FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CARBONDALE – The City of Carbondale is excited to announce it has been selected to receive a $2,055,040 grant to help construct the Downtown Entertainment & Events Plaza at the Washington Street Venue.
As part of the Rebuild Illinois (RBI) Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded $106 million in capital grants to 50 commercial corridors and main streets throughout Illinois, which represents the largest-ever RBI investment focused on community revitalization.
"This is another big win for Carbondale, and it wouldn't be possible without the amazing City staff who continue to find ways to bring resources to our community," said City Manager Gary Williams.
The Downtown Entertainment & Events Plaza will feature a permanent stage that will enable the City of Carbondale to host more concerts and live entertainment while improving the experience for performers and attendees. Developing this venue will increase activity in Carbondale's new downtown entertainment district and attract thousands of visitors across southern Illinois.
"The future Carbondale Downtown Entertainment & Event Plaza will be surrounded by restaurants, bars, ample parking, a hotel, and the future Southern Illinois Multi-Modal Station," said Steven Mitchell, Economic Development Director. "The completion of this project will respond to the economic harm and health concerns of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and provide much-needed momentum for the revitalization of Carbondale's downtown."
Economic Development Coordinator Cody Lueker says, "The stage that this grant will help pay for is part of an effort to improve the quality of life for our residents. The proposed project will help to reinvigorate Carbondale's music scene, and provide entertainment, recreation and gathering areas that are desirable for all ages, including young children, teenagers, students, adults, and senior citizens."
For more information, contact the City of Carbondale at 618-457-3262.
The RBI Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Program is designed to support local commercial corridors, with concentrations of businesses that experienced difficulties during the pandemic due to declining foot traffic, tourism, and business from downtown offices. The program drives investment in infrastructure and public amenities that continue to fuel economic activity as more Illinoisans visit their local town centers.
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