With the establishment of the TBK Bank Sports Complex in 2018, the farmland next to the I-80 began its expansion. Many upcoming projects are transforming the once-empty Forest Grove Drive.
“I find it interesting how the town I have lived in for so many years has expanded so much. There are so many new stores in this part of town,” said senior Nikhil Namshamgari. Soon after the construction of the TBK, many businesses like Cookies & Dreams and Hurtz Donuts opened nearby. However, many of these companies, such as Nitrogen Ice Cream, have failed, and new businesses have opened up.
This summer, Iron Tee Golf, a golf driving range, opened, becoming a huge tourist site for Bettendorf. Next to the Iron Tee Golf, an 80-room hotel by Marriott is set to complete construction in early 2025.
Across from the Beaver Crossing community on Forest Grove Drive, a 288-unit apartment complex is being constructed by Continental Properties. The complex, named Authentix Bettendorf, is set for completion in spring 2025.
“While it is great to see this part of town expanding so much, I feel that soon in the future this sort of peaceful and mostly quiet part of town could become very busy,” stated senior Aayush Deshpande. Traffic in the TBK area, also known as The Plex, has increased significantly over the past few years in large part due to people going to new businesses and stores in the TBK area.
“All the construction that comes with the TBK area expansion will also end up being a nuisance to nearby residents,” said Deshpande. This was, in fact, what nearby residents felt as the Middle Road and Forest Grove intersection was blocked off for several months to build three roundabouts. A vast portion of the Bettendorf population was affected by this as they had to navigate the detour to the I-80 entrance ramp. Also recently with the road widening on the Devils Glen and Forest Grove intersections, the detours are constantly changing, irritating to nearby commuters.
The TBK area has greatly expanded in recent years, with much more expansion yet to come. This expansion has helped to develop the area and has created many employment and housing opportunities.
