Rock Island celebrated the completion of its Rebuild Downtown Rock Island Project as more than 250 people showed up to sample the fare at local restaurants and listen to music at Schwiebert Riverfront Park.
Mayor Ashley Harris welcomed the crowd to the Green Lawn at the corner of 18th Street and Second Avenue, where he announced the unveiling of the new arch at First Avenue and 18th Street to welcome visitors to downtown Rock Island.
“This lighted sign will serve as a colorful and eye-catching gateway to our newly renovated downtown,” Harris said.
Harris said that archway was completed this week and was the final touch of the nearly $9 million project, which he said is the largest investment in the infrastructure of downtown Rock Island in a generation.
“This project is a boost for businesses and further economic development in our downtown,” Harris added. “The beautiful reconstruction project benefits our community through new streetscaping, public art, outdoor dining opportunities and spaces for gathering and hold events.
“Downtown Rock Island is the place to be,” Harris said.
Illinois State Representative Gregg Johnson, D-East Moline, told the crowd he grew up in Rock Island. He recognized the city officials who got the process started and gave special mention to the downtown businesses that stayed open through construction.
“I know it was frustrating,” Johnson said. “I know that the construction was disruptive, roads were torn-up, access was limited, and foot traffic was not always easy. That made for some difficult, difficult days in the District. But these businesses stuck it out and because of that perseverance we are able to stand here today with a downtown that has not only been rebuilt, but ready to go stronger than ever.”
Johnson said the state of Illinois stepped up “in a big way” with $3 million from a State of Illinois Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets Grant, as well as a $267,000 State of Illinois Tourism Attractions Grant.
“That is much more than a number on a piece of paper,” he said. “That is a tangible commitment from the people of Illinois to the city of Rock Island.”
Johnson said Illinois has invested more than $100 million in 50 communities in the state, “making sure that downtowns across Illinois remain the heart of their communities.”
“Tonight, we celebrate what has been built, but also what it represents; a foundation for more economic growth, for more community and for more opportunity,” he said.
The project shows that when state and local communities work together, “real progress happens,” he added.
Jack Cullen, executive director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance, said the goals of the project were to enhance public spaces, encourage private investment and improve quality of life.
Property owners are making improvements, he said. Icons Martini has installed new signage, and there are new windows and awnings at the Liberty Building located at the corner of 18th Street and Second Avenue.
Cullen said that Rock Island native Zach Edwards has purchased the Rock Island Brewing Company, or RIBCO, and plans to reopen in the coming months.
Tom Norman, who owns the building formerly occupied by the Daiquiri Factory at 1809 Second Ave., partnered with the city to build market rate apartments in the upper floors of the building. Now, Cullen said that Norman is adding a commercial kitchen on the ground floor for future business.
Cullen said that Blue Collar Bagels will open on the ground floor of the building.
Dylan Parker, 5th Ward alderman, who was raised in Davenport, said he first enjoyed downtown Rock Island while a student at St. Ambrose University.
“Thankfully I was introduced to an incredible community that I have come to love very, very much,” Parker said.
Parker said that Rock Island seeped into him, and the unique identity of Rock Island soon became apparent.
While Chicago is known as the City of Broad Shoulders, he said, “We are a city of broad shoulders, too.
“We have weathered an awful lot here in Rock Island over the decades and I’m proud to be part of this community that keeps on being resilient,” he said.
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