DAVENPORT, IOWA (June 24, 2026) — The Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) unveiled a bold new brand identity for Downtown Davenport and highlighted a pipeline of catalytic gateway projects at its Annual Meeting on June 24, 2026.
The new brand reflects Downtown Davenport’s unique character — where small‑town charm meets big‑city energy, and a history of new ideas continues to shape the future. The refreshed identity captures the spirit of a downtown that is always evolving, always authentic, and always moving forward. See the new brand here.
“The story of Downtown Davenport has always been a local one,” said Kyle Carter, Executive Director, Downtown Davenport Partnership.
“The businesses, property owners, non-profits, and residents who invest here continue to shape a downtown that is authentic and undeniably resilient. Our brand reflects that long history of driving new ideas and constant evolution, and I’m eager to see how we write the next chapter together.”
A downtown built on local strength
Today, Downtown Davenport is home to more than 270 businesses, 2,700 residents, a workforce of 6,500 people, and an average annual daytime population of nearly 19,000.
Together, they support more than $434 million in taxable value and help make downtown one of the region’s most important economic and cultural centers. This past year, fourteen projects representing $13.9 million of investment were completed downtown.
With 85% of Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) stakeholder businesses locally owned, Downtown Davenport remains a community-driven district built by the people and organizations that invest in its success.
Reimagining downtown’s gateways
Downtown Davenport’s development pipeline includes $68+ million in planned investment, including transformative gateway projects and corridor opportunities that will shape how residents and visitors experience the district in years to come.
Planned catalytic gateway projects include the former Quad-City Times site and Riverwatch property to the east; the former YMCA site and Centennial Bridge corridor along the district’s western edge; and Main Street Landing, Redstone Building, and Ground Transportation Center sites in the core. All these opportunities would leverage ongoing public infrastructure investments in streets, parks, and flood mitigation.
These strategic locations represent some of the most visible and impactful opportunities for future investment and redevelopment in Downtown Davenport. The slate of planned projects will enhance connectivity, elevate the district’s visual identity, and reinforce Downtown Davenport as a Quad Cities hub for culture, commerce, and community.
Projects under construction
More than $35.3 million in projects are currently under construction throughout Downtown Davenport.
Among the most anticipated is the relocation of Common Chord and the Redstone Room to a new ground-floor space, creating a more visible and accessible home for live music and community events in the heart of downtown.
Additional key projects include the Executive Square redevelopment, Barrel House building expansion, and redevelopment of the former Boozie’s location at 114 W 3rd St., reflecting continued confidence in the district and its future.
Supporting local investment
DDP continues to strengthen Downtown Davenport’s small-business and property ecosystem through targeted improvement grants. During FY26 (July 2025-June 2026), DDP awarded more than $132,000 in property-improvement grants supporting eleven downtown buildings and leveraging an additional $870,000 in private investment.
Looking ahead to the SSMID’s 50th Anniversary
As the SSMID approaches its fiftieth anniversary in 2027, DDP is honoring a legacy of innovation and community leadership that has shaped downtown since 1977. The new brand and gateway projects set the stage for the next chapter — one defined by connection, creativity, and continued reinvention.
About the Downtown Davenport Partnership
Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) is a non-profit organization representing the original self-supported municipal improvement district (SSMID) in Iowa. With nearly fifty years of understanding the power of place management via our private/public partnership with City of Davenport, it is our mission 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 the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. Through strategic investment, advocacy, and partnerships, DDP works to strengthen the district’s vitality and ensure its long-term success. DowntownDavenport.com
