23-04-2025
Rock Island's College Hill District plans for future development
Augustana College and the City of Rock Island are teaming up with businesses and citizens to advance mixed-use retail, residential and neighborhood improvements in the College Hill District. They hope to create a more vibrant, walkable and economically dynamic neighborhood that serves Rock Island residents and Augustana students.
The Hilltop Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a newly formed initiative to promote growth near the edges of Augustana's campus. A CDC is a nonprofit, community-focused organization that fosters revitalization by investing in housing, small businesses and neighborhood infrastructure. The CDC is part of Augustana's Bold & Boundless Strategic Plan and aligns with the college's commitment to connecting through partnerships, enhancing neighborhood vitality and activating campus edges, as recommended in the Campus Master Plan.
The Hilltop CDC has purchased its first property, the former Curry-Out QC restaurant at 1407 30th Street that will be developed for mixed business and residential use. The property is a five-minute walk from the southern edge of Augustana's campus. The building has undergone an environmental review and is scheduled for removal this quarter.
The College Hill District was founded in 2011 and is a walkable neighborhood that includes restaurants and businesses such as Fred & Ethel's 50's Antiques, Happy Joe's Pizza and Ice Cream and Kavanaugh's Hilltop Bar & Grill. The district has hosted events including College Hill-o-Ween, Small Business Saturday shopping days, Christmas walks and retro car rallies.
'Augustana is thrilled to join with city and community partners to bolster economic, architectural and community-building initiatives in the College Hill area and to work together to seek solutions to meet the needs of the district,' said Augustana president Andrea Talentino. 'We want to be a strong partner in making Rock Island a valued place to live and work. Augustana is proud to call Rock Island home, and we're proud to unite to create a more vibrant and thriving hub for the benefit of our students and the community.'
'As a community member, it's encouraging to see Augustana stepping up as a thoughtful and engaged neighbor,' said Jeff Rose, a resident of the College Hill District. 'This initiative isn't just about buildings — it's about creating a place where people feel connected, supported and proud to live. The CDC is helping us imagine what's possible for the Hilltop.'
'Augustana has been a wonderful partner for many years, and we're very pleased to join them in this new initiative to bring increased resources, housing and storefronts to the College Hill District,' said Rock Island mayor Mike Thoms. 'We're excited to contribute to future-focused planning for Rock Islanders and the college.'
'The CDC will develop and prioritize projects with an emphasis on serving the College Hill District, including mixed-use redevelopment and attracting small businesses with a focus on food and beverage or retail,' said Kirk Anderson, chief financial officer at Augustana. 'The CDC's projected 2026 operating budget exceeds $90,000 through grants and philanthropic gifts, demonstrating strong early investment in the district's revitalization. We know the investments of the CDC will have a great impact on enhancing Rock Island and our region. These efforts will support job creation, strengthen local businesses and enhance quality of life for residents and students alike.'
Anderson said the CDC will work on several goals to redevelop and expand quality housing opportunities, such as Augustana employee rental housing and campus-adjacent housing for Augustana seniors and Rock Island residents. The group also plans neighborhood identity and signage improvements.
The college has worked with Rock Island on many projects, including creating a $1.5 million tennis court complex at Lincoln Park at 38th Street and 11th Avenue. The project includes leasing that section of the park to the college for 10 years. Over the next three years, the CDC hopes to create vibrant commercial spaces, improve housing access for residents and students and support Rock Island's growth.
'This is more than a symbolic gesture, it's a real investment in Rock Island's future,' Thoms said. 'With new infrastructure, commercial space and housing in the pipeline, the Hilltop CDC is setting a bold tone for the next chapter of neighborhood growth.'
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