Prep work for proposed stadium begins

By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger

DAVENPORT — The first permit for work to begin on the Assumption High School sports complex was issued by the City of Davenport on Aug. 10. The complex will be shared with St. Ambrose University.
Andy Craig, president of Assumption High School, said the grading permit to move dirt at the St. Vincent Center site has been issued and work was to begin this week.

Fencing went up around the property Aug. 10 and tree removal has begun. One set of garages used by retired priests of the Davenport Diocese who live at the St. Vincent Center will be torn down to accommodate the work on the Assumption property. New garages will be built on the other side of the St. Vincent Center, on diocesan property, for the retired priests.

Following grading, Craig said he will meet with the contractor, Bush Construction, and others to determine the next step for phase 1 of the sports complex project. That includes two all-purpose fields, a softball field and parking lot. It does not include the much talked about football stadium.

The city will need to relocate sewer lines. Craig noted that work cannot begin until Assumption and the city sign legal paperwork that is required because of an easement.

Storm water work has been a focus of the entire project and will be part of phase 1.

Depending on weather and various permits, Craig hopes to have phase 1 completed in late spring or summer of 2016.