ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The City of Rock Island is moving forward with a $7.3 million plan to revitalize the downtown area.
The city council approved design and engineering contracts at the April 24 meeting.
Officials said the aim is to renovate parts of 18th Street, 1st to 3rd Avenue near the riverfront.
"We're talking about new streets, sidewalks, trees, new lighting, security improvements... everything will be new and improved," Rock Island public works director Michael Bartels said.
The main area of focus is the pedestrian mall off 2nd Avenue, which has several vacant storefronts.
"You're looking at infrastructure that's at least 50 years old, and just needs a modernization," Bartels said.
Planners hope that by refreshing the downtown area, they can bring more businesses and entertainment into the community.
"The city is looking at some exciting programs to help incentivize not only new businesses but also make sure that existing businesses have the support they need," Downtown Rock Island director Jack Cullen said.
The $7.3 million funding is composed of local, state, and federal money:
- State of IL Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Grant Program (via the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce) - $3 million
- Federal ARPA funds - $2.5 million
- City of Rock Island Downtown TIF funds - $1.5 million
- State of IL Tourism Attraction & Festivals Grant Program (via the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce) - $267,181
- Private donations: $112,730
- Total: $7,379,911
Planners are also looking at improving the Arts Alley on 1719 2nd Avenue. The city created the location in 1994, to fill the space left after demolishing a building — however, the city said it's underutilized.
"The plans for Arts Alley call for large-scale murals on the buildings in that space, decorative lighting, and an area for live entertainment performances," Cullen explained.
Just a few blocks down, a new dog park is also planned at 308 21st Street.
"Really exciting project as a private company downtown is willing to donate land, as well as up to $100,000 in matching funds for the development of that dog park," Cullen said. "Big shout out to Illinois Casualty Company for offering that up."
Planners are looking to complete design work by the end of 2023, and start construction by late February or early March 2024.
Watch more news, weather and sports on News 8's YouTube channel