.

Renew Moline has several projects in the works, but their big announcement on Wednesday: Rivertech Development will be here sooner than anticipated.  The 15 1/2 acres will look a lot different come 2014.

The $80 million dollar development will completely transform the riverfront property.

"At least 150 units to start with, plus retail space, significant retail space for restaurants and convenient stores," said Janet Mathis with Renew Moline.

Spearheading the project is Three Corners Development.

The contractors told city leaders they plan to finish construction in 2 phases instead of three to coincide with Western's phase two.

The idea is to appeal to WIU students, putting living spaces, a fitness center and restaurants all under the same roof.

"It means we don't have to build student housing, we don't have to build food service, so we don't have to pass those costs on to students," said Joe Rives, WIU Quad Cities' Vice President.

City leaders said the time is right to build on Moline's and Western's future.

"Collectively they add to one another's success as they move forward and Moline has been doing a great job in putting these projects together so they collaborate with one another to create a strong economic development program," said Mayor Don Welvaert.

The developers plan to start construction this summer on the riverfront property.

The city is also looking at building a Walgreens or CVS in the area.