GOLD COAST NEIGHBORHOOD GROUP
STREETSCAPE PROJECT
Davenport, Iowa
The streetscaping concept began as an idea to develop a transition theme from downtown into the surrounding residential areas. It was agreed a variety of enhancements were needed to accomplish this goal. Recommendations ranged from making the pedestrian walkways safer with lighting, to repairing cracked and broken walkways to landscaping the area. All of these improvements would enhance the appearance and provide an aesthetically pleasing environment.
An overall concept and appearance theme was established and adopted by the Downtown Davenport Development Corporation. This concept is incorporated into the planned improvements to the downtown area to help "unify" the look. The adjacent Neighborhood Groups have adopted the same concept and theme.
The Gold Coast Neighborhood Group received a grant from the Riverboat Development Authority for constructing streetscape improvements along Ripley Street. Ament, Inc. assisted the group with a preliminary report to be used as a guide to set priorities as well as provide opinions of project costs along Ripley Street from 3rd Street to 12th Street. The report helped in determining the scope and budget for the grant application.
Neighborhood Public Meetings:
Public meetings were held to discuss the project with interested groups and stakeholders. The overall streetscape concept and area for improvements were accepted at the first meeting. The second meeting was held to establish priorities in the construction of the improvements and seek city assistance in matching funds. The group decided to begin the new enhancements at 12th and Ripley Streets and proceed south towards 3rd Street.
City personnel attended the meetings and agreed to participate in the curb replacement and street resurfacing for the area of improvement. Funding was secured
to construct the project from along Ripley Street from 12th to 8th Street.
Project Scope:
The project improvements included the construction of handicap ramps, new sidewalks and curbs, pedestrian lighting, street trees, retaining walls, and street resurfacing. Due to budget constraints the project was divided into block sections with plans to continue the improvements, as grants and funding are made available.
