Rock Island's Hauberg mansion is officially off the market.
Originally, five out of the seven council members wanted the item on the agenda, but just before their meeting Monday, February 22, 2016, two council members changed their mind, asking for it to be removed. Bridges Catering company wanted to buy the mansion and fix it up. However, the plan has faced opposition from people concerned about the building's historical value.
"I think it's very clear tonight by the people here tonight that there has been a very strong and very clear message, that what was presented and offered to us and put back out to the public is just not a way we want to move forward," said Alderman Joshua Schipp.
Diana Oestreich, member of the Friends of the Hauberg Civic Center said she's was grateful for all the support they received, saying, "Sometimes people say well it's just a few activists, these are people who vote, these are people who really are active in the community and so it's very gratifying for all of us."
Bill Healy, owner of Bridges Catering, released the following statement:
"Bridges Catering was informed that the item to declare Hauberg a surplus was pulled from the agenda. We wish the city of Rock Island and the Hauberg mansion the best in the Future. Bridges is moving on from any intention to purchase of the property. We look forward to seeing how the Hauberg mansion is utilized in the future. We will now continue to look at other options to transition Bridges into the Quad City metro area."
Moving forward the Friends of the Hauberg Civic Center say they would like to see a private non-profit operate the building.