"We're all very cognizant of 2020 and what that has in store," said Brian Pawlowski, acting executive director of community investment for the city. "In a case like this, we have a pretty manageable cost in terms of a new public safety building, so we think (TIF) makes sense."

This is just the second time in recent memory the city has used TIF dollars -- which typically pay for infrastructure to support private development -- to pay for a public building.

The Redevelopment Commission agreed to pay for the city animal shelter with TIF money under former Mayor Stephen Luecke in 2010.

It also has used TIF money to make bond payments on the main police and fire stations.

The architect for the project was Ted Galante, from The Galante Architecture Studio in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He thinks the city should be very proud that it was able to preserve at least some of the 1902 building.

"Reflecting and really stating that we've had some great years in Davenort, and at the same time building a new , modern facility, a forward-looking facility that says to the children of Davenport our best years are ahead of us."

A key feature of the "new" Central Station is drive through bays - fire trucks can now enter on 3rd Street and leave on 4th Street or Scott which will improve safety. It's also designed to shorten "turnout time," or how long it takes firefighters to get ready, get in their trucks, and leave.