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2018/05/18 - Walter's Blog: Downtown's Resurgence Continues!

Democracy on the Front Lines
City Administrator’s Blog
Walter Denton
 

When we prepared the Downtown Plan several years ago, there were two things we heard overwhelmingly from residents and merchants: more parking and an event space for festivals and markets. Downtown O’Fallon has seen a resurgence over the past 10 years, and these priorities would bring more people downtown and make it more convenient for them to enjoy downtown’s unique shops, restaurants, and events. On May 7, the O’Fallon City Council approved two contracts that will achieve both of these priorities.

Downtown parking will be expanded in three areas:

  • Vine Street: Otherwise known as the “Santa Hut Lot,” this City-owned property will include 56 parking spaces in addition to an event space and pavilion (see below).
  • First Street: The St. Clair County Transit District will soon vacate the bus lane north of the Chamber of Commerce Depot building. The lane will then be available for public use and the City will construct 12 parking spaces along the lane.
  • City Hall: If you have ever been to City Hall on a weekday afternoon, it can be very difficult to find a parking space. 40 new parking spaces will be built just west of City Hall for City employees and for general public parking.

The “O’Fallon Station” downtown event space on Vine Street will include a 4,000 sq. ft. pavilion for special events, festivals, and markets. The pavilion will include:

  • Sliding garage doors for both open air and enclosed events.
  • Public restrooms.
  • Electricity for live music, markets, and food festivals.
  • Landscaped courtyard for vendor tents and public gathering space.
  • The space was named “O’Fallon Station” after a public naming initiative. O’Fallon Station is what the town was originally called when it was platted as a water stop for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in 1854.

Both the O’Fallon Station and parking lot projects will begin soon after Memorial Day. We are already planning for a community-wide party to celebrate the opening of the O’Fallon Station pavilion and plaza.