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Developer battles critics over whether The Dock redevelopment will be worth the wait

As plans to demolish the old Dock restaurant move forward, its developer says issues in surrounding communities won’t impact Davenport.

As plans to demolish the old Dock restaurant move forward, its developer says issues in surrounding communities won't impact Davenport.  Quad City developer Todd Raufeisen plans to tear down the former Dock along the Davenport riverfront and build three restaurants, offices and event space in its place.

The $12 million project is already three years in the works, and Raufeisen insists it will be worth the wait.

"Sometimes you have to be more patient to guarantee greater success," said Raufeisen.

Other recent area projects have fueled heavy criticism of Raufeisen and his development ideas.

Fyre Lake Golf Club

Sherrard Mayor Delbert Henry doesn't have much patience left, though.

"The only thing I've got to say to Davenport is good luck," said Henry.

Fyre Lake sign photo from Fyre Lake website.jpg

"A village this size, that is huge. I mean, that might not be so much for a bigger city, but that's huge for Sherrard," said Henry.

Henry admits that much of the mess began long before Raufeisen took ownership of FLGC. Raufeisen inherited many problems, ranging from back taxes to title tie-ups, when he purchased the foreclosed-upon course. He says that has been part of the struggle.

"We end up in the same bucket with a lot of things that aren't really a part of us, but are part of the original development," said Raufeisen.

In April of 2014, Raufeisen and the Village Board struck a new deal. Raufeisen agreed to work off the debt through construction work that would be mutually beneficial to both the golf club and Sherrard. The first planned project was to extend First Avenue and connect it to Township Road.

As of February 2015, the work had not been completed.

"It's no longer a frustration, everybody has kinda given up," said Henry. "They're saying it's just money we'll probably never get back, but I'm still fighting for it."

Raufeisen, though, insists he is still working with the village to make good on his deal and finish First Avenue.

"It's still going to happen. Everything takes a little more time, but it's still going to happen," said Raufeisen.

Gale Village

In Galesburg, Illinois, another Raufeisen project has made headlines.

In 2012, the city's Planning and Zoning Commission first approved a rezoning request for Gale Village, an 8-acre site where Raufeisen planned to build an Aldi, Hampton Inn and Suites, and retail space.

"The only thing that's there is the Aldi. The hotel, we're wondering what's going on. The strip mall, we're wondering what's going on," said Steve Brody, executive director of the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

"I want to see this stuff developed, I really do. If it's these folks, great, and if it's not, then let somebody else come in and do it," said Brody.

For sale sign at Gale Village (photo from Galesburg.com)

A development agreement, signed in 2013, requires the hotel to be open by June 1, 2015. As of February 2015, no building plans had been submitted to the city. If the hotel is not open by June, Raufeisen will be required to pay for some of the street improvements made to the area.

In October, Raufeisen was sued for defaulting on land payments surrounding the Aldi.  City leaders, though, said they're not worried by the delays.

"We feel we're at a pretty secure position," said city manager Todd Thompson. "For development projects, I don't think it's atypical, especially in challenging times."

Raufeisen says more development is on the horizon. He says construction on the Hampton Inn will start this summer, and work on a Pizza Ranch will begin as soon as possible.

"Sometimes things take time, and people get frustrated. It's part of the business to an extent, but it doesn't affect The Dock," said Raufeisen.

The Dock

Raufeisen says each project stands on its own, and issues elsewhere won't impact Davenport.  Third Ward Alderman Bill Boom agrees.

"I don't think I've met a developer yet that doesn't have an issue on any given particular project. We've heard the same of other developers that are working and doing great work in our downtown and elsewhere in town, so I guess I take some of that with a grain of salt," said Boom.

Dock

Raufeisen, too, says he's used to dealing with the public's doubt.

"At the end of the day, you keep chugging along, and you've got to condition your family for it, but yeah, people get skeptical, and until things are done, no one necessarily believes you, and that's just part of our business," said Raufeisen.

He's focused now on turning the Dock plans into a reality.

"Dock's gonna happen. The Dock's exciting," said Raufeisen.

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