Stadelman helps secure $5 million for downtown street upgrades, historic theater restoration

State Senator Steve Stadelman announced today that more than $5 million in state funding is headed to downtown Rockford to help restore the historic Times Theater and reconstruct Madison Street from the City Market Pavilion to Prairie Street Brewhouse.

“The ongoing redevelopment of downtown Rockford is important to the economic growth of the entire region, and this funding focuses on another two key assets in the mix of critical public and private projects over the last 20-plus years," Stadelman said of the Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets Capital Grant awards.

Rockford-based Joseph James Partners, will use its $3 million Main Street award toward a $15 million restoration of the long vacant Times, built in 1938. Plans are to host live performances and films for audiences of 600 to 900, filling a mid-size gap between the landmark Coronado Performing Arts Center and the Nordlof Center stages north and south of the Times, respectively, on Main Street.

"On behalf of our team, a big thank you to Governor Pritzker, Senator Stadelman and DCEO. The west side of downtown along Main Street has long been the cultural corridor of our community, and this investment iwll enhange that further by bring back to life not only a hisotry but very relevant assent in terms of capacity and uses," said Peter Provenzano, Joseph James President and CEO. "This would not have been possible without 1,330-plus signatures to our change.org petition, many positive statements and muerous letters of support to renovate this jewel of the Rockford region."

More than $2 million is slated for a comprehensive upgrade of Madison street that includes resurfacing, underground water system updates, pedestrian and bicycle facilities and streetside beautification.

“We are very grateful to Governor Pritzker and Senator Stadelman for awarding the City of Rockford more than $5 million in DCEO Rebuilding Downtowns and Main Streets grants," Rockford Mayor Thomas P. McNamara said. "More than $3 million will go towards renovating the historic Times Theater and $2 million will go towards Madison Street corridor improvements including, resurfacing Madison Street from E. State Street to Prairie Street, replacing over 10-year-old water main, sidewalk and bicycle land improvement and streetscape improvements.”

Coming soon: Stadelman announces $83 million in local infrastructure projects

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced over $83 million in road and bridge projects coming to the area over the next six year, which State Senator Steve Stadelman heralded as "smart infrastructure investments" that will grow the economy and bring jobs.

“With this investment, Illinois continues to provide working families with safe transportation that creates a positive impact on their daily lives,” Stadelman said.

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Stadelman represents will see 34 infrastructure projects totaling more than $83 million over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area this year include:

• Montague Road Bridge rehabilitation

• Rock River pavement patching

• Kent Creek Bridge reconstruction

• Fairview Avenue to Rockford College Drive improvements

Under IDOT’s multi-year plan, $34.6 billion will be spent on 2,500 miles of road projects and nearly 10 million square feet of bridge work, among other transportation improvements. To find a full list of projects slated for the 34^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

Stadelman accentuates the positive in address to Loves-Machesney businesses

State Senator Steve Stadelman discussed the dramatic improvement of the state's financial position Wednesday as the latest speaker in the Legislative Events Series organized by The Parks Chamber of Commerce. He also outlined his priorities for securing the future of the Stellantis assembly plant in Belvidere and restoring passenger rail service between Chicago and Rockford.

"Senator Stadelman did a tremendous job highlighting pro-business policies and capital investment projects that directly impact our business climate and quality of life in The Parks," Chamber Executive Director Tonya Lamia said. "He also shared important data that helps support why businesses should locate, invest and expand in our region."
 

In case you missed me on Facebook ...

Steve Stadelman
1d ·

Congratulationsto Rockford Ald. Gina Meeks for organizing a thoughtful 815 Day celebration honoring veterans at Independence Village, where she works. State Rep. Dave Vella and I spoke briefly about our legislative efforts for veterans in Springfield before a panel discussion that included Commander Bob LaMay from Rockford's Navy Club Ship No. 1, the first in the nation, and Curly Thompson, Rockford's first Black soldier in the U.S. Marines. I also had the pleasure of meeting (top photo) 101-year-old resident Jayne Pheiffer, who enlisted in 1942 and once opened a door for First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt!

Steve Stadelman
3d ·

Thank you to Pastor Ruby Martin and A Ministry of Restoration for organizing their annual backpack giveaway at Blackhawk Park!
 

Steve Stadelman
3d ·

Congratulations to Rockford Ald. Tuffy Quinonez and everyone who helped organize the 11th Ward Parade and Festival. No one was deterred by an initial burst of rain!

Steve Stadelman
5d ·

Patricia Albee Beam, who played basketball at the University of Illinois in the late 1950s and as a teenager in the pre-Title IX industrial league in Rockford, was among those who stopped by today at the Boone County Fair. The fair runs through Sunday, so there's plenty of time for bumper cars, corn dogs, lemon shakeups and a visit with your State Senator.