A $2 million state grant will help spruce up a portion of downtown Galesburg.
The City of Galesburg recently received a $2 million Rebuild Downtown and Main Streets grant to make improvements to Parking Lot H and the 200 block of East Simmons Street.
City Engineer Aaron Gavin tells WGIL the parking lot will be reconstructed and decorative elements will be added. The improvements will include new asphalt surfacing, concrete islands, landscaping, decorative fencing, and a proposed covered parking area. The new configuration of the parking lot would eliminate two entry drives on Kellogg Street to increase pedestrian safety. An added entry drive on Simmons Street would improve vehicular circulation.
The proposed covered parking area would be along the south and east sides of the parking lot. It would serve a dual purpose of providing covered parking, while allowing a sheltered area for downtown events and festivals.
Improvements to Simmons Street between Kellogg and Prairie streets will also be made as part of the grant funded project. This will include a new asphalt surface, curbing, sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping. The improvements to the parking lot and the street closely follow the city’s Design Development of Downtown Public Spaces plan that was prepared in 2016.
Total estimated cost for the project is approximately $2.45 million. The grant award was for $2,082,500, and local match funds will be used to cover the difference.
The target date for construction of the project is Spring of 2024.
