Apartment Building Demolition Approved By Davenport Council

Natalie Brooks

4 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

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Details of the Approved Demolition

Location and specifics of the apartment building

The Davenport City Council approved the demolition of the Oakwood Apartments, located at 123 Main Street, Davenport, IA. This aging building, constructed in 1960, comprised 150 residential units.

• Number of residential units affected: 150
• Reason for demolition: Deteriorating structural integrity and outdated building codes rendered the building unsafe and costly to renovate. Redevelopment plans for the site ultimately necessitated demolition.
• Timeline for demolition: Demolition is scheduled to begin on October 23rd, 2024, and is expected to be completed within six weeks. Minor traffic disruptions may occur during this period.
• Historical Significance: While the Oakwood Apartments lacked individual historical landmark status, it represented a significant piece of Davenport's mid-20th-century residential history.

Impact on Residents

Relocation and housing assistance

The city of Davenport, in collaboration with the developers, has implemented a comprehensive relocation assistance program for the 150 affected residents.

• Number of residents affected: 150
• Relocation assistance programs: This includes financial assistance for relocation costs, including moving expenses and security deposits for new housing. The city has also partnered with local housing agencies to identify suitable alternative accommodations.
• Temporary housing options: Temporary housing options, including short-term rental assistance, are available for those requiring immediate relocation.
• Financial aid: Financial aid packages are tailored to each resident's individual needs, considering factors like income and family size.

Community concerns and responses

Public forums and community meetings were held to address resident concerns about the apartment building demolition and subsequent redevelopment.

• Public forums: Several public meetings were held to discuss the project and answer resident questions.
• Concerns about affordable housing: A major concern raised was the potential loss of affordable housing units in the area. The city has pledged to address this concern through the creation of new affordable housing units in the redevelopment project.
• Responses from city officials: City officials have emphasized their commitment to providing adequate and affordable housing options for all residents, and have outlined plans to mitigate the impact of the demolition on affordable housing stock.

Redevelopment Plans for the Site

Future plans for the land after demolition

Following the apartment building demolition, the site will undergo a significant redevelopment project.

• Type of development: The planned development is a mixed-use project, featuring both residential and commercial spaces.
• Number of units: The new development will include 200 residential units, a mix of apartments and townhouses.
• Timeline for completion: The redevelopment project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026.
• Environmental impact assessment: A comprehensive environmental impact assessment has been conducted, and mitigation plans are in place to minimize the environmental impact of the project.

Economic Implications of the Project

Job creation and economic benefits

The demolition and redevelopment project are expected to generate significant economic benefits for Davenport.

• Job creation: The project is expected to create hundreds of construction jobs during both the demolition and redevelopment phases.
• Property value increase: The redevelopment is anticipated to increase property values in the surrounding area.
• Tax revenue: The new development will generate significant tax revenue for the city.
• Impact on local businesses: Local businesses will benefit from increased foot traffic and consumer spending associated with the new development.

Conclusion

This article has highlighted the key aspects of the Davenport City Council’s approval of the apartment building demolition, including the project details, its impact on residents, the planned redevelopment, and its economic implications. The demolition presents both challenges and opportunities for Davenport, requiring careful planning and community engagement to ensure a positive outcome for all involved. The apartment building demolition process, while disruptive in the short term, paves the way for positive long-term development and improved community infrastructure.

Call to Action: Stay informed about the progress of the apartment building demolition and redevelopment plans by regularly checking the Davenport City Council website and attending public meetings. For further details on the apartment building demolition and its effects on the Davenport community, contact your local council representative.