Champaign council to vote on $700,000 contract to create Market Street Entertainment District

Jana Wiersema, The News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.
·2 min read

Apr. 9—CHAMPAIGN — City officials are proposing to use $700,000 in tax-increment-financing money to fund the creation of a Market Street Entertainment District in the downtown core.

At its meeting at 7 p.m. today, the Champaign City Council will consider approving a contract with Urbana-based Glesco Electric Inc. for design and construction services and allocating funds from the Downtown Fringe TIF district for the expense.

According to a report from T.J. Blakeman, senior planner for economic development, the contract amount is $642,296, but officials are proposing a budget amendment of $700,000 to allow for contingencies.

Blakeman wrote that the Downtown Entertainment District Pilot Project is meant to "re-energize downtown Champaign by reigniting its local music, entertainment, arts and culture scene and establishing a new, vibrant public gathering space in the heart of downtown."

The proposed Market Street Entertainment District would run from East Main Street to East University Avenue and provide a venue for live entertainment, food trucks and special events. Blakeman said the project includes converting that section of Market into a more pedestrian-friendly area.

City officials have said that the plan calls for the southern block of Market, from Taylor Street to University, to be completely closed from Memorial Day weekend through October as a way to create space for outdoor dining. It's also possible the change could become permanent year-round if it proves to be a success.

Additionally, the northern block, from Main to Taylor, is proposed to be closed from Friday afternoons through Sunday mornings, with the closure creating space for food trucks and dining areas.

If Glesco's contract is approved, the firm would install "festival-related infrastructure," including over-the-street lighting, new power services, removable bollards and fencing, Blakeman wrote. The projected construction deadline is May 26.

In addition to Glesco's services for design and construction, the city is also looking for workers to serve as "safety monitors" for the new district, said Mikal Washington of the Equity and Engagement Department. According to the job listing, this is a temporary, part-time position available from May 20 to Oct. 18.

"Safety Monitors are civilians who engage with residents and visitors in the downtown Champaign Entertainment District during late-night programming on Fridays and Saturdays," the job description states. "They use de-escalation, community credibility and cultural responsiveness to create and sustain a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Safety Monitors coordinate with private security and Champaign police on security concerns and interrupt potential threats of violence in the district."

More information is available at .