Global site consultant cites ease of travel, riverfront and culture as key assets of QC

The Quad Cities is easy to get around, has beautiful riverfronts and an impressive line-up of events and activities. These are some of the key assets of our region as reflected by global site consultant Jeff Pappas of Newmark Group, a commercial real estate advisory and services firm, who recently toured the Quad Cities and offered candid insights into the region’s office market. 

According to Pappas, there are several key questions office investors ask when evaluating a market: 

• Are the people here? Is the population growing? 
• Is there job growth in the community? 
• Is there good infrastructure – new schools, hospitals and outdoor recreation? 
• Is there site and building inventory? What’s on the ground now, and is it move-in ready? 
• Is there affordable housing for the workforce? 

Among Pappas’ observations of our region were our cities’ access to the riverfront and a clean environment. “I didn’t see a lot of blight,” Pappas said. He also pointed to the ease of corporate travel, thanks to a conveniently located airport, proximity to major highways and short travel times to larger metro areas. “I’m a big downtown guy—it feels like young people want more of that,” he added. “Instead of suburban spaces that could be any city, they want more of that downtown feel.” 

When it comes to office development, demographics – specifically young demographics are important. “The 18-26-year-old age range is an important one for the QC to focus on retaining,” Pappas said. “Having a larger university in the area would keep young people here. Employers are looking for people in their 20s who are entry-level, but also in their early 30s, who have some experience.” 

“We were pleased to host global site consultant, Jeff Pappas,” said Chamber President & CEO, Peter Tokar III. “As a specialist in commercial office and executive office site selection, Jeff was able to provide valuable insight on our QC office market and how our new regional economic development organization, Grow Quad Cities, can market our region on a national and global scale." 

“The biggest difference between Jeff and other site consultants we’ve had come to the Quad Cities is that Jeff’s focus is not on the industrial side of development,” said Tami Petsche, Vice President, Business Attraction for the Chamber. “We brought him here to showcase the QC, but also to learn how we can better compete for office projects here in the region,” she said.  

“Jeff’s visit gave valuable insight into the Quad Cities’ office market strengths and opportunities,” continued Petsche. “His feedback and national perspective will help the Chamber and Grow Quad Cities focus on our positives—accessible transportation, distinctive downtowns with riverfront assets—and the areas we need to prioritize to stay competitive, such as talent retention and ready-to-go office inventory.” 

Pappas visited several key locations throughout the region, including Vibrant Credit Union’s corporate headquarters, the KONE Centre in Moline, The Bend in East Moline, the Rock Island Arsenal, The Plex Area in Bettendorf and Downtown Davenport. He also met with local business leaders to better understand the experience of doing business here.