For the first time in nearly two years, park-goers can pay a visit to Davenport's Credit Island Lodge.
On Thursday, March 12, 2015, a ribbon cutting and open house marked the lodge's official reopening, after a fire devastated the historic building in May of 2013.
The renovated lodge includes a new roof, new windows, heating and air conditioning, and an updated food service area. There is also an alarm system and flood vents that will allow the Mississippi River to flow through the building in case of flooding.
"This is like a dream come true," said Mike Peppers, who says he and his brother basically grew up on the island. The pair used to ice skate on the lagoon in the winter and caddy during the summer months.
Peppers, along with 11 others on the Credit Island Task Force, fought to rebuild the lodge and preserve the history of the building, which was built in 1923.
"This is quite a thing for us to get the lodge back up and running in its glory, and she's shining bright," said Peppers.
The work cost $1.6 million, and it was paid through insurance money from the fire.
"It's onward and upward, so hopefully people will come here from all over Davenport and the Quad Cities," said Mary Cormier, another task force member. "It's absolutely wonderful."
Some minor outdoor work at the lodge, like painting, clean-up and landscaping, is planned once the weather warms up.