former Peterson Paper Co.
Originally uploaded by Rural Rose
Does anyone know anything about this building in Davenport, Iowa? It seems empty and abandoned, but I can’t quite tell if there’s anything going on inside. I didn’t find much history about it online. It’s one of those places that seems to be almost like a replica of another era, and kind of sadly forgotten.
I grew up on a farm in west central Illinois, where there was one stoplight in the entire county. As a newspaper reporter and award-winning columnist ("Six Degrees from Galesburg"), public-radio commentator and blogger, I've uncovered the truth behind local legends (remind me to tell you the one involving Ringo Starr's tonsils), visited ghost towns and forgotten haunts, and interviewed marginally famous celebrities who happened to be stopping through town ("Corky" from "Life Goes On," anyone?). Now, after 12 years in journalism and PR, I've moved to Davenport, Iowa, to start life with my husband and to embark on a new gig as an English instructor. I'm also working on a batch of essays about life in small-town, murderous-to-latter-day-prophet America, (see "Joseph Smith" tag below). I love to hear from people who land here. Please leave comments at the bottom of posts, or drop me a line at alison dot sixdegrees at gmail.com.
I believe its owned at least partly by Todd McGreevy, who publishes the River Cities Reader in the QC area. I think when it becomes financially feasible it will probably get renovated into something useful again.
@QuadCityImages,
Thanks for your response and for the tip. That would be great to see it get renovated into something useful, as you said. Since it’s across from the Bucktown Arts Center, it would be so cool if it housed other stuff that might draw people who stop at Bucktown. A combined coffeeshop, bookstore, and art gallery / rock show venue would be my choice.;)