The George W. Smiley House has been given new life, now that the renovation of it has been completed. The two-story brick residence, built in the late 1860s, has been leased to three Palmer College of Chiropractic students. Members of the Hilltop Campus Village, Blue Grass Bank and others involved were given the chance to see the inside, and were very pleased with what they saw.
“Having seen the property both before and after helps you appreciate the amount and quality of work performed. “ said Chris Meyer, member of the ad hoc volunteer group that oversaw the process of finding a new owner. “The floors, windows and staircase are just a few of the amazing things achieved here.”
Director Scott Tunnicliff was equally impressed. “Attracting quality investment like this is the cornerstone of what the Hilltop Campus Village is all about. Nothing is more important in this city than halting the trend of de-populating the central city with such projects.”
The house, which is a contributing property to the College Square Historic District in Davenport Iowa, had faced an uncertain future for the past couple of years. It reuse is due to the generosity and commitment to community development of Wells Fargo Bank and Trust, who donated the property to the Hilltop Campus Village Corporation, hoping they could find a someone interested in its renovation. Sherri Wagler and Derrick Beechum of Wells Fargo were among those that toured the property.
The Hilltop Campus Village Corp., a 501c3 organization dedicated to revitalization within the district, chose an ad hoc work group from its volunteer base to develop an application aimed at finding a developer or occupant who would be able to take possession for a price substantially below market value, on condition that they be able to secure financing and implement viable plans for its renovation and re-use.
The process was not an easy one. Funding for the initial successful applicant fell through, and the ad hoc had to begin again. Eventually a successful applicant emerged. Andrew Wold, owner of Alliance Contracting, came forward and agreed to purchase the property to renovate it to standards as specified by the the HCV.
The house, originally a 4-bedroom, 2600 sq foot residence, is located at the SW corner of Harrison Street and 11th, directly across from the new construction going on at Davenport Central High School. It is just east of the Bethel AME Church, and north of Jimmy’s King Gyros.
“The ad hoc work group did a great job of developing the application, and vetting applicants.” Said HCV Board President Robert Lee. “We wanted to make certain this property would be saved, and given new life, especially as it is so close to lots of amenities, and visible to people driving and walking through the Hilltop Campus Village.”
Andrew Wold is pleased that things turned out so well. “Going in, we knew there would be a lot of work required, especially on the windows and on the floors, but this place has great bones.” He said. “We are pleased to have has the opportunity to do the work and to lease it out.”.
Those seeking additional information may contact Andrew Wold at 563 370 0354, or Scott Tunnicliff, HCV director, at 563 370 2098.
