The city of Rock Island, in partnership with the Quad Cities Chamber and Rock Island Downtown Alliance, will hold an official groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction of the $8.7 million Rebuild Downtown Rock Island project, Monday, April 15 at 2 p.m. at the intersection of 18th Street and 2nd Avenue.

City council members unanimously approved final plans and construction contracts during the March 25 meeting. Valley Construction will work with design and engineering firms Veenstra & Kimm and Streamline Architects on the project.

“The Rebuild Downtown Rock Island project is an exciting opportunity for the City to revitalize the downtown historic area through the largest single investment in more than 30 years,” Mayor Mike Thoms said in a Friday release. “We are excited for what this project will bring to our community. The goal is to encourage private investment and improve the overall quality of life for those who live, work in and visit downtown Rock Island.”

The $8.7-million Rebuild Downtown Rock Island project is being funded with $3 million from a State of Illinois Rebuild Downtowns grant, $3.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, $1.5 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District funds, and a $267,000 State of Illinois Tourism Attractions grant.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) director Kristin Richards will be present at the groundbreaking to speak about the state’s investment in downtown Rock Island.

“DCEO is committed to supporting economic development projects that boost communities and small businesses,” Richards said in the release. “Through the Rebuilding Downtowns and Main Streets Program, Illinois is proud to provide grant funding to support the Downtown Rock Island project, which will beautify the area, attract visitors, create jobs and provide new spaces for the community to come together.”  

The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Improvements will include:·

  • “Welcome to Downtown Rock Island” gateway sign across from Schwiebert Park at 1st Avenue and 18th Street
  • Total reconstruction and streetscaping of four blocks
  • Decorative lighting and landscaping
  • Two large-scale murals in Arts Alley
  • Ten new outdoor patio areas at existing restaurants
  • Rock Island block letters for photo opportunities
  • Conversion of the parking lot at 2nd Avenue and 18th Street into greenspace for recreation and special events
  • Installation of a mini roundabout at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and 18th Street

The city in partnership with the Rock Island Downtown Alliance is committed to working with and supporting businesses and residents who may be affected by the construction project.

“Businesses will remain open during construction, and we are asking for the community’s help in supporting them, especially as access temporarily becomes challenging,” said Jack Cullen, executive director of the Downtown Alliance.“We will get through this together, and we will be better off in the end.”

Monday’s groundbreaking will be at the intersection of 18th Street and 2nd Avenue, which will be transformed to look like this, with a new roundabout.

As part of the Rebuild Illinois (RBI) Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded $106 million in capital grants to 50 commercial corridors and main streets throughout Illinois, which represents the largest-ever RBI investment focused on community revitalization.

For more information on the Rebuild Downtown Rock Island project, click HERE.