Renaissance Rock Island hosted the 22nd Annual Hard Hat celebration today at the new Comedy Sportz. The event is designed to recognize investment in the community and thank those who have helped strengthen Rock Island. The organizations of Renaissance Rock Island - Development Association of Rock Island (DARI), Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH), and The Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District (The District) - are pleased to present the following awards.
Golden Brooms - Golden Brooms are awarded for outstanding maintenance.
§ Big Catz House of Chrome
Located on the corner of First Avenue and 16th Streets in Rock Island, Big Catz House of Chrome receives more than their share of traffic. Tending not only to their existing property, the owners work to improve and maintain the landscape of surrounding parking lots, sidewalks and green space.
§ Illinois Casualty Insurance
Having just celebrated their 60th Anniversary, Illinois Casualty Insurance, located at 225 - 20th Street, consistently maintains their property to spotless perfection.
Golden Paintbrush - New in 2010, the Golden Paintbrush is awarded for outstanding painting improvements.
§ El Patron Bar & Grill
Step into this establishment, which opened in March of this year, and you feel as though you have entered another country. No surface has been left untouched, with hand painted original murals throughout.
§ Phil Scott
A lot of paint and imagination went into painting the wall of an adjoining property to create an undersea view for patrons of Cabana's outdoor patio. This larger than life aquatic mural can be seen by passers-by as well, enhancing the landscape along Fourth Avenue.
§ Regalia Manufacturing
Located at 2018 Fourth Avenue, and family owned since 1897, Regalia Manufacturing recently repainted the entire façade of their historic building.
§ Fanth Curry Home Improvement Company
Located at 4515 - 6th Avenue, Fanth Curry sits at the gateway to Rock Island. Extensive exterior painting has improved the look of this business, and offers a much improved first impression.
Golden Hammers - Golden Hammers are awarded for outstanding business investment.
§ RILCO - Rock Island Lubricants
The Golden Hammer was awarded to RILCO for brush removal, cleanup and concrete work. Located at 1320 - 1st Street RILCO also underwent a major expansion project.
§ Realm Wellness Spa
A new business that opened in March 2010, located at 150 - 16½ Street, Realm Wellness Spa offers a wide array of spa services, a natural juice bar and other wellness services. Since their opening, Realm Wellness Spa has expanded both in space and services.
§ Lundgren Chiropractic
Located at 2965 and 3012 - 13th Avenue, Lundgren Chiropractic updated 3 buildings with painting, signage, awnings and lighting, creating a cohesive look.
§ Mainstream Commercial Group Ltd. - for Watchtower Plaza
Located on 11th Street, Watchtower Plaza repaired the existing parking lot and applied new asphalt, a major project with noticeable impact. In addition, management has been diligently working to fill spaces.
§ Dial Properties - for Rock Valley Plaza
Located at 4800 Blackhawk Road, Rock Valley Plaza has a new front façade, a major upgrade
§ Lundgren Chiropractic
Located at 2965 and 3012 - 13th Avenue, Lundgren Chiropractic updated 3 buildings with painting, signage, awnings and lighting, creating a cohesive look.
§ City Limits Saloon and Grill
This property has undergone major exterior work, including decks and a new addition. Located at 4514 - 9th Street, City Limits recently completed this work and is now open for business.
§ Bill's Moving & Storage
Bill's Moving & Storage added foam insulation, coping and EFIS, greatly improving the facility and property value located at 104 - 10th Street.
Green Hammers - New for 2010, Green Hammers are awarded for outstanding business investment utilizing a "green" initiative.
§ Steve's Old Time Tap
A long time Rock Island establishment recently installed new, energy efficient windows and dramatically improved the appearance of the façade with new awnings. Located at 223 - 17th Street.
§ Kavanaugh's Hilltop Tavern
A new façade , new awnings and new "green" windows and door are just some of the recent improvements to this business, which has been working on several improvements over the past few years.
§ Klauer Heating & Air Conditioning
Three commercial buildings have been installed with new windows and doors. Many of the upgrades to these buildings are energy efficient.
Mayor & City Council Trophy
The Mayor & City Council's Trophy is awarded for the most strategic new investment.
Finalists:
- Rock Island Center for Math and Science
Located at the former Villa de Chantal property, this 64,000 square foot building holds 550 students from pre-K through 6th grade. The facility includes a science lab, state of the art technology, a community room, music room , media center and production room, and separate gymnasium and cafeteria.
The school is situated in the heart of Rock Island, on almost 10 acres of wooded nature trails. It is a place where creative, innovative ideas are encouraged to challenge students and make learning exciting, where teachers can be flexible in meeting students' needs. It is a place where parents and teachers are partners in helping their students to learn and grow.
- Rock Island Hydroelectric Plant
With an investment of $2.2 million dollars, The City of Rock Island rehabilitated an aging powerhouse that now offers significant environmental benefits for all. City utility customers and taxpayers will benefit directly in the future due to lower costs for the electricity needed to operate city facilities. The Rock Island Hydroelectric Plant operates as an enterprise fund, like the city's water and sewer utilities. 95% of its revenue is earned by selling electricity to the largest City-owned users, such as the water and sewage treatment plants. The remainder is earned by selling excess electricity to Mid-American Energy.
Winner:
- Schwiebert Riverfront Park
Officially opened in July of this year, this 1/5 of a mile long park is the former site of the Jumer's Casino Rock Island riverboat gaming operation and National Guard Armory building. The new demountable flood protection wall provides continued protection when necessary, while maintaining an unencumbered view of the Mississippi River. The main stage area and great lawn mimics the former Armory Building footprint. In keeping with the RiverVision Plan, Schwiebert Riverfront Park has reconfigured urban public open space into a park-like setting that includes a state of the art playground, interactive water feature and performance stage that are sure to improve the quality of living in Rock Island.
CC Wilson Trophy for the Most Dedicated - Kevin Koski
Kevin Koski has served on the Renaissance Rock Island Exec Board for the past 17 years. With a goal of making Rock Island a better place to work, live and play, Kevin's own family is a testament to the success of his efforts. His children returned to Rock Island and have made it their home.
He has a proven track record that includes being a vital force in the clean-up of discarded tires for many years. His dedication and contribution to the betterment of the community has earned Kevin this year's award for being the most dedicated DARI member.
Mo Payton for the Volunteer of the Year - Jan Masamoto
Jan Masamoto has served on countless boards and committees, including DARI and GROWTH as well as her current role as Chairman of The District Board of Directors. Jan is intelligent, tireless, entrepreneurial, passionate and well respected throughout the Quad Cities. In addition to running her own company, JTM Concepts, Jan does more than her part to support many charitable organizations throughout the community.
The Renaissance Rock Island Vision Award - John Phillips
John Phillips has the vision necessary to move forward. In his role as City Manager, John Phillips has devoted more than 20 years with a vision and a single purpose -the betterment of the city of Rock Island. Through leadership, hard work, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment, John has steadfastly worked to make this community the best it can be.
