In the mid 1970s, Jay Matson was among a select group that envisioned a specialty shopping and dining district designed to help save retail in downtown Galesburg, Illinois. That vision, which became known as Seminary Street Historic Downtown District., quickly turned into a success story that’s been a model for other cities around the country.

Nearly a half century later, Seminary Street Historic Downtown District — with its mix of shopping, dining, museums, arts, services and residential living — is still going strong.

He’s a huge reason why Downtown Galesburg is vibrant and thriving today.

Now retired and living in California, Jay Matson joins WGIL's Jay Redfern to talk about the evolution of Seminary Street.

WATCH THE VIDEO ...

[widget id="custom_html-61"]