Upstairs Downtown Walking Tours

1) Sala Flats, 1829 4th Avenue

Sala Flats is just completing construction with a total cost estimated at $4.8 million. Built in 1903 and known for decades as one of Rock Island’s finest apartment buildings, Sala Flats was home to many of the city’s most prominent business owners. 

2) Circa ‘21 Apartments, 1816-1818 3rd Avenue

Dennis and Carolyn Hitchcock created four apartments above Comedy Sportz at 1816-1818 Third Avenue by investing $175,000 of private funds. The City of Rock Island committed $70,000 in TIF funds towards the project, which created 3 two-bedroom and 1 one-bedroom apartments. Improvements to the property included plumbing, electrical, HVAC, windows, floor coverings, painting, code and life-safety requirements, stairways, new interior walls, and other finish work. Monthly rent is $675 for the 2-bedroom units and $575 for the 1-bedroom unit, which includes utilities and one parking permit in the city’s parking ramp. For more information on this rehabilitation project contact Dennis Hitchcock at 309-786-2667.

4) Batterson Building, 217 18th Street vacant space

This location was formerly an office supply store. The 3,000 square foot second-floor space has high ceilings and minimal partitions, which make it a great candidate for loft conversion. For rehabilitation information contact 309-786-6625.

5) Renaissance Lofts, 136 18th Street, Apt. 306

The Renaissance Building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was originally three structures that have morphed into one over the years. In 2001, office, retail, and banking uses were replaced by 24 lofts on the upper floors, while the first floor has been redeveloped as five retail suites. Units range from one to three-bedrooms, with large floor plans. Units feature huge windows, high ceilings, and exposed building elements, including brick columns and beams. Unit 306 features an original vault that is now used as a closet. Twenty-eight units in the Goldman Lofts were renovated as part of this $6.4 million mixed income development project. For project information please call 309-786-2700.

6) Gere-Dismer Architects, 124 Arts Alley

This 6,000 square foot office loft features magnificent views of the Mississippi River Valley. Check out the remaining box-beams on the south end of the building; the beams on the north end had failed and were pulling the wall away from the building 18” before the rehabilitation project repaired them. For more information on this project contact Gere-Dismer Architects at 309-786-9910.

7) Bowlby Condominiums, 1623 2nd Avenue

Named in honor of a longtime downtown music store, Bowlby Condominiums contains two full-floor lofts above T & J’s Euro Café & Coffee House. The ambiance of Bowlby Condominiums unmatched in the Quad Cities: luxury living in a historic building. Amenities include a whirlpool bath and fireplace, custom floor plans, garage parking, and beautiful views of the Mississippi River. For more information on this rehabilitation project call 309-788-6311.

8) Clipper Condos, 151 16th Street

On the site of the infamous night club the Yankee Clipper, the Clipper Condominiums were built. These 9 condominiums were finished in 2004 at a cost of $2 million. Its unusual design still blends with the adjacent historic buildings. Amenities include a roof top deck with river views, balconies, stained concrete floors, premium counter tops and cabinets, exposed duct work, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, on-demand hot water, and secure parking. For more information on this rehabilitation project call 309-788-6311.