The Galesburg City Council is set to vote Monday night on a $40,000 facade improvement grant for the Weinberg Arcade building at 64 S. Prairie Street — a project that grew out of two facade collapses that closed South Prairie Street twice last December.
The Facade Advisory Committee unanimously recommended the grant at its March 3 meeting. Under the city’s facade improvement program guidelines, the grant would reimburse up to $40,000, or 50% of verified final project costs, whichever is less. The total estimated project cost is $324,400, with the building’s owners covering the remainder through private equity.
Community Development Director Steve Gugliotta said the numbers reflect what the program is designed to do.
“The City’s participation through the facade improvement program is relatively modest — up to $40,000 — while leveraging more than $280,000 in private investment by the property owner,” Gugliotta told WGIL. “That type of public-private partnership is an important tool for encouraging reinvestment in the downtown while preserving the historic character that makes Downtown Galesburg a unique destination for both residents and visitors.”
What the project involves
The scope of work targets the south and east elevations of the building’s fourth floor. Work includes replacement of deteriorated masonry from the top of the fourth-floor windows up to and including the parapet cap, installation of new flashing, installation of helical reinforcement ties within the remaining fourth-floor masonry, reconstruction of the arched masonry corner elements and associated terracotta caps, and installation of a protective metal cap spanning the reconstructed masonry parapet wall.
Construction is expected to begin Tuesday, March 17, with substantial completion targeted for June 17. The project is projected to support approximately seven full-time positions upon completion.
Gugliotta said temporary road closures may be necessary given the height of the work.
“Because the work will occur at and above the fourth floor of the building, it will require special equipment and safety measures,” he said. “If temporary road closures are necessary, they will be coordinated with the City to ensure pedestrian and vehicle safety while minimizing disruption to traffic in the immediate area.”
Background: Two collapses, one building
The project stems from structural issues that emerged in December 2025. A portion of brown brick veneer above the middle two windows on the east elevation collapsed on Dec. 13, 2025, forcing closure of South Prairie Street. A second collapse on Dec. 27 prompted another closure. Engineers from Klingner & Associates determined the collapses were caused by heavily rusted and corroded metal strap ties between the outer brick veneer and the inner brick wythes.
At the time, building owner Jay Bullis said they planned to build back and continue to grow Weinberg Arcade.
A program with a track record
The city’s facade improvement program has been in place since 2009. Gugliotta said it has assisted 34 projects since then, covering masonry restoration, new storefronts, updated signage, lighting, and other exterior improvements.
“Collectively, those projects have leveraged approximately $1.54 in private investment for every $1 of facade assistance, resulting in more than $3.5 million in combined public and private investment that has improved the appearance of downtown buildings and supported local businesses,” he said.
Funding for the Weinberg Arcade grant would come from Tax Increment Financing District No. 4.
The Galesburg City Council meets at 6 p.m. Monday at Galesburg City Hall. Click here to view the agenda packet.
