DRA Board Approves More Than $300K Investment in Comprehensive Development Plan for Schmitt Island

At the organization’s most recent board meeting, the DRA approved a proposal for RDG Planning & Design to research, develop and deliver a comprehensive development plan for Schmitt Island, a city-owned property on the Mississippi River. The plan, which will be a $302,660 investment by the organization, should be completed within the next 12 months.

“It’s an exciting opportunity,” said RDG Senior Partner, Ryan Peterson, PLA. “Through this collaboration, we’ll work to bring clarity, specificity, cost and prioritization to things we already know are beautiful, and begin elevating as yet untapped resources.” 

The plan will define concrete next steps related to the community’s vision of Schmitt Island being developed as “Dubuque’s Gateway to Entertainment and the Mississippi.” As a part of this, RDG will review and summarize existing master plans for the island, as well as complete more detailed studies on the island’s current infrastructure, natural resources, development potential, potential economic impact and more. Specific topics to be covered in the plan include:

• Natural areas inventory

• Water resources, including the island’s regulatory floodplain

• Parks, amenities, entertainment and recreation – new and existing attractions

• Development potential, including multifamily, commercial or recreational uses

• Economic considerations – property and sales taxes, new jobs/new residents, regional output, etc.

• Island infrastructure – current and possible additions

• Evaluation of multiple land uses

• Preliminary construction cost estimates

• Financial and fiscal models for priority projects

• Recommendations on prioritized improvements

“We have a lot of great ideas, but now we need a plan for action,” said Alex Dixon, CEO of the DRA and Q Casino. “This plan will create a pathway for private development and public engagement.”

Schmitt Island, which is currently home to park space and other amenities, has long played a role in Dubuque’s history and economy. Given this, city officials are supportive of this planning effort and look forward to seeing the results of RDG’s work and their recommendations for enhancing the island’s offerings.

“Schmitt Island already plays an important role in our community. However, after much discussion and study we know there is potential for even more,” said Brad Cavanagh, Mayor of Dubuque and DRA Board Member. “Any future development on the island needs to be done the right way and take into consideration a wide variety of factors. This is why engaging RDG to provide us with an objective, comprehensive look at what’s possible – while also offering some economic forecasting and cost-related projections – is important to the overall success of this effort moving forward.”

The visioning and planning work being done by RDG will be overseen by the DRA and any future development decisions on the island will also need additional approval of the DRA, as well as the Dubuque City Council. To help provide a sounding board related to any recommendations, approvals, approaches and processes, a steering committee made up of 10 to 12 individuals from the city, economic development professionals and the DRA will also be formed to help guide this plan’s development throughout the entirety of the process.

“There is no shortage of interested parties and partners when it comes to redeveloping Schmitt Island and enhancing its current amenities,” said DRA Board Chair Mike Donohue. “We look forward to seeing the results of RDG’s work and taking a hands-on approach to guide all aspects of the plan moving forward, as we believe the future development of Schmitt Island is important for the community and the region.”

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For all media inquiries please contact Erin Van Zee, APR, RDG Communications Director at evanzee@rdgusa.com or call (402) 449-0898.