DAVENPORT, IOWA (May 29, 2025) — Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) will unveil a major placemaking enhancement to the Emerson Place alley featuring decorative lighting and permanent steel archways, knitting the neighborhood together and recognizing its historic roots as Motor Row and Bucktown.
The downtown master plan project began in 2023 with the installation of a large-scale mural created by five regional artists during the Alternating Currents festival. That bold artistic statement served as the first step in reimagining the Emerson Place corridor, a uniquely urban alleyway linking East 2nd Street and River Drive between Iowa and Perry Streets.
Now, the final phase of the beautification is nearly complete with the installation of decorative steel archways and ambient string lighting. A public ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 4PM, at the intersection of Iowa and Emerson Place alley (behind Last Picture House).
“We’re proud that every element of this deeply local project was produced 100% within the community,” said Kyle Carter, Executive Director, DDP. “The space will literally shine each night, illuminating the adjacent businesses while providing a safer and more beautiful alleyway that’s highly visible downtown. It can also serve as a space to host creative activations and special events.”
The archways pay homage to the neighborhood’s complex story as a historic district, with a nod to its duality as a hub for both the emerging automobile industry, as well as its earlier origins as an infamous home to bawdy saloons and entertainment. Today, the East 2nd Street “Motor Row” neighborhood stands as one of downtown’s fastest growing mixed corridors featuring retail, restaurants and housing.
DDP invested $180,000 in the total project, which includes $52,000 of donated in-kind labor and materials provided by Davenport Electric Contract Company (DECCO).
“DECCO and Barry VanBlaircom’s generous donation and project management are a huge reason this downtown master plan goal came to life,” said Carter. “Combined with the skill and expertise of all six local vendors, this project showcases what we can build right here in the QC when we think creatively, get engaged and stick to the plan.”
The project was built entirely by local hands:
- Howard Steel, based in Davenport’s west end, fabricated custom archways, and beams.
- Shive-Hattery provided engineering support.
- Davenport Electric Company designed and installed the lighting and provided project management.
- Streamline Architects and Oertel Metal Works contributed to early design and planning.
- Hand-drawn lettering on each sign was created by local artist Johnnie Cluney, widely known for his Daytrotter portraits and the Arsenal Bridge welcome sign.
Key Highlights:
- A placemaking initiative by DDP inspired by downtown master plan
- 100% locally-designed, -engineered, and -built
- Kicked off in 2023 with a community mural by five artists during Alternating Currents
- Decorative lighting enhances safety and nighttime ambiance
- Historic-inspired archways highlighting Motor Row and Bucktown neighborhood history
About the Downtown Davenport Partnership:
With nearly fifty years of understanding the power of Place Management via private/public partnership, Downtown Davenport Partnership's mission is to administer and operate programs for the general improvement and redevelopment of Davenport’s Central Business District and to enhance its aesthetic appearance and economic future for the community and all the citizens of Davenport. DDP is an affiliate of Quad Cities Chamber.
