THE RUST BELT

The conversion of an abandoned manufacturing center into the heart of redevelopment for East Moline. The renovated building hosts world-class concerts, an award-winning design firm, and premier local businesses.

At its peak, the IH Global Case Plant employed 4,300 workers and produced 40-50 combines each day. When the last combine rolled off the line on June 27, 2004, the company abandoned 54 acres of buildings and left 570 remaining employees without jobs. The once 200-acre development is now home to a hotel, an event center, and plans for much more. The heart of the redevelopment is the former Moline-Knight Automobile building. This narrow stretch of building was vacant for more than 10 years until it was renovated into the modern Rust Belt.

The Rust Belt event venue accommodates approximately 4,000 people. Providing opportunities for musicians, comedians, and other artists to entertain audiences in the Quad Cities region. The once derelict building includes spaces for businesses such as a restaurant, brewery, coffee house, hair salon, barbershop, photography studio, gym, retail store, and design firm. The Rust Belt has ignited a transformation of the surrounding 200-acre development and downtown East Moline. The design and construction received the 2020 AIA Iowa Impact Award for community-focused redevelopments.