Roundtable: What's best to replace Broadview on Public Square in Galesburg?
If the city of Galesburg is successful at getting the old Broadview Hotel on the Public Square torn down, what would you like to see there?
Boutique hotel could serve visitors to Knox College
If the Broadview is demolished, the Public Square will have two prime locations available for coordinated development — that space and the lot directly across Broad Street that housed Joe the Tailor and the old Auditorium Theater. A boutique hotel/restaurant coupled with a convention facility could together be a very attractive way to revitalize the Square and attract visitors and outside organizations. Coupled with other activity on West Main Street — the new public library and the West Main development, for a start — an area that has long been sluggish commercially could bring more economic activity downtown.
The hundreds if not thousands of visitors annually to Knox College could provide an ‘anchor’ population for the hotel, provided it has amenities comparable to those found in other communities housing nationally-ranked colleges with which Knox competes. That facility could also help make an appropriately-sized convention center an attractive location for regional organizations. The watchwords for success will be "synergy" and "communication." The city, the college, KCAP, the Tourism & Visitors Bureau, even Central Congregational Church, along with local investors, all have roles to play in making the most of this opportunity. — David Amor
Public Square: Galesburg plans to demolish Broadview Inn; could take year before wrecking ball swings
Micro housing units could be worthy investment
Galesburg has enough converted empty lots repurposed as parks. A concept for affordable housing that has become increasingly popular in larger cities is micro-dwellings. Micro-dwellings are modern units specifically designed to be small. For young professionals, this type of living space can be quite attractive and fits into a lifestyle they find a much more efficient way to live and easier to maintain.
With a state-of-the-art library under development a few blocks away from the Galesburg Public Square, attractive yet functional housing units or apartments located nearby is a worthy investment that the city should consider. There are some pros and cons to these types of dwelling spaces. A significant pro is these dwellings are more affordable than traditional homes or apartments and are also convenient for commuters. The cons of this living arrangement include sacrificing space such as a full kitchen or bedroom. For our community to continue to grow, we have to keep making investments that will attract more people to want to live here. — John Hunigan
How about turning space into a park?
Between the city of Galesburg and School District 205, there seem to be more unused buildings than they can ever use, especially since the city (and the State) have chronic declining population syndrome. The city also seems to have an extraordinary talent for finding ways to waste money on these places.
Putting my soapbox aside, here’s something that might work. I’m not sure that this will reverse the decline of population in the city but what about doing something for the people who are already here? I’d suggest that the parking lot at the old Broadview be abbreviated and the remaining property be sown with grass, plant some shade trees, maybe a park bench or two and the whole space be made into a park. The city should not over-think, over-plan or over-spend; they should rely on the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid!) principle. — Charlie Gruner
A nice hotel with a rooftop and shops below
It would be nice to see a nice hotel with a rooftop! It would be home to various local shops, on the first floor. My vision is that this would be a taller building, 10+ floors, which a nice-sized conference room. Hopefully, we could get more stuff in that area of the square and South Broad St. That area alone has so much potential. It would be nice if Amtrak reopened the route, I think it was the Santa Fe, and rebuild a station.
Growing up the Broadview was the Ramada Inn and has stood in the heart of our city. Why don’t we have a Ferris wheel when the creator was born here? Another thing could be a Ferris wheel or across the way, where Joe the Tailor’s used to be. This should be a year-round Ferris wheel dedicated to George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. — Courtney Wallace
Could be site for new youth center blocks from library
If the city could work with the fund holders of Carver Center and the Boys and Girls Club to construct the new Galesburg youth activity center on the Carver Center site, restoring the existing gymnasium, that would be excellent. But the large, open space that will be exposed when the Broadview comes down would also serve as a good, easily accessible central location for a new activity center, (and the new public library located just two blocks away will provide a large community center space and kitchen which can be used beyond library hours). Either of these choices might be thrifty enough to allow planning to allocate enough money to maintain, operate and staff the center when it’s up and running. Either of these would surely be a far better option than the city taking on a decaying 65 year old building. However, if 205 wants to deed Bateman Park to the city for $1, that would be great. It could be enhanced with a walking/running track and other door youth facilities. — Laurie Muelder
City recreation: Roundtable: Should city get involved providing youth center?
Either something to create jobs, or recreation
I would like to see something that the people can utilize, such as a small park, skate park, or walking area. I don't think that the city needs another fast-food chain or corporation to take over the land. However, given the surrounding area, buildings for small businesses to help revive downtown Galesburg would be nice as well. As I've said before, a skate park would be something the teens in the city would enjoy. Overall, I think something that would either create jobs or encourage people to go outside and enjoy downtown Galesburg would be beneficial. — Lizzie Wicks
Build replica of original Ferris wheel
It would be great to build a multi-use facility. First, of course, a teen center so the kids have somewhere to go. Then a community swimming pool. Perhaps have a combination preschool and homeless shelter. In a nod to the history of the area, District 205 could open a new Churchill Junior High School which would be only a block from the original.
Certainly we can erect enough solar panels to power the whole city or at least downtown. A scenic lagoon where we could grow pond scum to power our vehicles would be nice. Top it off with pasture for a few non-flatulent cows and a flock of free-range chickens and I think we’d have an Urban Paradise par excellence.
The other possibility would be an exact replica of the original Ferris wheel. It was 264 feet high and had 36 cars that carried up to 60 people each. — Harry Bulkeley
Churchill Center: Jaclyn Smith-Esters: A community center will be an asset to Galesburg
Look for private buyers first, then green it over
I actually discussed this space in my Community Roundtable submission on March 20. I said then “That area would be ripe for some public entertainment or a place that would appeal to a consistent group of quality weekend vendors.” I would also wonder if that space would be desirable for purchase by a private entity. Anytime that a city can divest of unused real estate to boost the city’s finances, that should be explored.
At minimum — after the rubble has been cleared, at some considerable expense, pretty up the space. Green much of it over, plant some more trees and add a few benches. It currently has more space than the area being used for the farmer’s market. You could easily leave some parking/vendor lots on one section for farmers market vendors to relocate there. This land has higher visibility, plenty of parking and there is the potential for temporary seasonal vendors as well. I attended a wonderful “Christmas Village” weekly vendor area in one of my travels. During the Christmas season that public space was transformed into a winter village with cute temporary shelters, trees to sell, music, crafts, baked goods and hot cocoa. — Stephen Podwojski
More: Stephen Podwojski: City needs financial forecasts before investing in Churchill
The Community Roundtable runs each Sunday and is made up of local writers. Community writers answer one question each week in 150 words or fewer.
This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: Roundtable: What would you like to see replace Broadview in Galesburg?
