(June 29, 2026) The City of Davenport received a $100,000 grant from the State of Iowa to support the redevelopment of Raphael’s Emporium at 628 Harrison St. The historic building in the Hilltop Campus Village dates back to 1883. The grant-supported project will stabilize and restore the vacant building for new commercial and residential space.
Originally operated by Jacob Raphael as a tin shop, rag warehouse, iron dealership, and junk shop, the building later became home to one of the last remaining cigar makers during Davenport’s era as the cigar capital of the Midwest. In later decades, the building returned to its roots as a resale and antique shop before falling vacant in the early 2000s.
“This project aligns closely with the Davenport City Council’s strategic priorities by encouraging reinvestment in our existing commercial corridors,” said Susanne Knutsen, Economic Development Manager. “The city applied for this grant to support small business growth and create a new destination in this historic neighborhood.”
Raphael's Emporium will be anchored by a multi-tenant hair salon with up to 10 suites and potential shared space for a boutique sandwich shop or coffee/energy drink concept. The redevelopment project includes structural and masonry repairs, weatherproofing, and façade restoration. Historic architectural elements, including columns, doors, and windows, will also be restored. Phase one, focused on the first floor, is estimated to cost $700,000. Plans for phase two include apartments on the second floor and accessory buildings on the site
“This project is exactly the kind of reinvestment envisioned in the Hilltop Campus Village master plan,” said Brian Kramer, Executive Director. “Bringing Raphael’s Emporium back to life helps preserve an important piece of the district’s history while creating new energy and activity along one of our key corridors.”
The City of Davenport applied for the Community Catalyst & Remediation Grant in January. This state grant program supports the redevelopment, rehabilitation, and reuse of vacant or underutilized buildings to stimulate economic growth and neighborhood revitalization. City staff will now work with project developer Dave Miller to complete the grant agreement and move the project forward.
A resolution accepting the grant award and its terms will be brought before the Davenport City Council for consideration, along with a proposed $40,000 forgivable loan from the City’s Community Growth Fund to support the redevelopment effort. The project will also be eligible for incentives through the City’s Urban Revitalization Tax Exemption Program.