Caitlin Russell: Development, ease of living makes Quad-Cities attractive

Ease of living is a big selling point, said Caitlin Russell, president of Russell Construction. The same amenities available in larger cities are all present in the Quad-Cities, but getting around is a little easier.

"We have less stress, good resources, less traffic and good support systems here that are just as good as any larger community," she said. "Our location is so convenient to Chicago, Des Moines and St. Louis and a lot of their amenities, yet our cost of living allows you the ability to go to those places."

Living in the big city is great for some, she said, but access is not always simple when trying to navigate through traffic or pay big prices for events. In the Quad-Cities, clients comment on the ease of access and the quality of the schools, she said. 

The Pleasant Valley, Bettendorf and North Scott Community school districts are continuously in the top rankings for the state, with a variety of programs that earn their own individual accolades.

Outside of academics, a favorite amenity to show off is the TBK Bank Sports Complex in Bettendorf, Russell said.

"That was such a forward, innovative investment and it's somewhere that's continuing to grow and improve," she said.

The much-awaited TBK Bank Sports Complex opened in July 2018, nearly a year after crews first broke ground. Sprawling across 76 acres at Middle and Forest Grove roads — easily visible from Interstate 80 — the indoor/outdoor sports facility turned what was once flat land into a complex offering soccer fields, sand volleyball and hardwood courts, as well as outdoor fields and the two-story High 5 Lanes & Games entertainment center.

Success was immediate with thousands of young athletes pouring in for the summer to attend tournaments and take advantage of the new facility.

By the following summer, the complex had more than 140 employees and contributed to more than 10,000 hotel stays and $13 million in tourism dollars for the Quad-Cities. It's also sparked development around the area, including the Cambria Hotel Bettendorf, a Kwik Star and other businesses.

Visitors continued to flock to the TBK Sports Complex with 1.5 million visitors in 2021 alone, according to Visit Quad Cities.

This past summer, a three-story golf range, Iron Tee, opened with 60 indoor/outdoor hitting bays. Another hotel, more retail and a restaurant are in the works, with plenty of other options for entertainment in the city as well.

Russell said a favorite dining spot of hers is Monarch Kitchen & Bar — and that's not because it shares a parking lot with her office.

The atmosphere provides a high-end setting that proves the Quad-Cities can accommodate all palettes with an endless supply of options.

"When we talk to people in bigger cities, one of the things they like (about the Quad-Cities) is that diversity of food at the executive level," she said. "Monarch brings that unique culinary experience that's typically known when you go to a bigger city."