CARBONDALE, Ill. (WSIL) -- The City of Carbondale has received a $2 million Research in Illinois to Spur Economy Recovery (RISE)Â Implementation grant to fund phase 2 of the Downtown Entertainment and Events Plaza.
Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded a total of $10 million for nine community revitalization projects across Illinois.
“As Governor, one of my top priorities is to reverse decades of neglect and broken promises and bring jobs, opportunity, and hope back to communities across Illinois, while breathing new life into our downtown corridors and beyond,� said Governor JB Pritzker. “This program will directly support 25 communities across the state by funding critical community development projects, housing and infrastructure all while revitalizing commercial corridors.�
Carbondale City Manager Stan Reno expressed gratitude for the grant's impact on the city's future.
“This grant will have a significant impact on the future of Carbondale. It allows us to build on the momentum of Phase 1 of the venue and deliver a downtown destination that enhances quality of life, drives tourism, and supports our local businesses,� said Carbondale City Manager Stan Reno. “We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity that recognizes the vision our community has embraced and the investment in Carbondale’s continued growth and revitalization.�
Phase 1 of the Plaza, which began construction in September 2024, includes a permanent stage and a large lawn for outdoor events. Phase 2 will add facilities for ticketed events, a market activity pavilion, and ADA-compliant parking.
Since 2017, Carbondale has hosted concerts at this location, drawing tens of thousands from the region. The RISE Implementation Program aims to accelerate economic recovery through projects identified in RISE planning grants.
