This is a comprehensive invitation for those interested in the advancement of the Hilltop Campus Village, to attend the the Hilltop Campus Village Annual Meeting, this Thursday, May 21, beginning at 5:30pm at 1600 Greatest Grains Event Center.
Additional information is provide at the following link:
This is an important time for the district, as it seeks to rebuild and reinvigorate itself. The second five years will be at least as exciting as the first. We hope to see you there.

Thanks to the generosity of a growing business in the Hilltop Campus Village district, the office of the district has settled into a new home. It is now at 122 East 15th Street, in space provided by the Ascentra Credit Union - which is itself moving soon to their new facility on the SW corner of Brady and Locust Streets, currently under construction and scheduled to open in July 2015. The HCV offices were formerly located at 601 Brady Street.

"We were frankly surprised by the terrific success of our "Studio Suites" project in the Priester Building. Seven new businesses have located there in less than a year and we began thinking at year's end that we may have worked ourselves out of an office space.", said HCV Board President Robert Lee, "So our Board instructed the HCV Director to begin making discreet inquiries as to what might be available. We were extremely pleased to find an option like the space available at Ascentra's present location."

"On the one hand, it is challenging to keep moving our offices; nobody enjoys that process" said Director Scott Tunnicliff. "On the other, since our mission is to encourage reinvestment and revitalization in the area, it is a practical price to pay for success. The space we have been accorded allows us a chance to continue to work to improve and promote the opportunities here."

Dale Owen, CEO of Ascentra Credit Union, was pleased to respond to the inquiry. "After meeting with Scott and later with Robert Lee, it became apparent that there was some synergy between our plans and their needs, both for the short and long-term. We look on this as the first of many ways we can take a leadership role in helping good things happen in the Hilltop Campus Village and vicinity." 

Christopher Meyer, board member and Chair of the Promotions Work Group, was one of those in charge of making the move. "Our board made a very deliberative decision and once made, everything seemed to come together. I continue to be impressed by the level of commitment shown by commercial property owners in our area. We had an outpouring of volunteers helping to make the move so we didn't miss a beat with respect to work continuing."

Kelly Young, Board Vice-chair and head of the Organization Work Group noted that this is just a part of the progress being made. "Ascentra has made us very welcome. Scott has received a warm welcome from Ascentra staff and we will look forward to working closely. There are a lot of very good things happening in the Hilltop area right now, and this is just one of them." 
Further inquiries may be directed to Scott Tunnicliff (563 370 2098) or Dale Owen (563 459-6910).

DAVENPORT, Iowa?On Monday, March 2, St. Ambrose completed the purchase of the former Eye Care Pavilion building, located at 310 West Locust Street. The university has begun work on renovating the interior of the 7,400 square-foot building in order to create a new Welcome Center, which will also include offices for SAU Admissions departments.
"We were very excited when approached about purchasing this property, both for the attractive building and to fill out the southeast 'footprint' of our campus," said Mike Poster, vice president for finance. "The new center will be an appealing and functional space to greet and welcome prospective students and their families, and will serve as a major presence for St. Ambrose at the intersection of two of the city's most heavily trafficked thoroughfares."
The university intends to complete the renovation by July of this year.
"This acquisition and renovation from an Eye Care Pavillion into the SAU welcome center is a very welcome example of creative re-use of property and buildings. When completed, it will serve as an attractive and inviting gateway for the university, as well as a signature renovation in the Hilltop Campus Village."
The Eye Care Pavilion relocated to a new facility at 4310 East 53rd Street, Davenport.
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Once again, the Hilltop Campus Village office has worked itself out of a home. Due to the success of its Studio Suites effort, it has relocated from 601 Brady Street Suite 301, where it had been since 2011.

The reason for its relocation is the success of the "Studio Suites" initiative, which began less than a year ago with a Main Street Iowa Business Initiatives Challenge Grant, and the vision of organization volunteers, including building owner Theodore "Ted" Priester.

"It was Ted's drive that put this into play", said HCV Board President Robert Lee. "Our Economic Restructuring Work Group felt there was a need to provide office space for start ups, home-based businesses and business desiring a more efficient layout. Ted felt that the space we were occupying might suit that purpose, so we pitched a concept to Main Street Iowa, and they accepted our grant application proposal. We knew there was demand, but did not anticipate that it would succeed so well and so quickly." For his part, Ted was pleased to be a part of the process, and believes it could be a trend-setter.  He said, "Perhaps the success of the studio suite project might encourage owners to take a similar approach to revitalize older office buildings in our community."

The program provides a $5,000 grant to reimburse the owner for 50% of the improvements made to the office space, which has been converted from a 3,300 sq. ft. single user space into a series of office suites featuring modest month-to-month leases and shared amenities.

DeAnn Soults, chair of the Economic Restructuring Work Group, applauds the efforts and the owner initiative. "So much is dependent on the commitment of the owner to the process, and Mr. Priester demonstrated his desire to move this forward, with investment in interior improvements and in marketing. We put information out on our website and issued a press release, but much of the success came from word of mouth. We also had some good leads and support from Marsha Rinetti and the Small Business Development Center."

There are now six businesses in the Studio Suites, where a year ago the HCV was the sole occupant. They are start up business Military Cost Cutters; Chiropractor Dr. Melissa Peters; Hypnotherapist Sylvia Kroeger; Massage on the Hill; Attorney Penny Souhrada; and most recently, Architect Charles Schwab. A seventh business is expected to join them within the next month. In addition, but unrelated to the Studio Suites initiative, Aflac insurance office has leased space adjacent to the Studio Suites.

"We had been consolidating and downsizing to accommodate the news of the new businesses", added Scott Tunnicliff, HCV Director, "but when one came forward seeking to lease my work station, we really felt the need to relocate. This is our third move in five years, and each time it has come due to reinvestment and redevelopment in the Hilltop Campus Village, which is after all our primary mission."

The Eastside Bakery on the corner of 15th and Harrison Street in Davenport is holding an anniversary celebration on Sunday, Feb. 22   It's free, of course, and will  last  from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

This event is in celebration of its  first anniversary  on The Hilltop!  It's also an opportunity to preview potential  new menu items and enjoy old favorites!

Spread the word and plan to attend!

COMMENTARY:

This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Hilltop Campus Village Corporation. It was approved by the Main Street Iowa program in May 2009 and operations began following the formation of a board of directors, their appointment of a director in August, and technical training for volunteers in September and October.

We have all observed gratifying progress in efforts to revitalize our commercial corridors and seen increasing levels of quality reinvestment. Much of this has occurred as a result of partnerships being formed - with the area churches, colleges and universities, existing and new businesses, commercial property owners, the school district, multiple city departments, social agencies and interested volunteers who know that the successful encouragement of quality reinvestment helps enhance surrounding neighborhoods.

OVERVIEW:

Main Street Iowa recently put out their Cumulative Report Totals, an economic impact report that shows a running total of reinvestment and job creation in each of the 52 Iowa districts since they became part of the Main Street Iowa network.  While the results vary considerably by size of community and by how long the communities have been in the program, a look back 5 year shows some compelling data:

Among districts less than 25 years old, the Hilltop Campus Village is 2nd among all districts in private sector investment in rehabilitation,  7th in number of buildings rehabilitated, and 3rd in private sector dollars invested in acquisition. This doesn't include public sector investments in street resurfacing, curb repair, sidewalk upgrades, street lights and the other many things done to enhance the area by our city.

If these trends continue, we can look forward to more businesses, more customers coming to shop at those businesses and more employment opportunities in those businesses as they grow.

HAPPENINGS OF NOTE

Of particular interest to the businesses and institutions in the Hilltop Campus Village. The City of Davenport has been studying the potential of a possible city-wide broadband service and are looking for more input from businesses in our area as to what they might want to see out of such an offering. They have had a lot of residential participation, but need to hear from businesses too. This survey will run through Jan. 5.  The link to the background info and the survey is:

https://www.davenporttoday.com/business/business-stories/tell-davenport-what-you-want-from-the-internet . Let them hear from you!

There will be a Lydia Home meeting on Tuesday Dec 30th at 7 p.m., at the Lydia Home, 1431 Ripley Street. This informal monthly gathering is an excellent forum for neighbors and citizens to work with police and others to address concerns in the area and gather information. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Joyce Klopp at 563 322 0382.

The Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce is promoting VENTURE SCHOOL, a 6-week program for persons with a marketable idea, designed to accelerate the business startup process while increasing a person's chance for success. The program is offered through a partnership between the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, The University of Iowa John Poppajohn Entrerpreneurial Center, and Ignite Quad Cities, a component of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. Information sessions will be held Thursday January 15 at noon and 5:30pm at the Quad Cities Chamber in downtown Davenport. Learn more and apply online at venture-school.com.

WORK GROUP SESSIONS

The four work groups that make things happen in our area deal with Design, Organization, Economic Restructuring and Promotion. All meet monthly and are open to the public. Persons wishing to learn more about these groups may do so by asking the director or a volunteer, by coming to the meetings as listed below and by visiting www.hilltopcampusvillage.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

o   Meeting time: Third Thursday of the month (January 15), 5:00pm, Hilltop Campus Village office conference area, 601 Brady Street, Suite 301

§  Reviewing Mission and Vision statements

§  Action Plan updates from Work Groups

§  Consideration of grant program for signage proposal

ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE

o   Meeting time: Second Monday of the month (January 12), 4:00 pm., Hilltop Campus Village conference area, 601 Brady Street, Suite 301

§  Prioritization of Org. Work Group 2015 Action Plan initiatives

§  1028 Harrison Street property update

§  Main Street Iowa Business Innovation Challenge Grant (Studio Start up phase 1) update

DESIGN COMMITTEE

o   Meeting time: Third Monday of the month (January 19), 5:00pm, Hilltop Campus Village conference area, 601 Brady Street, Suite 301

§  Design Review Board update

§  Prioritize Design Work Group 2015 Action Plan initiatives

§  Information column/public art update

PROMOTION COMMITTEE

o   Meeting time: Second Tuesday (January 13), 4:00pm, Hilltop Campus Village conference area, 601 Brady Street, Suite 301

§  Prioritization of Promotion Work Group 2015 Action Plan initiatives

§  Comprehensive Promotion Strategy development

§  Review of CHS presentation of December 18

§  Interest in Cupid Comes to the Hilltop

§  Start of planning for Altar Crawl in May

ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING COMMITTEE

o   Meeting time: Third Wednesday, (January 21) noon, Hilltop Campus Village conference area, 601 Brady Street, Suite 301

§  Prioritization of Economic Restructuring 2015 Action Plan initiatives

§  Bus shelter progress

§  New businesses and redevelopment plans

§  Needs survey for Hilltop Campus Village

The Hilltop Campus Village is a not for profit organization dedicated to restoration, redevelopment and revitalization of the area.  Questions, comments and suggestions may be addressed by contacting the Hilltop Campus Village office at 563-322-8293 or hcvscott@gmail.com or board members.

Plan to Attend a Public Presentation

of Plans for the Davenport Central High School expansion

Presented by Hilltop Campus Village

at the Third Missionary Baptist Church, 222 W. 14th St. in Davenport.

***************************************

The presentation will be made at 6pm by Davenport Community School District Director of Operations Michael Maloney and Greg Larrison, principal with Larrison and Associates Architects, P.C.

***************************************

This outreach is offered as a means of helping to keep interested parties informed as to the progress of this exciting addition to the Hilltop Campus Village district area. The Hilltop Campus Village is very grateful that Third Missionary Baptist Church has made its facilities available.

***************************************

Join us at 6pm on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at

Third Missionary Baptist Church as we all learn more about the anticipated

expansion to Davenport Central High!

 

The meeting is free and open to the public.

Call 563 322 8293  or email  hcvscott@gmail.com for additional information

Plan to Attend a Public Presentation

of Plans for the Davenport Central High School expansion

Presented by Hilltop Campus Village

at the Third Missionary Baptist Church, 222 W. 14th St. in Davenport.

***************************************

The presentation will be made at 6pm by Davenport Community School District Director of Operations Michael Maloney and Greg Larrison, principal with Larrison and Associates Architects, P.C.

***************************************

This outreach is offered as a means of helping to keep interested parties informed as to the progress of this exciting addition to the Hilltop Campus Village district area. The Hilltop Campus Village is very grateful that Third Missionary Baptist Church has made its facilities available.

***************************************

Join us at 6pm on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at

Third Missionary Baptist Church as we all learn more about the anticipated

expansion to Davenport Central High!

 

The meeting is free and open to the public.

Call 563 322 8293  or email  hcvscott@gmail.com for additional information

The building at 1329 Harrison Street stood neglected and vacant for many years, like too many of the buildings in the Hilltop Campus Village. Then, thanks to the vision and hard work of new owners, it was cleaned up and painted, brightening the Harrison corridor and making everyone who walked or drove by wonder

"What's gonna go in there?" Now it can be told.

D'Allen Salon Suites and Bass Blessed Boutique will have an Open House on Saturday, November 15 from 1pm to 4pm. The owners, Martha and Alan Spears have been working on the interior spaces, separating the L-shaped building into distinct units that separates the clothing boutique from the D'Allen Salon Suites.

Martha Spears says "D'Allen Salon Suites represents the latest concept in Booth Rental Salons that provides licensed beauty professionals with the freedom and flexibility of their own private studio." It will provide an upscale environment without the upscale price, featuring fully-equipped private studios with on-site management.

The Bass Blessed Boutique will carry the latest in fashion for men and women."We have known for a while now what Martha and Alan were planning, and got ot see some of the interior as it was going up,." Said Hilltop Campus Director Scott Tunnicliff. "This block has been the latest extension of the commercial corridor re-development, with improvements and expansions also made by Hilltop Grocery, Spears Resale (Brenda and Curtis, no relation to Martha and Alan) and the Hilltop Law Offices."

The Open House will be an opportunity for everyone to have their curiosity satisfied. Join Martha and Alan on Saturday November 15.

Additional questions of the owner can be directed to Martha Spears, ladym58@sbcglobal.net or 309-631-3891.

Here is a great opportunity to welcome another new business to the Hilltop Campus Village!
Saturday from 3pm to 7pm book binder, conservator and store owner Andrew Hout will be opening his shop at 230 West 15th St.
For those in need of landmarks, the shop is right next to the Eastside Bakery, across the street from Harrison Lofts, and just north of the Hilltop Plaza Park.
More information can be found at http://bigriverbindery.com/2014/10/grand-opening/
This promises to be another unique destination point that is helping to make the Hilltop Campus Village a one of a a shopping area where people can come to find things unavailable
Andrew Huot, Bookbinder and Conservator
Big River Bindery
230 W 15th St.
Davenport, IA 52803

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