MOLINE, IL—
People living or wanting to live in Moline will soon have a lot more options.Three new complexes are opening soon, in conjunction with some big commercial developments.
Final nails are being hammered and pieces of wood are being sawed at the Enterprise Live-Work Lofts in Moline, which is set to open next month.
It's one of three new apartment buildings going up in downtown Moline.
"It's a great opportunity and a great time we're in right now," said Janet Mathis, Executive Director of Renew Moline.
Others similar developments include the old Phillips Mini-Mall on 5th St. and Washington Square on 17th St.
Exposed duct work is a key characteristic of any loft-style apartment.
This type of living has seen a recent surge in popularity in downtown areas across the country, including right here in the QCA.
"More people are gearing more towards downtown areas because there's more to do and to see," said Mathis.
She says residential developments like these newly renovated apartment buildings go hand-in-hand with commercial ones.
"We have Deere, KONE, United Healthcare and the Arsenal that all have people come through that may not be living here, but they're residing for a few weeks," she said.
That leaves the door open for hotels to pop up and who knows what else.
Another added bonus of all the development is employment for Quad City workers.
97-percent of Enterprises' construction workers come from our area.
"Everybody wants to get people to work and these are some good opportunities for that."
Western Illinois University's satellite campus is also set to open next week in Downtown Moline, fueling speculation that more developments could be announced that will target a younger demographic.
