DAVENPORT, Iowa - Eastern Iowa Community College's plan to consolidate its campus and move into two former banks on Third Street will leave an empty space in the Kahl building.
It's part of the college's Urban Campus project.
The Capitol Theater hasn't seen any sign of life in more than a decade, however it's mural painted ceilings and original movie projectors from the 1920s, prove that at one time the building attracted an audience.
By the late 90s, the theater in the Kahl building was donated as a gift to Eastern Iowa Community Colleges.
"This building will then be empty of our operations," said chancellor, Don Doucette.
The college is now moving its classrooms into two former bank buildings in downtown Davenport. Leaving the Kahl and Capitol Theater open for development through a partnership with a foundation created by the college.
Current classrooms will be transformed into 85 apartments as well as other amenities Doucette says, "Like a fitness room and maybe a common working space that young entrepreneurs can rent as an office. There will clearly be retail in some parts of the building as well."
Over at the Capitol Theater it will be restored to its original use, a movie theater, but keeping its historical integrity.
"Our goal, an attractive, useful, energy-efficient place, but it's certainly going to be with the context of trying to preserve the historic quality and elegance of the building," said Doucette.
The chancellor says there's no plan yet for its other location on top of the bus station downtown. They only own the second floor and say they're looking for leasers.