MOLINE, Illinois (January 10, 2014) - The John Deere Foundation has tentatively agreed to sell to the City of Moline the property that once housed the John Deere Collectors' Center. Deere has been informed that Moline's City Council will consider the proposal at its January 14

th meeting. As part of the plan, the Deere Foundation will raze the building at 320 16th Street to prepare the property for new development.

"We believe this action will be beneficial to the Quad City community," said Mara Sovey, president of the John Deere Foundation. "We are confident the site will be placed back into use to strengthen community development in downtown Moline."

Sovey said there had been interest in the property from several potential buyers since the collectors' center closed in 2008. The John Deere Foundation has worked to ensure future use of the site will fit well with the city's development strategy.

The site operated for seven years as a center for collectors and as an attraction for tourists and visitors. In 2008, the collectors' center closed when John Deere tourism activities in downtown Moline were consolidated.

Sovey said the John Deere Foundation has inquired into the historical significance of the location. While the building did not qualify for the National Register of Historical Places, Sovey said, the John Deere Foundation will preserve any historically-significant components of the structure.

The John Deere Foundation is Deere & Company's main philanthropic organization, providing grants to a variety of non-profit organizations that are active in the following areas: solutions for world hunger, community betterment, higher education and disaster relief.

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