This synergistic economic development project in Waterloo, Iowa includes TechWorks facilities, a business-class hotel, the John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum, and Deere training center
Client: Waterloo Development Corporation
Need: TechWorks is a regional economic development initiative transforming a large vacant manufacturing area into a business campus and visitor destination. The project consists of several components including:
- The John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum, now open as a major visitor destination.
- The renovation of the “Tech 1” building into TechWorks innovative space for collaboration, research and small manufacturing. This collaboration will be facilitated through the University of Northern Iowa’s Metal Casting Center and Design Lab, additional flexible manufacturing space, Makerspace, and physical and virtual collaboration opportunities to connect a deep network of industry players.
- “Tech 2” Business-Class Hotel with 180 rooms, boutique restaurant, and facilities for John Deere Corporate Training (see transformation graphics and photos from InVision Architects).
Role: Vision and reuse plan; Business model and site plan development; plan implementation; funding strategy for building renovation and site preparation (awarded 3.2M in IEDA funding by the State of Iowa; Deere & Company subsequently awarded the project millions of dollars toward building demolition and renovation); partnership development including Deere & Company, University of Northern Iowa, Hawkeye Community College, Cedar Valley Makers, Marriot Hotels, and Financial District Properties.
Results and Impact. Today, over $70 million in new investment is moving forward on the TechWorks campus. On their own, each of these components has the potential to create jobs and contribute to the local economy. However, the real economic power of TechWorks comes from the combination of all these components into a single campus in downtown Waterloo. Together, the collective impacts include:
- Jobs – The TechWorks project is creating short term jobs building and installing infrastructure and renewable energy systems at the facilities, as well as long term jobs within the components of the campus. The economic activity produced by the project is also poised to create indirect jobs in the community.
- Taxbase – TechWorks is resulting in a massive investment of private dollars into previously underutilized properties.
Workforce Recruitment/Retention and Community Image – Waterloo is able to offer a higher quality of life and amenities that bring top talent to live and work in the community. The project has also helped to creating a unique, innovative project that also helps drive the vitality of the entire downtown. - Visitor Spending – As visitors come to Waterloo to experience the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum, for training or business, to utilize complementary visitor services on campus, or for conference accommodations, this globally significant energy and technology showcase is drawing in even more visitors.
