Fifth Avenue Building/The Axis Hotel

  • Developer/Project Proponent: Heart of America Group
  • Project Address: 1630 5th Avenue
  • Renew Moline Role: Design review
  • Completion Date: 2019
  • Economic Incentives: Tax abatement, parking lease, historic tax credits
  • Project/website link: The Axis Hotel Moline, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Built in 1929 and located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 17th Street, the original eight story structure was designed by Moline’s most prolific architect, William H. Schulzke. The Fifth Avenue Building offices were under construction when the Great Depression hit, and was one of the few projects to continue and complete construction at a very difficult time in American history.  After opening, it was home to one of the finest indoor mini golf courses in the country.  Fast forward to 2016, when developer Mike Whalen fell in love with the building’s grandeur and Art Deco architectural features. Dubbed the “Axis” because the original building owners promoted the location at the “axis” of the region.  Additionally, the ground floor bar and bistro was named The Syndicate in honor of the original four investment partners who called themselves “the syndicate”.  The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fifth Avenue Building/The Axis Hotel