EAST MOLINE, Ill. — After a near decade-long vacancy, an East Moline building could have a new buyer.
The River Centre at Beacon Harbor has been vacant since 2014. Living Lands and Waters, a local river conservation group, is looking to move its headquarters to the building, pending the sale from the city.
Quad City native Chad Pregracke, the founder and president of the organization, said having this new building would open up more opportunities.
"What we're looking for is a positive opportunity for students to be able to be on the river, on the new classroom and have that on-the-water experience," Pregracke said.
Pregracke also said the upstairs will be used for Living Lands and Waters offices and the downstairs for other organizations.
"It has sat pretty much vacated since 2014," Pregracke said. "It needs a lot of repairs, and we're happy to do whatever is necessary to make that look better."
At a recent East Moline Council Meeting, Pregracke voiced his interest in purchasing the property.
"It's just a great fit for the organization," Pregracke said.
The new space would also provide a floating classroom on a barge. The city says there are licenses that need to be in place for these needs.
"There's two components to this," City Administrator Doug Maxeiner said. "There's one; the sales agreement. We must follow state statute on the disposal of property. So, we must advertise the resolution in the newspaper and then we had to get an appraisal of that property."
The sale is just under $50,000, and the city says they can't sell the property for any less than 80% of the appraisal amount. The council will further discuss the sale at their Dec. 19 meeting.
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