Rock Island gets set for ‘exciting, fun’ downtown project

“This is the beginning of an exciting, fun” project for downtown Rock Island. That’s the word from Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms as he helped kick off the $8.7 million Rebuild Downtown Project during a meeting of downtown stakeholders on Wednesday afternoon, April 10. The meeting, held in The Stern Center at 1713 Third Ave., […]

“This is the beginning of an exciting, fun” project for downtown Rock Island. That’s the word from Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms as he helped kick off the $8.7 million Rebuild Downtown Project during a meeting of downtown stakeholders on Wednesday afternoon, April 10.

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The meeting, held in The Stern Center at 1713 Third Ave., attracted about 75 people. The event was held to give people who live, work, own businesses in the downtown area and other residents a chance to hear details on the massive project that has been years in the planning stages and will transform much of the downtown section of the city. “This is the biggest investment (in downtown Rock Island) that has happened in many, many years. … To put this together, it took a lot of creative thinking,” the mayor added. That big investment will center on rebuilding streets and sidewalks, new lights, replacing sewer systems, installing more signage and outdoor patio spaces to make the downtown a better place for residents and visitors. Jack Cullen, executive director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance (one of the partners in the project), added there will be much work going on during the construction and renovations. But he told the crowd that city, business and economic development leaders also want to get this message out: “Businesses will remain open during the project.” In fact, a big red and white sign was placed at the front of the meeting with that message: “Businesses open during construction.” If all goes according to schedule, demolition work on the three-phase project will begin next week. All phases of the project will be done by the end of the year. Here are some of the highlights of the project:

• A welcome/gateway sign.
• Four new blocks will have updated streets.
• A mixed-use festival street.
• Two large-scale murals in a renovated Arts Alley.
• Ten new outdoor patios at existing establishments.
• Rock Island block letters for photo opportunities.
• Green lawn for yard games and special events.
• Mini roundabout signifying the center of downtown.

  “We’re going to start this project right away. Next week, we are going to start tearing up the downtown area,” said Aaron Lubitz of Valley Construction. The Rock Island-based Valley is one of the other partners in the project. Mr. Lubitz added that the $8.7 million downtown project will be divided up into three phases. The first phase, set to start next week and be complete at year’s end, centers on road work on: 18th Street from First Avenue to Third Avenue; Third Avenue from 18th Street to 19th Street; Second Avenue from 18th Street to 19th Street. Phase two is set to start in October and be completed in December. This phase will also focus on road improvement work including the intersections of Second Avenue and 19th Street; and Third Avenue and 19th Street. Phase three will be the reconstruction of Arts Alley. This work will begin in June and be completed in July. Presenters at Wednesday’s meeting also were quick to point out that the timeline for the project could change, especially if workers face tough weather conditions in the coming months. If the project faces delays, they will make sure the public knows about it. “We’re here to communicate, communicate, communicate,” said Jason McKenzie of  Veenstra & Kimm Inc., an engineering firm and another one of the project partners. He and others urged the audience to sign up for a project newsletter to get ongoing updates. (Information on that newsletter and updates on the project can be found here.) In addition to giving the Rock Island audience important information on the project, officials also took questions.  One question focused on helping downtown businesses during the construction. An audience member wanted to know if businesses could get financial help during this time because many of them will likely lose business while crews work on downtown streets. Mr. Cullen said officials are now working with the City of Rock Island in an effort to establish a fund to help the downtown businesses during the upcoming, busy construction season. Other stakeholders wanted to make sure there will be places to park, safety for people who live and walk in the downtown area, and good, temporary lighting in place during the construction. Officials said they will address all those concerns, but they also left the audience with this message: Please be patient. “There may be times that there are disruptions and challenges,” but the project will get done and help the community, said Mr. Cullen.