Antioch Breaks Ground on Downtown Open Space Redevelopment Project

The Village of Antioch recently marked a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to revitalize its downtown area with a groundbreaking ceremony for a highly anticipated open space redevelopment project. The event, led by Mayor Scott Gartner and attended by residents, community stakeholders, and current and former elected officials, symbolizes a transformative new chapter for this blighted parcel of land that has long been a challenge for the community.

Located near the downtown business district, the new parkland project will feature various community-friendly amenities to bring people together and enhance quality of life. Plans include a splash pad, an inclusive playground designed for accessibility, a scenic performance space with a beautifully designed gazebo, and a concession area with restroom facilities. At the heart of the redevelopment is the re-exposed Sequoit Creek, which will not only add a visually appealing natural element to the space but also serve a practical purpose in mitigating flood risks.

Mayor Scott Gartner described the project as another “giant step” in the ongoing transformation of downtown Antioch. “This development project will provide a major boost in tourism and economic development opportunities for the Village of Antioch, while also addressing stormwater management issues and preserving natural open space in our community,” he said. The redevelopment is expected to be completed by the summer of 2024, transforming the area into a vibrant, year-round attraction that will draw residents and visitors alike to Antioch’s downtown.

The transformation of this site has been a long time in the making. Approximately 50 years ago, the area of Sequoit Creek was buried within a large metal culvert to make way for commercial auto dealership development. Over the decades, as businesses moved out and the culvert deteriorated, the property became a blighted eyesore, impacting not only the aesthetics of the area but also posing a flooding hazard for downtown Antioch and upstream properties. In 2019, the failing culvert exacerbated these issues, highlighting the urgent need for action.

By 2021, the Village of Antioch had successfully acquired all necessary parcels and began seeking community input on how best to redevelop the property. The Lakota Group, a planning and landscape architecture firm, facilitated this public engagement, ensuring that the final design reflected the desires and needs of Antioch’s residents. Collaborating with Strand Associates Engineering, the detailed plans for the open space were developed, focusing on both the daylighting of Sequoit Creek and the addition of community-centered amenities.

Earlier this year, the Antioch Village Board selected Boller Construction Company to undertake the $12.5 million project. Funding for the redevelopment is drawn from a combination of sources, including $1.9 million from the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funding, a $2.75 million grant from the Stormwater Management Commission, and the remainder covered by Alternate Revenue Source General Obligation Bonds. Importantly, these bonds will be repaid using Business District sales tax revenue, ensuring that no additional tax burden is placed on village property owners.

The new parkland is expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits to the community, from enhancing local tourism and economic development to improving stormwater management and creating a cherished public gathering space. For Mayor Gartner and the Village leadership, the groundbreaking is a testament to years of planning, community involvement, and a shared vision for a revitalized downtown.

The exposed Sequoit Creek will not only add natural beauty but will also address critical infrastructure needs by improving water flow and reducing flood risks. Combined with the new recreational amenities, the project embodies Antioch’s commitment to sustainable growth and community engagement. As the construction progresses, residents and visitors can look forward to an enhanced downtown experience that fosters a sense of community pride and draws people together.

In summary, the redevelopment of downtown Antioch’s open space represents more than just a construction project—it symbolizes a renewed commitment to the community’s future. By creating a welcoming and functional public space, the Village of Antioch continues to build on its rich history while laying the groundwork for a vibrant and resilient downtown. As the project moves forward, the anticipation and excitement within the community reflect a shared belief that Antioch’s best days are yet to come.