It's an effort that communities all over the Quad Cities are working on, trying to revitalize and bring business to their downtowns. The City of Moline is taking a big step forward by approving a development deal to build a new hotel.
The hotel is going in the old Deere Collector's Center on River Drive. The building has sat empty for years, even though there are several businesses in this area. Business owners say the development deal is a huge step in the right direction for revitalizing downtown.
"This would be icing on the cake," says Tom Lahl.
Lahl is writing a new verse in his life. In June he bought "Dead Poet's Espresso".
"We've seen an increase in foot traffic virtually every month," says Lahl.
His coffee shop doesn't just neighbor the new hotel; it will be right outside his door.
"We couldn't have had better news," adds Lahl, "If we could put a hotel on the corner of the parking lot that's within walking distance that means more foot traffic."
The hotel will be built in the old Deere Collector's Center and have a 4 story addition. It will either be a Hilton or a Hyatt.
"I think any new development in downtown Moline is exciting. The more people you bring into an area, the better it is for all the businesses involved," says WaterMark Corners Owner, Amy Trimble.
Trimble has owned her downtown Moline business for 14-years. She's excited to see what impact a new 100-suite hotel could do for the area.
"The hotels really make a big difference," adds Trimble, "Without the hotels people would come in for events and stay for an hour or two, if they came at all."
The project is receiving a property tax rebate that will be performance based. Building the hotel will require the demolition of part of the old building and construction will last several months in the businesses parking lot.
"It may affect parking a little bit, but you have to work through issues like this to get to a better place," says Trimble.
"Those things usually work themselves out and I'm sure we'll sell coffee to a lot of the construction people," adds Lahl.
The developer would like the hotel to be up and running by the end of this year.
