ACTIVE PROJECTS

RIVERTECH

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The RiverTech district is a collaborative effort between state and local public and private sectors with a focus on technological and informational disciplines in a modern, urban environment.  The proposed plan is anchored by the public institution of higher education WIU-QC Riverfront Campus as well as the private developments including University Square and FlexTech.  Together these developments begin to form the RiverTech district, the eastern portion of the Mississippi River Technology Corridor.

The City and Renew Moline envision a development that has all the elements to become a national model; one that embraces sustainability, environmental sensitivity, and energy efficiency. This "Clean and Green" development will be a unique, high-tech atmosphere filled with young and old alike engaged in knowledge development all the while surrounded by green spaces, the Mississippi River, and modern structures. 

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Components of this riverfront development will include facility, student, and general population housing; retail that favors an academic setting; and flexible office and technological spaces that accommodate diverse, modern business ventures.

The vision for this district is to create a park-like setting embracing the riverfront ecosystem that includes a pleasure drive along the majestic Mississippi River while accentuating the campus locale.  Throughout the district pedestrian-friendly walkways will connect people to buildings within minutes.  Vehicular traffic will circulate on ease-of-access drives.  The district will also support rapid public transportation and eventual urban-rail transit. 

Upon entering the district, one will be experience an urban parkway that embraces the natural riverfront ecosystem.

RiverTech is the catalyst needed to successfully launch the bold vision of a knowledge based society and paradigm shift for the greater Quad City region known as the Mississippi River Technology Corridor.

SCHEDULES

The RiverTech project will be very active in 2010. The first phase will be the renovation of an existing building on the campus to become the College of Business and Technology.  Groundbreaking for this phase is scheduled for Spring 2010.  Development agreements for the e3 Initiative and FlexTech projects are anticipated to be executed in 2010.

In addition, a critical access road known as RiverTech Boulevard has been funded by Congress and design and construction will also begin in 2010.

To date, over $8 million public funding has been secured for various uses including infrastructure and public improvements.

NEWS ARTICLES

Three futures forseen for River Drive

Tales of Innovation

RiverTech Plan Draft (.pdf)