Downtown Monmouth is now more attractive and pedestrian-friendly following the completion of a nearly decade-long streetscape beautification project.
City Administrator Lew Steinbrecher joined community members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 27 to mark the occasion. Conceptual planning for the initiative dates back to 2015.
The $3.7 million project received $3 million in funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets program.
Key improvements include redesigned traffic flow around the downtown circle, now reduced to a single lane to slow vehicles and enhance safety. Wider sidewalks and enhanced crosswalks make it easier for pedestrians to navigate the area.
“It really changed the appearance of downtown and has made it much softer looking and much friendlier for pedestrian traffic as well,” Steinbrecher told WGIL.
New features include an archway sign at Market Alley and heavy-duty umbrellas providing shade for outdoor seating.
Steinbrecher described the project as “generational,” highlighting its lasting impact on the Maple City’s downtown.
