Projects to look forward to in 2025 in the Illinois Valley

Several projects across the Illinois Valley were announced in 2024.

Here are some impactful projects that are expected to be completed in 2025 or have major progress met toward an opening date.

The Market on Mill - Utica

The Market on Mill in Utica is getting closer to being complete, with its opening planned May 1. The village of Utica posted Wednesday that it now is accepting applications for long-term tenants. Go to utica-il.gov/market-on-mill-retail-plaza for complete details on how and what is needed to apply.

The village is building an open-air shopping venue with portable retail stalls modeled after Batavia and Muskegon, Michigan. The majority of the work was paid for through a $1.25 million Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets capital grant.

Amazon warehouse - Ottawa

A new Amazon last-mile delivery facility, bringing 100 or more jobs, is under construction in the Ottawa Industrial Park on U.S. Route 6, just east of Route 71. No official opening date has been announced, but progress continues at the site.

The 50,800-square-foot warehouse will be an addition to Amazon’s regional logistics network, helping streamline package delivery to residents and businesses across the region.

This facility, which will create the added positions of contracted drivers of the vans, will operate as a “last-mile” hub, where large volumes of parcels will be sorted and dispatched into separate delivery trucks, allowing for efficient and timely delivery to nearby areas.

Kelly Street bridge - Streator

The bridge over Prairie Creek in Streator was closed in 2016 after the concrete supporting the steel piles on the south abutment eroded away to the point that they couldn’t support the weight consistently. It remains closed today, with barriers preventing vehicle traffic but allowing pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

The bridge connects Bluff Street to First Street and offered an option to cross Prairie Creek for neighborhoods west of Route 23. The project looks to replace the existing bridge to give access to traffic for the first time in eight years.

The agreement to replace the bridge between Streator and La Salle County will see a total funding of $1 million, with La Salle County contributing $800,000 and the city providing $280,000 from its motor fuel tax funds.

With an estimated construction cost of $1 million, the city is set to cover 20% of the final bid price, plus an additional 8% for engineering fees. The project must first be put out to bid.

As for the next steps, city engineer Jeremy Palm said now that the resolution is in effect, it allows the county to start the bidding process, which is expected to begin in March.

Mini Park expansion - Spring Valley

Developments are planned in the upcoming months for the downtown Mini Park in Spring Valley.

Last fall, the project’s first phase began with planting new trees, setting the stage for a more vibrant park environment. The City Council approved the design of a concession stand and public restroom building for the park.

The floor plan, created by Chamlin and Associates of Peru, shows a structure that measures 25 feet by 32 feet, with the height being 18 feet at the peak of the roof. There will be two 8-foot by 4-foot concession windows, one on the west side facing the heart of the Mini Park and the other on the south facing St. Paul Street. Each window will have an extended roof above it. On the north side, there will be two restroom entrances and a utility/mechanical access door between them. There is a concession access door on the west side. The overall improvement plan for the Mini Park includes not only the expansion of the bandstand but also streetscape improvements and construction of a parking lot at Power Street.

Broadway Park - Marseilles

The Broadway Park project in Marseilles includes the installation of a splash pad, pickleball courts, basketball courts, all new playground equipment, bathroom facilities and a paved walkway for those looking to stroll. Construction began in the summer. The splash pad is expected to open in 2025.

The city received $600,000 from an Open Spaces Land Acquisition and Development Grant for the Broadway Park improvement project.

Second Story Teen Center - Princeton

Second Story Teen Center, 125 S. Main St., Princeton, is expected to complete its 6,000-square-foot building in the spring. The nonprofit provides a safe drop-in place for teens to gather. Every week, Second Story Teen Center provides meals, mentorship and a safe place for about 150 Bureau County sixth through 12th graders. The new space will allow the nonprofit to expand its offerings.

The center, however, is $250,000 short of completing the project, and organizers are asking the community for donations. The goal is to reach $600,000 to $700,000 for the facility. To donate, visit secondstoryteencenter.org or call Jeff Van Autreve at 815-303-4111. Checks and contributions should be made payable to Second Story Teen Center.