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ACTIVE PROJECTS

UNIVERSITY SQUARE / e3 Initiative

PROJECT OVERVIEW

University Square is a key element of the RiverTech master plan which positions this private sector development of the Mississippi River Technology Corridor for a mix of new office, retail, residential, and flexible spaces which complement the adjacent planned WIU-QC Riverfront Campus. University Square offers the diversity of uses attractive to both the WIU Campus community and area residents. This private development will best meet the needs of:

Businesses seeking Class-A office space with views of the river, access to state-of-the-art conference center space, and proximity to downtown

Students, staff, and community members looking for housing accessible to transit within walking distance of stores and jobs, and with exceptional views

Retail establishments looking to serve a mixed campus and neighborhood community

These riverfront development projects will include student, facility and general population housing, retail that favors an academic environment, and flexible office spaces that accommodate diverse technological business ventures.

Take a Virtual Tour of the e3 Initiative Building

e3 INITIATIVE

The e3 Initiative is Phase I of the University Square development. This proposed private mixed-use project is designed to support the development of the WIU-QC Riverfront Campus with a focus on educational, entrepreneurial and environmental activities specifically involving activities of engineering, economic development and energy efficiencies.

The building will be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified and designed for a high-tech environment. Possible tenants include a nationally recognized collegiate bookstore/internet cafe, Black Hawk College’s Business Assistance Centers, Midwest Intellectual Property Institute, area economic development entities, a higher education studies center and market-rate apartments and/or condominiums.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

This state-of-the-art entrepreneurial center will provide a high-tech look and feel inside and out embracing its unique Mississippi River site. Sitting immediately adjacent to WIU-QC Riverfront Campus, e3's design will evoke the flow of the river with curved aluminum soffit while also creating a sleek, modern image utilizing floor-to-ceiling metal and glass materials.

The interior design will provide each space an open view of the Mississippi River while allowing those on the outside to observe the activity within.

The building is only strides away from the WIU-QC Riverfront Campus' far edge, rapid transit stops, and the riverfront. First floor will provide easily accessible amenities for students and professionals who live, work, or study in the area.

The second and third floors will be Class-A office space while the upper fourth and fifth floors will include market-rate apartments and/or condominiums built to suit young professionals, students, and those looking for urban-style living. Residential apartments will range from one- to three-bedroom units with scenic views of the pristine Mississippi River.

The University Square concept has been designed to include three buildings and a proposed parking structure, the first of which is the e3 building.

SCHEDULES

Gorman and Company is leading the development with a focus on the residential piece. They are currently searching for a partner to assist them with the retail/commercial portion. This project will likely proceed once the funding for the WIU-QC Riverfront Campus is secured from the State of Illinois.

The project is supported by a $1 million EDA grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce and matched by the City with over $2 million to pay for RiverTech Blvd., critical public infrastructure, and structural demolition.

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