June 1, 2021
Highlights of the Hilltop Campus Village – Happy Trails to Us All
By Scott Tunnicliff
Director of The Hilltop Campus Village
This June issue of 50+ Lifestyles coincides with my departure from the Hilltop Campus Village, after nearly 12 years of having the honor to serve as its initial Executive Director. Much has happened since I “assumed the position” in August 2009, and we can walk through that while reflecting too on what needs to happen going forward. This is not to say that whoever my successor is will be charged with duplicating my priorities. Far from it. One of the most wonderful things about this job is that it is a function of what the participants declare to be priorities
Many recollections occur looking back, and two of them stand out. One was from a Doctor who had recently left the area after spearheading a number of community initiatives to improve the appearance of the cities. He sent me a greeting offering his opinion that the best thing that could be done for the this district would be to “bulldoze the entire corridor.” I take nothing away from his efforts to improve areas around the Quad Cities, but respectfully say that he was wrong when he made that remark, and he is wrong now.
The other was a question asked of me during the first four months or so of my tenure. A local real estate broker I had known for years asked simply “when is the Hilltop Campus Village project going to be finished?” I explained that it will never be finished, but will continue to adapt to changes in market segments, technologies, living patterns and the economy, among many other variables. It was, is and will be in the future a work in progress, a canvas that invites all to help make it a real work of art.
That said, let’s review some of the main achievements and trends that have occurred.
New residential development has occurred, main examples being the Harrison Lofts 60-unit apartment complex, the 38-unit redevelopment of the Brenton Bank building, and the 24-unit 501 Brady complex. In process are the conversion of the Roosevelt apartments at 7th and Harrison, and the creative reuse of the International Order of Odd Fellows hall (510 Brady) and the Priester Building at 601 Brady.
Parking opportunities on Harrison have increased. This is a major achievement, as it has been over 45 years since cars were able to park on the street. While some say we need more, and others say the commercial corridors need to more accurately reflect the transportation and living patterns of modern American, this advance has helped.
Trees have been planted, neighborhoods have been strengthened, urban gardens have been
planted, street lights have been installed, colleges have been added on to and renovated, and vacant commercial buildings have found new uses. This last development will be ongoing. As small businesses go, new ones will replace them, reflecting changes in demand and adaptability. Nothing stays the same.
The Hilltop Campus Village had some role to play in all of these, but was not solely responsible for any of them. Leveraging of resources, and creative partnerships, with churches, schools, our city and many community/neighborhood associations have all played a role. Our partnership with the Main Street Iowa program has also been a great asset, providing grant opportunities and technical assistance.
From my perspective, I would see the following as key priorities to the continued improvement, and sustainability of the HCV district.
- Design and Implementation of a plan for the Harrison and the Brady Street corridors, enabling them to become more attractive more pedestrian-friendly and most of all more desirable for small independent businesses.
- Making Main Street a vital and key corridor, enhancing it as area with a high quality of living and being. This means making it attractive for foot and bicycles traffic, and highlighting elements such as the corridor connecting the Dillion fountain near the riverfront, the American Civil War monument in front of Central High School, the fountain at Vander Veer Park and north to the Duck Creek
Bike Trail. - More mutually-supportive marketing of small businesses, involving greater use of technology. As a beginning, I would offer an oft-repeated challenge of all owners and customers: (a) Shop local, (b) ‘like” your independent small businesses on Facebook and (c) Write and post a positive review of the business on their website. (4) Interact with fellow businesses; we are all neighbors, and the best neighbors are the ones who know each other.
- Keep encouraging others to visit the many unique features of the district and its businesses.
There will be changes going forward. I anticipate being around, patronizing businesses. I go to church in the Hilltop and went to high school here, so it is not as if roots don’t run deep. My last day as Director will be June 30. Our annual meeting is June 24 (at 9 am, Rogalski Center, all invited). It has been an honor to serve, and I look forward to seeing you in the Hilltop Campus Village district now and again.
