Join us to celebrate Downtown Rock Island's transformation

The City of Rock Island and the Rock Island Downtown Alliance invite the community to the Rebuild Downtown Rock Island Celebration beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, on the Green Lawn at 1801 2nd Ave.

The celebration marks the completion of the Rebuild Downtown Rock Island Project, a nearly $9 million investment funded with $3 million from a State of Illinois Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets Grant; $3.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds; $1.5 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District funds; and a $267,000 State of Illinois Tourism Attractions Grant. 

Improvements include: 

• “Welcome to Downtown Rock Island” archway and sign across from Schwiebert Riverfront Park at 1st Avenue and 18th Street
• Total reconstruction and streetscaping of four blocks
• Decorative lighting and landscaping
• Renovation of Arts Alley, including the addition of two custom vendor stalls for pop-up activities and two large-scale murals 
• Conversion of a former parking lot at 2nd Avenue and 18th Street into a green space for recreation and special events
• Ten sidewalk patio areas at existing bars & restaurants 
• Rock Island block letters for photo opportunities
• Installation of a mini roundabout at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and 18th Street

“We are proud and excited to officially unveil the largest investment in the infrastructure of Downtown Rock Island in a generation,” said Mayor Ashley Harris. “This project is a boost for businesses and further economic development in our downtown. The beautiful reconstruction project benefits our community through new streetscaping, public art, outdoor dining opportunities and spaces for gathering and holding events. Downtown Rock Island is the place to be.”

The evening schedule includes:

• 5 p.m. – Signature drinks from Icons Martini and music by vinyl-based DJ collective Just Let Go.
• 5:30 p.m. – Program: Project complete, archway unveiling & downtown branding.
• 6 p.m. – Pack the patios for dinner at surrounding restaurants.
• 7 p.m. – Thursday Night Groove concert at Schwiebert Riverfront Park featuring Danger Zone

The 100 block of 18th Street, roundabout intersection and the 1800 block of 2nd Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic for the celebration. Attendees may purchase a drink from Icons Martini and take it across 18th Street to the Green Lawn for the program. Bicycle taxi operators will be offering complimentary rides before, during and after the event 4:30-9:30 p.m.

After the program and before the concert at Schwiebert Riverfront Park, the following downtown establishments are eager to serve patrons on their sidewalk patios – new amenities purchased by the City as part of the Rebuild Downtown Project.

• El Patron Mexican Restaurant & Bar
• Healthy Harvest Urban Farms
• Icons Martini
• Looney's Little Chicago | Steve's Old Time Tap
• NEST Cafe
• Rock Island Ale House
• Soi 2 Thai Street Food
• The Original Huckleberry's Great Pizza & Calzones

“This celebration is more than a single event—it’s a symbol of progress,” said Jack Cullen, Executive Director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance. “The archway, the patios, the decorative lighting—they’re not just investments in infrastructure; they’re investments in people, in shared spaces, in businesses and in the energy that makes Downtown Rock Island authentic, creative and most of all - welcoming."

Sept. 25 will be a chance for the community to gather, celebrate and look forward to the future of Downtown Rock Island.