After nearly 18 months of planning, collaboration and community investment, Downtown Bettendorf has unveiled a new landmark that is already turning heads. The illuminated BETT sign, located between the 2 spans south of State and Grant streets, was created as a placemaking initiative designed to celebrate Bettendorf's identity while building excitement for the future of downtown.
For Ryan Jantzi, Executive Director of the Downtown Bettendorf Organization, the project began with a simple vision: create a sign that would become both a destination and a symbol of what is taking shape along the Bettendorf riverfront.
He shared the concept with local artist, Atlanta Dawn.
"I gave her an idea and said, 'I'd like to see a placemaking initiative sign that lights up at night,'" Jantzi said. "She was able to give me a rendering with the bridge behind it and the Bettendorf sign illuminated. That really gave us the vision."
The rendering helped rally support from the Downtown Bettendorf Organization board as well as the City of Bettendorf, Bettendorf Rotary Club and Bettendorf Business Network, whose partnership ultimately brought the project to life, along with local vendor, Riverbend Signworks. Jantzi noted that the Bettendorf Rotary Club selected the project as part of its annual commitment to investing in the community.
Jantzi says he sees the sign as a community identity piece, something that immediately tells visitors where they are while reinforcing local pride. “I notice these types of landmarks when I go on vacation; I look for them. They mark where you are. I also wanted to celebrate the bridge. There are different pockets all over down here. And if you’re looking, you can see the sign."
It also serves as a reminder that Downtown Bettendorf's story is still being written.
According to Jantzi, the project is closely tied to the broader vision for downtown's continued growth, particularly west of the bridge. He says there are future plans for additional mixed-use projects, office development and a potential brewery investment, which all point toward continued momentum. Jantzi also highlighted long-term aspirations for improvements at Leach Park and stronger connections to the area's bike trails, riverfront amenities and recreational assets.
One of the sign's most distinctive features is its programmable lighting system. Using a mobile app, organizers can coordinate the sign's colors with the bridge or update the display for holidays and special events throughout the year. "Whether it's Halloween, St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, we'll change those colors," said Jantzi.
As Downtown Bettendorf continues to evolve, Jantzi hopes the sign becomes a gathering place that residents embrace as their own.
"We hope this will be a memorable spot for prom pictures and for people on the bike path taking photos. We’re a community investing in itself, embracing its riverfront and inviting people to imagine what comes next,” he added.
For the organizations that helped make it happen, it's another opportunity to continue to "BETT on Downtown."