DAVENPORT, IA The reconstruction of Davenport's Credit Island Lodge has been lauded by two organizations. It was named Project of the Year (Disaster/Emergency Reconstruction /Repair, $1M to $2.5M category) by the Iowa Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA).  Earlier this year, the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Iowa also awarded the project with a Grand Award (1st place) in its annual Engineering Excellence competition. The competition recognizes engineering projects that demonstrate an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity, achievement, and value.  

The reconstruction of the iconic structure was designed by Stanley Consultants, a global engineering consulting firm headquartered in Muscatine, Iowa, and built by Swanson Construction.

The lodge was severely damaged by fire in 2013.  After the decision to save the lodge, the primary challenge surrounding the reconstruction was how to rebuild the large facility with a limited budget while addressing persistent flooding concerns. The solution was to let the floodwaters flow through the building.   An innovative vent system allows flood waters to pass through its first floor, which is made of water impervious materials, allowing for easy cleanup after the water recedes. 

The limited budget focused on reuse and cleaning in public access areas. Fire-damaged joists above the community room were removed, opening up the interior as a two-story light-filled atrium.  The fireplace was extended floor to ceiling to become the room's focal point. 

Now, since its grand reopening, the lodge is busier than it was before the fire, now regularly booked for family reunions, wedding receptions and other events.