The downtown revitalization project on Simmons Street and the adjacent city parking lot is on target to be completed on schedule this fall. Made possible by a $2.1 million Rebuild Illinois Downtown and Main Street Grant, the project is entering its final months of construction and will deliver significant improvements to the downtown area.
Since its start on March 31, 2025, the project has achieved major milestones, including the completion of work on the majority of Simmons Street, the Prairie Street intersection, and the west half of the parking lot. All storm sewer work is complete, and decorative lighting has been installed.
In the coming weeks, crews will focus on completing the Kellogg Street intersection, curb and gutter work, and all ADA-compliant sidewalks. By mid-September, concrete work will wrap up, and crews will begin final grading of the east half of the parking lot and preparing the roadway for asphalt. By the end of September, asphalt will be laid on all remaining applicable portions of the project, which is required to cure for 10 days prior to placing pavement markings.
During early October, new pavement markings will be applied, and the roadway and parking lot will reopen to traffic. Crews will then focus on finishing touches, including landscaping and placing site furnishings.
By the end of October, the project is anticipated to be fully concluded. The overall scope of work includes asphalt resurfacing on the roadway and parking lot, new ADA-compliant sidewalks, improvements to the curb, gutter, and storm sewer systems, landscaping and tree planting, the installation of benches and trash receptacles, a pedestrian canopy, and decorative lighting.
“The City of Galesburg is truly grateful for the Rebuild Illinois grant that made this project possible,” said Aaron Gavin, Director of Public Works. “We appreciate the patience of our residents while the improvements have been underway and look forward to seeing these improvements create a more vibrant and accessible downtown for years to come.”
The total anticipated project cost is $2.5 million. Funding for the project includes a $2,082,500 Rebuild Illinois Downtown and Main Streets Grant, with approximately $400,000 in local funds contributing to the overall cost.
A rendering of the project is included below to illustrate the scope of work. Construction of the project was completed by Gunther Construction and managed by City of Galesburg Project Manager Jamie West. More information on City of Galesburg construction projects can be accessed on the interactive map on the City of Galesburg website.
***Courtesy of the City of Galesburg***
