A gateway to Galesburg is getting a facelift. It's sparking investments for the future.
Heavy equipment keeps Main Street on the move. Work is underway for a new Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Galesburg.
"The message it sends is that companies are willing to invest in Galesburg," said Ken Springer, president of the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development. "We're poised for new growth."
When the hotel opens in November, it will feature 81 rooms and plenty of meeting space.
But more than that, it gives this gateway to Galesburg a new identity to grow businesses.
"The city has been so wonderful to work with," said John Brooke, COO of Downers Grove-based Janko Hospitality. "We hope to do more here in town."
Janko will re-brand its current hotel next door with a different name when the new hotel opens.
While these projects invigorate Main Street, they also inspire new developments.
A long-vacant supermarket is getting a new purpose on Henderson Street in Galesburg.
Instead of standing as an empty storefront with padlocked doors, a Slumberland furniture store will debut in the location later this year.
"Any time you can take a building that is not currently in use and put it back into productive use, it's a great win for the community," Springer said.
Another new project, just off Interstate 74 in Knoxville, will bring a $7.5 million Love's Truck Stop, hotel and restaurant.
As dignitaries dig in at the hotel's ground breaking, it symbolizes hard work behind the scenes.
The hard work is beginning to pay off.
Investors believe that it's just the start of more good things for Galesburg.
"It's going to be a great revitalization for the east-west gateway into Galesburg," Springer said.
Teamwork and determination to help Galesburg build its future.