Background:
The Davenport YMCA is requesting permission to demolish their former building at 606 West 2nd Street. The site has remained vacant since the new facility was constructed on the east side of downtown in 2020.
The YMCA has cited the following reasons for tearing down the 1963 structure:
- Safety and liability concerns
- Appearance of a deserted building in a prominent location of the downtown.
- Flooding and maintenance
- Homeless people breaking into the building.
- Urban cutters have broken into the facility and removed all the copper. Cutters have also damaged electrical circuits, which then floods the basement.
The following items are included in the scope of work:
- Demolition of the former YMCA building.
- Replace the building pad with dirt and seed with grass.
- Remove all signage from the property, including the freestanding sign along 2nd Street.
- The below items will remain on site:
- Parking lot
- Playground and surrounding fence
- Trees
- Transformers
Staff recommend the playground and surrounding fence also be removed from the property as part of the demolition. The playground is in poor condition and will only be surrounded by three sides of fence once the building is removed. There does not appear to be any programming planned for this part of the site. Leaving the equipment will also create safety and liability risks for the YMCA. The removal will enhance the appearance of the property and make the site more attractive for redevelopment.
The Downtown Design Guidelines does not directly address demolition of structures. However, the Shared Values for Downtown include safety, economic vitality, comfortability, and activity. Allowing the structure to stand vacant may result in additional nuisances and break-ins at the property. Demolition of the underutilized building will prepare the site for future development and allow for a cleaner and safer appearance. The Design Review Board will have review authority over any future construction on the property.