EAST MOLINE, Illinois - A long-awaited project for East Moline’s riverfront is now moving forward.
After years of talks but not much action from developers, new life is on the way to the former Case-New Holland site. Developers are now one step closer to starting the East Moline River Front project.
East Moline Planning and Zoning members approving developer’s plans for the 56 acre site during Wednesday, December 14, 2016 meeting.
“We are just excited to have the development coming,” says City Engineer, Tim Kammler.
The plan will include three apartment complexes, which are bank funded and a 240 room Hyatt Regency hotel all rising up along the Mississippi River.
“To have a hotel of that kind of stature and have it on the East Moline riverfront will be a tremendous blessing to our citizens and people coming into town,” added Kammler.
The city is hoping to go from industrial to residential along the River Front.
“You’ve got the bike trail right alongside the Mississippi River and all the amenities close by,” says Kammler.
The perks come with an estimated $75 million price tag. So far the city hasn't committed any money to the project.
“We are not spending any money until the foundations are on the ground. So the commitment has to be there,” says East Moline Mayor, John Thodos.
When everything will be set in stone is too soon to tell.
“It’s very cold right now. So we will see they are certainly still getting their ducks in a row,” says Kammler.
The plan commission approved this site earlier in March but at the time the developer was not ready to give the council a construction performance bond within 60 days. Wednesday’s meeting was done as a formality so the full council can approve the plan.
Restaurants and retail may also become part of the plan down the line. The full council is expected to approve the plan on Monday, December 20 2016.