Chicago Construction News staff writer
Twenty-five public infrastructure and community development projects across Illinois have been awarded a total of $20 million through the Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets (RDMS) Capital Program, state officials announced.
The funding is aimed at supporting construction, repair, and modernization of public infrastructure, with an emphasis on revitalizing communities that have experienced historic disinvestment. The investment is expected to create jobs, enhance quality of life, and boost local economies.
This second round of RDMS funding builds on the $106 million awarded in 2022. The focus remains on reinvigorating Main Street districts and local city centers — critical economic and cultural hubs in small towns throughout the state.
Highlighted RDMS Grants:
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Bubin Properties LLC (East Central Region): $771,263 to renovate a vacant building at 48 E. Main St. in downtown Champaign.
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City of Bloomington (North Central Region): $1,999,603 for streetscape improvements through its “Downtown for Everyone” initiative.
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City of East Moline (Northwest Region): $2 million to redesign 15th Avenue as a pedestrian-friendly Main Street.
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City of Hillsboro (Central Region): $749,275 for Phase II of downtown upgrades, including new sidewalks, curbs, lighting, and water service.
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City of McHenry (Northeast Region): $771,263 to reconstruct Riverside Drive in the downtown district.
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City of Mendota (Northwest Region): $1,988,625 for the “Rise From the Ashes Revitalization Project,” following a fire that destroyed a city-owned downtown building.
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City of Morris (Northeast Region): $771,263 for downtown streetscape enhancements based on the Morris Downtown Master Plan.
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City of Rockford (Northern Stateline Region): $2 million for Madison Street Phase II streetscape improvements.
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City of West Chicago (Northeast Region): $2 million for improvements to Main Street and Turner Court.
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JAC Managing Member LLC (Southwest Region): $2 million to restore the Jacoby Building in Alton for use as apartments, a restaurant, and an art center.
The governor’s office also said that the RISE Implementation Program has awarded an additional $10 million to support local and regional economic recovery efforts. These grants will focus on workforce housing, downtown revitalization, infrastructure upgrades, and cultural development.
