Letter: Levee Inn rehabilitation costs are too high

The cost estimates for the rehab options for the Davenport Levee Inn are outrageous. The building is approximately 15'x25', about the size of single car garage. Cost options from $91,000 to fix the roof to $460,000 for the Taj Mahal of hot dog stands make no economic sense, even with private contributions. Tear it down, make a new concrete pad that will hold two food trucks and install a 25'x25' covered gazebo with a few new tables and let the private restaurateurs execute the operations. Add a few columns on the corners with lights incorporating some ceramic tiles and flood markers to mimic old building motif. This could probably be done for less than the estimated $91,000 to fix the hole in the roof of the Historically Dilapidated Levee Inn. Jim Cox Rock IslandGet opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!