The Galesburg City Council will vote Monday night on a resolution to purchase a downtown property at 345-363 E. South St. for $150,000, a strategic acquisition aimed at enhancing future development opportunities near the Amtrak Depot and the forthcoming National Railroad Hall of Fame.
The property, currently home to AAA Electric, is adjacent to a city-owned parking lot at 280 S. Seminary St. and other municipal parcels at 224, 236, 238, and 240 S. Seminary St., forming a key block in Galesburg’s downtown. The current owner, who has operated AAA Electric at the site since 2002, recently relocated machinery and equipment, opening the door for the city to finalize purchase discussions. The agreement allows the owner 45 days from the vote to dismantle and remove the existing steel-framed building for reuse elsewhere, with all work to be completed by Nov. 21, 2025. The city plans to demolish any remaining structures to prepare the site for potential future use.
Director of Community Development Steve Gugliotta said consolidating ownership in this block supports long-term planning for downtown Galesburg, telling WGIL, “Acquiring the property positions the City to better manage and plan for future use of the block as a whole, giving the City more flexibility for long-term planning and the potential to support future community or economic development opportunities.”
The purchase will be funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District #4, which supports economic growth initiatives in the area.
While no specific redevelopment plans are finalized, the property’s location—across South Street from the Amtrak Depot and near the planned National Railroad Hall of Fame (NRRHOF) visitor center at 225 S. Seminary St.—enhances its strategic importance. The NRRHOF project, as reported by WGIL in February 2025, has secured $7 million in funding and is moving forward with architectural designs by Wight & Company, with groundbreaking expected in the coming months.
The resolution is on the City Council’s agenda for the Oct. 6 meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. at Galesburg City Hall.