Patio season is officially here in Downtown Rock Island. Crews installed new sidewalk fencing structures this week at five different business locations.
Sharing the same design, the uniform patios dedicated for restaurant and bar patrons enhance curb appeal, elevate street-level marketing for businesses and increase the operating footprint for establishments.
NEST Café was one of the first patio installations and is up and running. "We work really hard to create a welcoming environment," said Laura Mahn, NEST’s Executive Director. "I think the patios add to that feel. Now we not only have outdoor seating, but it feels like an extended dining room, a cozy nook up front. I hope people use it."
The addition of sidewalk patios marks an exciting milestone for the City of Rock Island’s Rebuild Downtown Project, which is picking up steam this spring as it nears completion. Businesses within the City’s 65-block Downtown Special Service Area (SSA) can receive a 1:1 rebate of up to $1,000 for new patio furniture and accessory purchases — part of a program supporting improvements beyond the cost-covered fencing structures.
“As a major partner and advocate for the Rebuild Downtown Rock Island Project, we thought this would be another great way to support our businesses that have stuck with it through construction and are continuously seeking ways to expand their customer offerings,” said Jack Cullen, Executive Director of the Downtown Alliance. The organization, which manages the Downtown Special Service Area, also provides financial assistance for new signage, awnings, murals and exterior lighting and security cameras.
Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms applauded the addition of sidewalk patios. “These outdoor service areas will add to the success of our businesses and bring a new atmosphere downtown,” Thoms said. “It's a nice way for residents and families to enjoy the fresh air and connect with their community.”
So far, the Downtown Alliance has committed to assist Huckleberry’s Great Pizza and Calzones, ICONS Martini and NEST Café with the purchase of new exterior-grade patio furniture.
"We're happy to have our patio back - we're even more excited about the matching cafe railings and perimeter, so everything will look uniform and is a nice touch with everything we're doing downtown," said Jon Keim, owner of Huckleberry's. "We are hoping people will have lunch outside with us. We have a small grab-and-go lunch menu from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, so people can grab a salad, a lunch calzone or a slice of pizza." Keim said the new patio will give Huckleberry's more of a street presence. "We'll add some flower baskets and some bistro lights this summer. We're hoping this might eventually help launch our Italian alley if there's interest in that," he added.
Sidewalk patios are planned for the following businesses: