With the arrival of spring, downtown Bettendorf is buzzing with several exciting new developments. The City’s West Bridge project is underway and includes a facelift for Leach Park with plans for a 2,500-seat amphitheater and construction of a mixed-use residential and commercial space. Ryan Jantzi, Executive Director of the Downtown Bettendorf Organization says he hopes the reinvestment in this corridor will fill the gap between the east and west sides of downtown Bettendorf. “The old I-74 bridge was a barrier between the east and west sides. The new I-74 bridge, with the addition of the urban park underneath her, will allow for better connectivity not only to the east and west sides but also to the neighborhoods to the north of our downtown.”
Two new restaurants have plans to open this summer as well.
Siam Thai Café will be located in the former State Street Interiors space next to Platinum Salon and Spa at 905 State Street. “We were so pleased with this investment in downtown Bettendorf, ” said Jantzi. He remarked that Nancy Bowe, owner of Platinum Salon used grant money to renovate the property, creating the space for the salon, and an additional space for the café, which will be opened by her mother. “After sitting dormant for 5 years, we are welcoming two new businesses.”
Additionally, D’Lua Tequila Bar and Restaurant is opening a new location at 2460 State St., the site of the former McDonald’s which had been closed since 2018. The new owners feel the location near the bridge is perfect for what will be their fourth local restaurant, and hope to open mid-summer.
Verde, at 1507 State St. in The Bridges Lofts building has been temporarily closed but hopes to reopen this May. The popular eatery “is exploring a new lunch menu,” said Jantzi, noting that he was encouraged that another lunch spot will be available downtown.
Meanwhile, Jantzi has been busy seeking Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) renewals which expire in June. At least 25% of all owners of commercial, residential or industrial property within the proposed SSMID boundaries, and 25% or more of the assessed value of all applicable properties must sign in favor of the renewal to be considered by the City of Bettendorf. Currently, Janzti has 48% buy-in from stakeholders, with a goal of 50%.
SSMID dollars help with a number of initiatives from assisting with grant money to City beautification and promotion efforts. Jantzi is pleased to report that new pole banners and a mural will be a part of Bettendorf’s beautification efforts. “Local artist, Atlanta Dawn is helping to design new banner art and will be creating a new mural across from City Hall. We expect this to be complete by late summer.”