MOLINE CENTRE PLAN

MUNICIPAL DISTRICT

DISTRICT CONCEPT

The Municipal in Moline Centre will be an exemplary  demonstration of civic pride through the development of a cohesive campus-like environment that has a welcoming streetscape and design.  17th Street will serve as a civic link between the Municipal District and the public open space along the Mississippi River at Bass Street Landing.

Because the City Hall, City Annex, Emergency Services Building, county court facilities, post office, and public library are all located within the district, people from throughout Moline are drawn to this area.  Today, this area is lacking in identity and character and is completely utilitarian in appearance and function with the historic City Hall and library serving as architectural highlights.

PLAN STATEGY

Creating a Municipal Campus Identity

The City should enhance the civic presence and role of the district through streetscaping and wayfinding improvements.  Streetscaping features in this district will serve the dual purpose of an entrance feature from the 7th Avenue gateway and begin to tie the Municipal District together.  Wayfinding signage should be strategically placed to provide easy access to City Hall, the Annex, the Fire and Safety Building, the post office, the library, and visitor parking.  Once a streetscaping theme is identified, it should be used consistently throughout the district.

The Super Block

The Super Block that includes the all of the aforementioned City buildings will benefit from a proposed municipal square or urban area.  Treatment of new building façades should respect the fact that they all face the urban open space.

Key architectural features of the City Hall building should be restored and lighted.  The New Police Station is a welcomed addition to the campus.

The historic downtown library has recently been updated and brought up to City and State operating codes.  Interior and exterior improvements make a noticeable difference to this structure that was built in part with a grant from Andrew Carnegie.  The library could open back up this winter, as the importance of a downtown library branch has been realized.

Civic Spine

17th Street should serve as the “civic spine,” connecting the Municipal District with the community greenspace along the riverfront at the Bass Street Landing development.  Streetscaping should tie these two districts together.

DESIGN STRATEGY

Currently, the Municipal District lacks a sense of identity within Moline Centre.  The primary architectural features include the City Hall, the library, and to a lesser extent, the post office and former YMCA building.

The design strategy for the Municipal District is to create a cohesive and attractive campus that integrates this district with surrounding districts through a coordinated public space and streetscape system.