The Time is Now

The City of Janesville is turning its downtown into an attractive destination for residents and the region; the transformation of the newly revitalized and enhanced Town Square is the catalyst.

Focus on the river • The river reemerges as a scenic focal point. A new great lawn features gathering spaces for events, while an expanded Riverwalk, pedestrian bridge and other walking and biking enhancements strengthen links to the river, downtown attractions, and neighborhoods.

New business and activity • New river-facing enhancements to and development of historic buildings will bring retail, restaurants, residents, and activity to the river and the heart of Janesville.

Walkable and accessible • Reworked two-way streets and updates to parking will make the entire Town Square and new Riverwalk areas wonderfully walkable places to be.

Projected ARISE Timeline

2018

Interactive Water Feature • Build water enhancement with lights and music located on the West Bank

Festival Street • Convert River Street to accommodate festivals, community events and entertainment

West Bank • Complete Ice Age Trail extension to Milwaukee Street, reconstruct Dodge Street parking and drop-off area, and install riverfront walkway improvements

West Court Street • Convert to two-way traffic

Outdoor Fitness Court • Construct outdoor fitness facility with 30 pieces of equipment on S. River Street

Milwaukee Street Bridge • Remove and renovate bridge through 2019

2019

East Bank • Build gateway features and promenade to link Water Street with the riverwalk extensions opening up Main Street business traffic to the Rock River

Janesville Performing Arts Center Addition • Education Outreach Center

Pedestrian Bridge • Build footbridge to link east and west business traffic and serve as river overlook

2020

Milwaukee Street • Reconstruct W. Milwaukee Street from River to Locust with new streetscaping, lighting, parking and underground utilities

Beyond 2020

Riverwalk Extensions • Connect downtown to the Janesville Performing Arts Center and Traxler Park

Outdoor Amphitheater • Build permanent riverfront stage between JPAC and Hedberg Public Library