Riverside Commons: Developing a Live-Work-Play Community in Loves Park
Located at I-90 and East Riverside Boulevard in Loves Park, Illinois, a new vision is coming to life: Riverside Commons. The Parks Chamber of Commerce and Place Foundry spearheaded a placemaking initiative in 2023 with the City Loves Park, Illinois. It's more than a development; it's a transformative initiative. The project will redefine community living and commerce in Loves Park.
The Essence of Riverside Commons
Riverside Commons is the first district under the “Placemaking in The Parks" initiative. The project stretches across a 1.5-square-mile area in Loves Park. It is bordered by Riverside Boulevard, Interstate 90, Harlem Road, and Argyle Road. It's a region that has seen significant investment over the past decade. The City of Loves Park has a vision to weave living, business, and leisure together.
The Vision: Blending Commerce, Community, and Creativity
The City envisions Riverside Commons as a dynamic blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces at its core. It aims to integrate various land uses and build upon existing attractions like the Mercyhealth Sportscore Two to enhance the area's appeal and functionality. The project is guided by three pillars of development: implementing a creative mix of land uses that complement one another, enhancing connection and active mobility, and ensuring universal access to the abundant natural, open space and recreational amenities that this area has to offer. It also emphasizes enhanced connectivity and universal access to natural and recreational amenities.
Five Unique Development Areas
Riverside Commons is divided into five distinct but interconnected areas.
The Box Market is a unique shopping and entertainment zone along East Riverside Boulevard. It uses shipping containers to create flexible, affordable spaces for up-and-coming and established businesses.
Innovation Row is an area dedicated to business incubation and collaboration. It includes a mix of office spaces, start-ups, and sustainable industrial facilities.
Rockford Rivets Stadium is at the center of the Ballpark. This mixed-use area combines residential spaces with entertainment options. It aims to be a year-round destination.
The Agrihood is a residential area focusing on community agriculture and outdoor living. It offers diverse housing and promotes a close-knit community vibe.
Public and social spaces encompass natural, open spaces linked through pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. They foster social interaction and community wellness.
Activating the Vision: A Phased Approach
The City of Loves Park has identified initial areas for rapid transformation. This is to execute the long-term vision. This includes the development of the Box Market and the expansion of mixed-use spaces. Initial efforts build up to the full realization of the Riverside Commons vision.
Incentives and Support for Growth
The City of Loves Park proposes a range of incentives for this ambitious project. They include a business development and tax abatement district. These measures aim to attract investment and support businesses. They also seek to ensure the development aligns with the community's broader goals.
Riverside Commons: More Than a Development
Riverside Commons represents more than just physical infrastructure. It creates a space where commerce, community, and creativity come together. This forms a vibrant and sustainable future for Loves Park. Riverside Commons is set to become a magnetic destination. It embodies the spirit of innovation through strategic planning and community involvement.