22-04-2025
Aledo will celebrate milestone in downtown revitalization
The City of Aledo is preparing to celebrate major milestones in its years-long work to revitalize one of the oldest downtowns in Western Illinois, according to a news release.
This spring, Aledo residents and visitors will be able to enjoy two newly renovated event andentertainment spaces with the Market Plaza near Central Park opening and the long-anticipated re-opening of the historic Aledo Opera House.
Market Plaza
The City of Aledo recently completed the construction of a new plaza and parking lot in CentralPark downtown. This project included roadway and pedestrian improvements, a new pedestrian walkway and infrastructure to support summer events and farmers markets.
The City of Aledo will hold a public ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. Thursday in the MarketPlaza.
'This project is truly a game changer for the city and the annual events we hold,' said MayorChris Hagloch. 'By adding lighting and electrical, we can better support food trucks, vendorsand festival-goers. We can't wait to hold our first event in the space.'
Aledo Opera House
The Windborn Group is finishing construction on the Aledo Opera House and is looking forwardto a spring opening. This historic space started as a skate rink and theater before falling into disrepair in the 2010s. With this revitalization project, the Opera House will continue its historyas an iconic destination for residents and visitors. Visit here for more information.
An economic downturn and a commitment to revitalization
Like many rural downtowns, Aledo's historic district experienced a boom in the early 20thCentury before economic and cultural changes moved economic activity away from the citycenter. The 2007-2009 Great Recession heavily impacted Aledo's downtown.
In 2018, Aledo's elected leaders decided to take action to ensure its downtown district was athriving, central part of the community. The city hired 353 Court to conduct an economic studyof the Historic Downtown district, its buildings and local businesses, which presented severalkey recommendations.
In 2020, Aledo hired HAVEN Creative, an award-winning branding and communications agency, to redefine the city's story and create a strong brand identity to support its growth goals while preserving its uniqueness.
A historic downtown district with a modern vision
In the five years since these initiatives concluded, city leaders have worked with community partners, private businesses and residents to transform the Historic Downtown district. Historicbuildings like the Button Building, the Will Hall Building (formerly Hall's Shoe Store) and theTech Center (formerly the Carnegie Library) have been restored and given new life.
'Projects like the Market Plaza and Opera House are the next wave of an intentional, strategicvision to preserve Aledo's history while creating an attractive downtown area that visitors andresidents want to visit,' said Lindsey Dunn, director of the Aledo Main Street. 'These investments enhance the overall area so local businesses can thrive and contribute economically to the community.'
In addition to the buildings, Aledo's historic murals were preserved or restored to keep the culture of Aledo alive. Notably, the city's iconic 'Welcome to Aledo' mural was restored to theside of 110 S. College Ave after building construction was complete.
'Seeing the Welcome to Aledo mural when you first enter downtown feels like home,' saidJarod Dale, Aledo's city clerk. 'I think many of our residents were excited to see it returned,and people were even sitting in the parking lot while the painting crew did their work.'
Plans for expansionAmong all of the activities happening downtown, there are still other future projects the CityCouncil would like to see become a reality.
'We are thrilled with everything that has happened over the past several years,' said Hagloch. 'But we also know there's more to do. The planned Aledo Aquatic Center would be another great attraction for residents and visitors, and expanding our multi-use paths would encourage greater 'walkability' throughout the city.'
Becoming known as an arts and entertainment destination
Part of the vision to revitalize downtown includes making arts, music and entertainment areason for regional visitors to spend more time in the city.
'Central Park in Aledo is a cornerstone for what makes downtown Aledo a destination, which iswhy it's crucial to our entertainment and events strategy,' said Hagloch. 'Offering concerts, like Central Park Grooves, and annual events like our beloved Rhubarb Festival are great ways for people to find Aledo and realize how special this place truly is.'
As the city's economic and tourism partner, Aledo Main Street couldn't agree more. 'Aledo is more than farm fields and historic buildings,' said Dunn. 'We love those things about our community, but we want visitors from the Quad Cities and beyond to realize that Aledo ishome to adventure, music and a cool place to eat, shop and explore.'
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