City seeks ideas for redevelopment of land near library, family museum

A sketch of the open area adjacent to the library and Family Museum.

City officials are seeking ideas for redevelopment of the site formerly occupied by the vacant Eagle Food Store along 18th Street, adjacent to both the Family Museum and Library.

The city purchased the vacant grocery store in 1999 for $1.7 million and had the building demolished last year after a series of plans for reuse of the facility were unsuccessful.

"By complimenting the missions of and the programs and services currently provided by the Bettendorf Public Library Information Center and the Family Museum, the site has the potential for becoming an all-season outdoor educational venue," according to library and museum officials.

A public session inviting ideas for design/use of the vacant land was held Wednesday (April 21) at the Family Museum.

Among the features under discussion for the area are: community/teaching garden plots; central pavilion for public presentations; open area with paths for possible shows/fairs; rain garden demonstration area; a children's water feature; public plaza with benches.

To submit your idea, email Library Director Steve Nielsen at snielsen@bettendorf.org or Museum Director Tracy Kuehl at tkuehl@bettendorf.org.