The Quad-City Times - News, Sports and more from the Quad Cities region or Iowa and Illinois

You are not logged in.
Login

Log in to qctimes.com
Email:
Password:
Remember my information.
Register
Quadsville
Site Help

Preservation inspiration

Font Size:

By Times Staff | Friday, July 04, 2008 |

Our community’s rich history seems apparent everywhere. Look in any of our metro Quad-City towns and find abundant evidence of 100-plus-year-old buildings, businesses and homes. So when change runs headlong into preservation, sparks sometimes fly. That leads to headlines on stories about historic preservation as a problem to be managed, or an obstacle to overcome.

Then along comes a Colorado couple who view our community’s history as an opportunity, not a conflict. Maurice and Lois Woods are purchasing three Gold Coast homes and intend to put their rehab experience and skills to work in the Quad-Cities. Davenport’s history captured the Woods’ interest years ago on a cross-country tour. Now in retirement, they’re leaving Colorado for a new adventure in our historic community.

Among the homes they’re rehabbing is 604 Gaines St. Anyone traveling on Gaines can’t miss this relic. It’s stately tower and curved windows overlooking the river offer a hint of the city’s past glory. The dilapidated siding and broken windows tell a sadder contemporary tale.

The Woods’ enthusiasm is shared by many Quad-Citians and the couple was fortunate to meet some of them in Davenport’s Gold Coast neighborhood, including Jack Haberman. “Jack has introduced us to the nicest group of people I have ever met in my life,” Maurice Woods told Times reporter Alma Gaul.

Haberman founded the Gateway Redevelopment Group, which is loaded with ardent preservationists who exhibit the joy of preservation. Their dreams of restoring Davenport’s history inspired the Woods to follow their own dream.

That’s how dreams can work.

We welcome the Woods to the Quad-Cities’ inspiring preservation community whose work assures a future for our celebrated past.