Davenport century-old homes renovated for refugee families

Two large, century-old homes in Davenport that once faced demolition now have a new chapter and a new purpose after an 18-month effort by the Foundation of First Presbyterian Church and Tapestry Farms.

An event on Monday, Sept. 21 at 9 a.m. will celebrate the preservation of homes that will soon provide safe, affordable and renovated housing for two refugee families. The project was inspired by a concert in March 2025 by the Justice Choir of the Midwest to benefit Tapestry Farms. It will welcome new families into the neighborhood near First Presbyterian Church in central Davenport.

“These houses have already been part of this community for more than 100 years,” said Nancy Chapman, a member of First Presbyterian who led the project. “Now they have the opportunity to serve our community in a renewed way. They will be lived in, cared for and filled with the everyday moments that make a house a home.”

“In a time when our community is struggling with having enough affordable housing, the renovation of these two homes represents one model on how collaboration can turn viable, yet vacant, housing into beautiful homes," said Ann McGlynn, founder and executive director of Tapestry Farms. "We were so happy to be a part of this transformation.”

Crews worked over the past 18 months to rehabilitate the two properties. The $180,000 project required commitment and collaboration from numerous organizations, funders, contractors and individual donors.

Falcon Home Improvement LLC was the lead contractor for the project. Financial support came from the Foundation of First Presbyterian Church, anonymous individual donors, the Quad Cities Housing Council and Community Resources Corporation. Church volunteers helped throughout the project and a crew from American Rental Association rejuvenated the yards through the United Way Day of Caring.

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