Rock Falls RB&W Development

Rock Falls RB&W Development

Project details

  • Location: Rock Falls, Illinois
  • Client: City of Rock Falls
  • Construction Cost: $3,500,000
  • Scope of Work: Topographic Survey, Concept Planning, Utility Coordination, Specifications, Permit Applications, Site Design, Multi-Use Path Design, Architectural Design, Construction Inspection, Documentation & Layout, Landscaping
  • Project Schedule: Completed: 2017
  • WHA Team: Geoff Smith, P.E., Brian Frickenstein, P.E., S.E., Luke Nelson, P.E., Mike Hielsberg, P.E., Tom Houck, A.I.A., P.E., LEED AP BD+C

Phase II & III Services

The City of Rock Falls RB&W District development first became a concept when the City acquired the property in 2006. The City worked with various agencies including the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the City of Sterling to work out a trail system for the area that would tie the two cities together and help integrate the system into the Hennepin Canal trails.  After much planning, a fire, and environmental cleanup, 2012 saw the City start bringing the vision to reality.  The City hired Willett, Hofmann & Associates, Inc. (WHA) to reconnect east and west by re-establishing the 2nd Street connection.  Building demolition and street construction opened the area up as a desirable development area.

A trail system that will eventually traverse the river front from the City’s downtown area to the Hennepin Canal was moved forward by having WHA design and construct a new path between the Rock River and the newly constructed Holiday Inn Express Hotel. The first phase involved fitting in a path between the hotel and the river.  Extensive coordination was done with the developer to ensure both the City and the hotel could achieve their design goals.  The 800 foot stretch of the river path was constructed in 2016 on the eastern portion of the development.

Phase II of the project was designed by WHA in the late summer of 2016 and construction was started in the fall.  Construction on this phase is currently 80 percent complete, with the construction to be finished for the City’s upcoming Sesquicentennial celebration in 2017.

Willett worked with the City to submit and obtain an Open Space Lands Acquisition Development (OSLAD) Grant to help fund the path and park. The RB&W District Development will have a main feature of a music stage venue with amphitheater seating and a musical water feature.

 This will be accompanied by the addition of a skate park, restroom facilities, river front overlooks and a veteran’s memorial park surrounding the open area that centers the park.  The many walkways and paths that connect the different features are ADA compliant allowing full access for everyone.