Moline moving forward on University Square project

By Dawn Neuses
The Dispatch (Moline, IL), March 14, 2006

The city has asked developer Gorman & Co. to build the University Square project, a proposed mixed-use development to be located west of the Western Illinois University Riverfront Campus off River Drive on city-owned land.

More than a year ago, the city and Renew Moline created a plan for the entire area, called RiverTech, which would include University Square. As proposed, University Square includes four buildings that would hold retail space, offices and residential units, which could be apartments and/or condominiums.

The Moline committee-of-the-whole will be given a presentation tonight from Mike Ash, Gorman's development manager. Moline's economic development director Ray Forsythe said aldermen will be asked to allow the city to pursue an exclusive development agreement with Gorman for the project.

A development agreement usually lays out terms such as the amount of the investment, construction deadlines and any incentives the city will offer.

Christopher Laurent, Gorman's senior development manager, said the city approached it with the project.

Gorman & Co. is currently creating the Old Moline High School Loft Apartments in the former school at 1001 16th St.

Mr. Forsythe said the city believes Gorman will be a good fit because of the history of the 21-year-old company and the projects it has done.

Mr. Laurent said the Madison, Wis.-based company has extensive experience redeveloping and developing new properties.

The company is currently working with SE Johnson in Racine on a $20 million mixed-use development that will include 17,000 square-feet of retail space, 84 apartments and 23 condominiums.

The city council would have to approve any development agreement that is created.

If you go
The Moline committee-of-the-whole meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. tonight on the second floor of city hall, 619 16th St., Moline. The regular council meeting begins at 7:45 p.m. Agendas are available at www.moline.il.us.