DAVENPORT, Iowa -
It's been the topic of speculation and concern, but tonight News 8 has learned what's next in store for the Davenport Diocese property purchased by St. Ambrose.
The University purchased the 58 acre St. Vincent property after the Davenport Catholic Diocese filed for bankruptcy. Officials have been very careful about commenting on their plans but tonight the Davenport City Council is considering changes to the plat.
Engineers drew the design which separates the property into 4 sections. One section includes only the Humility of Mary property. A second section just includes the 5 acre Davenport Diocesan Headquarters with a smaller separate section for the entrance to that headquarters. The majority of the property, a 40 acre tract of open space, is the fourth and final section.
Neighbors have wondered what the University will do with the last section but tonight we know what won't go there.
"As far as student housing goes", said S.A.U. Vice President of Finance Mike Poster, "our president has been pretty clear that she has no intentions of putting students on that property. She would like to keep them on the block we currently where we currently are but ,as far as usage of the land, we're looking at recreational spaces as well as athletic facilities for our sports teams."
We asked whether a new football stadium will be built on the 40 acre site and Poster answered, "At this point we're not sure what the best usage of it will be."
A review board could make a public recommendation for the land next calendar year. Officials say they'll keep neighbors well informed as they move forward.
According to Poster, the Diocese of Davenport will lease the headquarters property at a rate of $10,000 per month.
The University purchased the 58 acre St. Vincent property after the Davenport Catholic Diocese filed for bankruptcy. Officials have been very careful about commenting on their plans but tonight the Davenport City Council is considering changes to the plat.
Engineers drew the design which separates the property into 4 sections. One section includes only the Humility of Mary property. A second section just includes the 5 acre Davenport Diocesan Headquarters with a smaller separate section for the entrance to that headquarters. The majority of the property, a 40 acre tract of open space, is the fourth and final section.
Neighbors have wondered what the University will do with the last section but tonight we know what won't go there.
"As far as student housing goes", said S.A.U. Vice President of Finance Mike Poster, "our president has been pretty clear that she has no intentions of putting students on that property. She would like to keep them on the block we currently where we currently are but ,as far as usage of the land, we're looking at recreational spaces as well as athletic facilities for our sports teams."
We asked whether a new football stadium will be built on the 40 acre site and Poster answered, "At this point we're not sure what the best usage of it will be."
A review board could make a public recommendation for the land next calendar year. Officials say they'll keep neighbors well informed as they move forward.
According to Poster, the Diocese of Davenport will lease the headquarters property at a rate of $10,000 per month.
