Groundbreaking held for downtown R.I. project

The long-planned $8.7-million rebuilding plan for downtown Rock Island had a ceremonial groundbreaking today at its focal point, the intersection of 18^th Street and 2^nd Avenue.

“This is a monumental event for the city of Rock Island, but more importantly, building owners, businesses and the citizens of downtown are going to be able to enjoy what’s gonna happen here in the next nine, 10, 12 months,” Mayor Mike Thoms said Monday afternoon.

“Revitalization of downtown is such a wonderful thing, and overdue,” he said. “We can begin the process of revitalization of our historic downtown, as a vibrant, thriving area.”

This is the largest single investment in downtown in a generation, the mayor said, noting he’s excited for what it will bring the community.

“The goal is to encourage private investment and improve the overall quality of life for those who live, work and visit the downtown of Rock Island,” Thoms said.

The $3-million state grant for the project was part of the State of Illinois’ Rebuild Downtowns and Mainstreets program, which is the largest-ever Rebuild Illinois investment ($106 million) focused on community revitalization. In addition to the $3 million provided by Rebuild Illinois, the project received approximately $267,000 in tourism grants to support Arts Alley.

Kristin Richards, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, called this a “critical project.”

“Main streets and downtowns are community hubs for commerce, creating jobs, attracting visitors and serving as economic drivers,” she said. “The downtown Rock Island project will stand as a beacon of revitalization and beautification for outdoor public spaces and enhanced commercial areas.”

“For far too long, communities have been left to fix critical infrastructure on their own,” Richards said. “They haven’t had the opportunity or resources to make investment, revitalize and beautify the town centers that make their communities feel like home.”

Launched through Rebuild Illinois State capital funds and further expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the downtown grants support projects that will revitalize commercial hubs, beautify and modernize downtowns, address critical infrastructure needs, boost jobs and improve the quality of life for residents.

Other funding sources for the downtown Rock Island improvements are $3.9 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, and $1.5 million from city Tax Increment Funding (TIF) district revenues.

“This is a great day. The best day in an economic development organization’s life is a groundbreaking,” said Peter Tokar III, CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce.

“It shows progress, it shows things that are happening in the region,” he said. Tokar said he was pinch hitting for Jack Cullen, executive director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance, who was “at a better event today.” His wife Maria was in labor Monday with their second child.

The downtown Rock Island project is a perfect example of the fruits of the partnership between the chamber, the businesses downtown and the city, Tokar said.

“It couldn’t have been done alone; it’s a true partnership,” he said. “We appreciate Rock Island and what they’re doing. We can’t wait to see this redevelopment project kick off. It’s an exciting project. It’ll bring life and energy to downtown Rock Island. It’s something we all want to see.”

The general contractor is Valley Construction of Rock Island, and the three project phases are:

• Phase 1 – 18^th Street from 1^st to 3^rd avenues; 3^rd Avenue from 18^th to 19^th Street, and 2^nd Avenue from 18^th to 19^th, to start April 16 and projected completion in November/December.

• Phase 2 – Intersections of 19^th Street and 2^nd Avenue, and 19^th and 3^rd, to start in October, finished in December.

• Phase 3 — Arts Alley reconstruction, in 1700 block of 2^nd Avenue, starting in June, and finished in July.

New landscaping, lighting, welcome signage and arches will not be erected until spring 2025. Also in 2025, the city is planning to reduce 1st Avenue (Illinois 92) to one lane each direction and left-turn lane into downtown, as separate from the Rebuild downtown project, Cullen said.

The work includes complete reconstruction of streets, new sidewalks, new utilities (water and sewer lines), and streetscape improvements including streetlights, trees, benches, trash receptacles, public green space, gateway signage, and outdoor patios.

There will be a major gateway arch placed at 1^st Avenue and 18^th Street.

A new mini-roundabout will be put at the intersection of 18^th and 2^nd, to enhance pedestrian and vehicle safety, as well as “serve as this central focal point, symbolizing the true historic center of our downtown,” Cullen said.

There’s a new green space proposed for 2nd Avenue and 18^th Street, to replace an existing parking lot next to the former Blue Cat Brew Pub. It will be a flexible, mixed-use space to be used by the community, Cullen said.

Businesses will remain open during construction, and all the partners will work hard to keep everyone informed about the status of work. That includes inviting people to sign up for a bi-weekly e-newsletter, and holding monthly meetings with stakeholders throughout the process.

Available city-owned parking during construction will be:

• City lot at 3^rd Avenue between 17^th 18^th streets

• City lot near bus station at 2^nd Avenue and 19^th

• 2^nd Avenue between 17^th and 18^th

• West side of 19^th Street between 1^st and 2^nd

• South side of 2^nd Avenue between 19^th and 20^th

• 19^th Street from 2^nd to 3^rd

• North side of 3^rd Avenue between 19^th and 20^th

• City lot on southwest corner of 3^rd and 17^th

• 18^th Street between 3^rd and 4^th avenues

• 19^th Street between 3^rd and 4^th

The city and Downtown Alliance are working to get leases on future available parking owned by Modern Woodmen for their lots at 1^st Avenue and 17^th Street, and southeast corner of 2^nd and 20^th Street. These are not available now.

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