Not long after the dust settled from the Rebuild Downtown Rock Island Project in the summer of 2025, visible improvements began to take shape on private properties throughout the commercial neighborhood.
One shining example is the new awnings on the multi-story, mixed-
use Liberty Building at 1800 2nd Ave., home to The Smoking Dog Pub and Rock Island County Abstract and Title Guaranty Co. The decorative upgrade, intentionally timed for completion on the heels of the largest public infrastructure project downtown has seen in a generation, happened because of a public-private partnership between longtime property owner Ray Berger, the Rock Island Downtown Alliance and the City of Rock Island.
"My awnings had exceeded their useful life and became an eyesore, so I was looking to replace them, dress up the building and get ready for a revival," said Berger, who purchased the property with his father in 1984. "And that brought me to connect with the Downtown Alliance. The help from the City and the Downtown Alliance was pivotal to my project, and the funding process was the easiest I have encountered over the years."
This project, one of 43 capital improvements facilitated by the Downtown Alliance in partnership with the City since 2024, is a product of the Downtown Rock Island Special Service Area. Property owners within the 65-block area, roughly between 1st and 7th Avenues and 13th and 28th streets, pay an additional property tax to help fund improvements and enhanced services within the district's boundaries. The Downtown Alliance has approved just over $68,000 in assistance for business and property owners primarily through its Curb Appeal, Patio Enhancement and Safety Rebate programs, leveraging a total planned investment of more than $150,000.
“Our rebate programs were modeled after proven revitalization programs in other communities and designed to complement the City’s financial assistance tools,” said Jack Cullen, Executive Director of the Downtown Alliance. “The Curb Appeal Rebate for the new awnings at the Liberty Building was one of the first projects approved by the Downtown Alliance Board and kickstarted our efforts to support property owners, foster business growth and beautify downtown.”
New retail business Bev’s Yarn Barn also used the Curb Appeal Rebate Program for new awnings and signage at 323 18th St. Owner Ashley Burroughs, who leases the street-level space, said the upgrades helped strengthen the storefront’s presence downtown.
“The assistance allowed me to take the dream I was picturing for the shop and bring it to life by adding beautiful interior and exterior signage and awnings that match the colors of my logo,” she said. “I am so incredibly grateful for the network of people I have met throughout this process. The Downtown Alliance was instrumental in bringing me into Rock Island and has helped me several times along the way.”
In 2025, the City executed six development agreements for downtown projects, providing $2.9 million in public support and generating $18.8 million in private investments.
Thomas Flaherty, Assistant to the City Manager and Economic Development Director for the City, said “launching a reinvigorated business retention and expansion program in 2026 should grow these numbers.”
The recently launched New Business Rental Rebate Program of the Downtown Alliance is another tool for entrepreneurs and business owners. The initiative is designed to reduce startup costs for new commercial tenants and attract a diverse mix of businesses downtown.