CARBONDALE, Ill. (KFVS) – A new entertainment and events plaza in Carbondale is officially in the works.
That's thanks to a multi-million dollar grant and it's got neighboring businesses excited.
An empty lot just off South Washington in Carbondale will soon be home to a new entertainment and events plaza.
The space is already used for events, but the city is adding a stage and parking.
Tres Hombres is just a block away. General manager Taylor Vaughn said her business always sees an uptick when events are held at this neighboring space.
She believes this new facility will continue that trend.
“It’s never been a time where we haven’t had additional foot traffic, which is amazing, we just want to cater to everyone and all walks of life can go.” It’s a family place, we’re a family place, it’s nice to have that hand in hand and we’d like to see more of that,” Vaughn said.
City leaders announced they received a $2 million grant from the state's Rebuild Downtowns and Main Street program.
This money will be used to finance the first phase of the project. It includes the new main stage, a terraced lawn for seating and ADA-compliant parking, according to Eva Fisher, public information officer for the city of Carbondale.
“So what this structure is going to bring is this sense of permanence, and I think the residents will be very proud of it and I'm just excited that this energy will be captured and held in this space,” Pêcheur said.
Fisher said construction would begin in late spring or early summer and last a year.
Although construction on phase 1 has not yet begun, the city is already working on financing the second phase.
“There will be more of a market type set up in the plaza, so think about the corridors, where your vendors can set up, where you can get food and drinks. There will be a wall of sound as part of phase 2 that will run along the railway line,” Fisher said.
The city hopes the venue will attract local and national talent and artists.
As for Vaughn, she says construction can't come fast enough.
“It's going to be great for the city as well, not just for the people that live in this part, it's going to be great for everyone that lives here, the people that are nearby and just the whole community,” Vaughn said .
The city of Carbondale is also seeking the public's help in naming the scene. You can find all the information about it here.
For more information on the city's project, you can find that here.
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