Downtown Rock Island is getting a new look – and now a rebrand.
The Rock Island City Council this week approved a new brand for the downtown area. Under this new brand, “The District” will simply be known as “Downtown Rock Island.”
The rebrand concept began in July 2024 through a partnership of the City of Rock Island, the Quad Cities Chamber, the Rock Island Downtown Alliance and marketing agency MindFire Communications, based in LeClaire, Iowa.
“The brand narrative and visual identity aim to capture the spirit, authenticity and unique characteristics of Downtown Rock Island. Having Rock Island City Council approve the branding enables us to move forward together with consistent, shared messaging that attracts support and leads to economic vitality in Downtown Rock Island,” Jack Cullen, executive director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance, told the QCBJ on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
Those involved with the project added that the “Downtown Rock Island” rebrand will tie in with the newly installed downtown gateway arch located at 1st Avenue and 18th Street, and the entire Rebuild Downtown Rock Island Project.
That $8.7 million infrastrucure plan to rebuild parts of downtown Rock Island began last year and will include:
- The Rock Island gateway sign across from Schwiebert Park.
- Reconstruction and streetscaping of four downtown 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. The City of Rock Island and Rock Island Downtown Alliance recently hosted a photo contest to celebrate the installation of new 4 1/2-foot-tall steel “ROCK ISLAND” block letters for the sign. “The newly installed letters offer a great opportunity to capture creative photos, and this is a special way we can all celebrate the revitalization of our downtown and the spirit of Rock Island,” said Rock Island Mayor Ashley Harris. Kylie Wise placed first in the photo contest, according to the Downtown Rock Island Facebook page.
- 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 2nd Avenue and 18th Street intersection.
Mr. Cullen said there are still a few “small pieces” of the beautification and improvement project yet to be completed. But all the major parts are done or will be done by the end of the month.
The new rebrand and rebuilding project will receive recognition during a Rebuild Downtown Rock Island Celebration set for 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at Green Lawn, 1801 2nd Ave., Rock Island. That site is near the new Rock Island sign.
“This celebration is more than a single event – it’s a symbol of progress,” Mr. Cullen said recently on the alliance’s website. “The archway, the patios, the decorative lighting – they’re not just investments in infrastructure; they’re investments in people, in shared spaces, in businesses and in the energy that makes Downtown Rock Island authentic, creative and most of all – welcoming.”
The celebration marks the completion of the Rebuild Downtown Rock Island Project — the largest downtown public infrastructure project in a generation. Funded by the City of Rock Island and State of Illinois, the project was designed to enhance public spaces, encourage private investment and improve quality of life downtown.
The celebration schedule includes:
- 5 p.m. – Signature drinks and Icons and DJ music.
- 5:30 p.m. – Program and archway unveiling.
- 6 p.m. – Pack the patios for dinner.
- 7 p.m. – Thursday Night Groove at Schwiebert Riverfront Park.
