MOLINE, Illinois—
A multi-million dollar building in on the way to the Moline riverfront. That's as well-known restaurant owner and businessman Mike Whalen steps up to develop and operate the project.Some five years in the making, the e3 building is closer to reality. The project, estimated at $15-20 million, features five stories of retail, office and possible residential space. The 2800 River Drive location will be themed for education, environment and entrepreneurs.
"e3 is going to be a unique building in terms of design," Whalen said. "It's going to be green."
Heart of America's Whalen knows about riverfront potential and got hooked on the concept. Renew Moline and Moline's Project Management Team gave the initial green light on Thursday.
"When WIU became a reality, we took a look at the plans and said, 'What is this e3 building?' This is neat," Whalen said.
Just Wednesday, Gov. Pat Quinn and officials broke ground on the riverfront campus. It's a project that's already becoming a catalyst for nearby development.
The e3 building is the next step in connecting the WIU campus with the community. After city council approval, it can be the first phase of Moline's RiverTech corridor.
It will go on city-owned property next to the campus expansion. Making use of the Mississippi River across the street, plans call for a bookstore and internet cafe. Potential tenants like Black Hawk College and other businesses are already showing interest.
"This is a seamless partnership between the new businesses that will be here to support Western, and Western will support," said Dr. Joe Rives, a university vice president. "It's just win-win for everybody."
Students will enjoy the amenities without paying extra fees, and it's just the start.
"There's a lot of opportunities out there that will go hand in glove with Western Illinois University," said Moline Mayor Don Welvaert. "It will extend the economic development opportunities west."
For Mike Whalen, it's all about the future. It will take about two years to finish the building. If all goes well, coming close to matching when the campus opens in spring 2012.
"It's going to have a wow factor that very few spaces in the 150-mile region can match," he concluded. "Just fun to come to work."
