Main Street Revitalization Plan for The

Main Street Revitalization Plan for the

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Steering Committee ‐ April 2017

To make a tax‐deductible contribution to Princeton’s Main Street Revitalization Fund, go to: www.srccf.org/princetonmainstreet

The Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan and nomination of Princeton’s Historic Main Street districts to the National Register of Historic Places have been made possible by Landmarks Illinois, with a grant from The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.

Table of Contents

I. Foreword & Recognitions: Joel Quiram, Mayor, City of Princeton II. Preface: Bonnie McDonald, President and CEO, Landmarks Illinois III. Introduction: Scott Mehaffey, Planning Consultant

IV. Main Street Evolution and Current Challenges

A. 19th Century Origins B. Early 20th Century Improvements C. Later 20th Century Evolution D. Preserving Main Street’s Architecture E. Beautifying Main Street’s Streetscape F. Community and Economic Development

V. The Plan

A. Design Program: Vision and Recommendations B. Implementing the Plan C. Plans and Highlights Sheet 1: Progress Drive to Interstate 80 Sheet 2: Interstate 80/Route 26 Interchange Sheet 3: Interstate 80 to Backbone Road Sheet 4: Backbone Road to Private Drive Sheet 5: Private Drive to Railroad Avenue Sheet 6: Railroad Avenue to Clark Street Sheet 7: Clark Street to Washington Street Sheet 8: Washington Street to Central Avenue Sheet 9: Central Avenue to Peru Street Sheet 10: Peru Street to Park Avenue Sheet 11: Courthouse Square

VI. Appendices A. Acknowledgements B. Phasing Diagram C. Planning Process, Communication and Oversight D. Community Vision Workshops – Strategies Worksheet

Foreword and Recognitions Joel Quiram, Mayor City of Princeton

“Where Tradition Meets Progress.” This has been the motto of Princeton, Illinois, for over a half‐century – and yet those words are truer today than ever before, as we anticipate a future which builds on the strong foundations of our past. Today, rural communities everywhere are challenged to meet the ever‐shifting economic, demographic and social conditions resulting from changes in technology, manufacturing, commerce, consumerism and culture. To remain viable, and hopefully vibrant, in the 21st century, rural communities must be entrepreneurial and strategic, taking careful inventory of their assets, leveraging them for greater results – and protecting them for generations to come. For nearly two centuries, people have come to Princeton to enjoy the charms and comfort of a friendly and forward‐thinking community. The steadfast anchors of small town living “back then” – family, friends, home, worship, school, clubs, sports, cultural events – remain important today. At the heart of our historic community is Main Street: a place of commerce but also for coming together. Main Street provides a public space where citizens meet and greet, where young and old take delight in the company of others – and increasingly, to enjoy year‐round events and activities. With the rise of generic and “soulless” box stores and strip malls, has come renewed appreciation for the unique character and experiences that Main Street provides. Princeton’s two miles of Main Street commercial districts extend from Park Avenue to Progress Drive – these names alone suggest the ambitions and determination of earlier generations to keep our community prosperous and competitive. From irreplaceable architectural treasures of nineteenth century homes and commercial buildings, to the highly‐functional and efficient manufacturing and distribution facilities of the twenty‐first century, Princeton’s Main Street welcomes both tourists and business leaders, and provides diverse employment opportunities for area residents. And yet Main Street itself remains largely neglected: nearly devoid of greenery, a hodge‐podge of aging and sometimes deteriorated “hardscape” with few places to sit and converse, and even fewer amenities for the walkers, runners and bicyclists who enliven this important thoroughfare. Throughout the past year of Steering Committee meetings, site walks, visits to other historic Main Street communities, an online survey, three consecutive Community Vision Workshops, a Town Hall Meeting and several presentations – one guiding principle was clear: Princeton residents cherish our Main Street’s historic character, and we want to preserve and enhance it for current and future generations.

The Main Street Revitalization Steering Committee deserves much gratitude and congratulations for this important milestone: the culmination of a year’s work and countless hours of meetings, discussions, and creative thinking. Kimberly Scott (chair), Rick Brooks, Kim Frey, Mindy Fritz, Brian Gift, Kim Hanke, Ryan Keutzer, Steve Keutzer, Scott Mehaffey, Pete Nelson, Annette Schnabel, Rachel Skaggs, Melissa Steele and Michael Zearing continue to provide leadership and vision for Princeton’s Main Street. In addition, Dave Hornbaker, Pam Lange, City Council Members Ray Mabry, Jerry Neumann and Bob Warren have all supported this effort – as well as the nearly eighty volunteers who participated in three successive Community Vision Workshops (see Acknowledgments page in the Appendices) – and the nearly five‐hundred anonymous respondents to our Main Street preferences survey. Recognition and appreciation also goes to Gisele Hamm and Linda Blaine of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University, who conducted the Community Vision Workshops; Landmarks Illinois and The Barbara C. and Thomas E. Donnelley II Preservation Fund Grant for funding our visiting team of preservation professionals during the Assessment and Analysis phase; and to The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and Landmarks Illinois for funding this report and nomination of Princeton’s Main Street to the National Register of Historic Places. This Main Street Revitalization Plan is ambitious, and success depends upon a continuing commitment to quality and ongoing civic engagement. The vision and recommendations set forth by this Plan will not be realized if merchants, property owners, service clubs, citizens, donors, volunteers, the City of Princeton, the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce and others fail to cooperate and collaborate. Although much work has already begun, there is still additional planning, detailed decision‐making, fundraising, construction, maintenance, and much marketing and promotion yet to come. So please do your civic duty and get involved! Working together, we can preserve and renew the rich traditions of Princeton’s past – while meeting the challenges and opportunities of progress.

Preface Bonnie McDonald, President and CEO Landmarks Illinois

“Everything old is new again!” How many times have we heard that phrase, and yet it rings true when we see nationwide interest in revitalizing our rural communities. From the National Main Street Center, Inc. program to USDA Rural Development programs to the Citizens Institute on Rural Design and countless grassroots organizations, America’s small towns are being celebrated and revitalized. After decades of population decline, job loss and economic struggles, rural communities are reinventing themselves to provide improved quality of life for existing residents, as destinations for tourism, and for new residents who have grown tired of urban living. Many of these towns at the center of America’s heartland are finding new hope and energy through community‐based planning or “placemaking” – and Princeton, Illinois is a shining example of this emerging trend. Since its founding in 1971, Landmarks Illinois has grown to represent thousands of voices across our state that value historic places. Our mission to preserve, protect and promote the architectural and historical resources in Illinois through advocacy and education encourages us to provide experience and guidance where people are already working to make a difference. We are delighted to support Princeton’s Main Street Revitalization efforts, including this planning report – which we consider to be a model for other rural communities – as well as the nomination of Princeton’s historic Main Street districts to the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout Illinois and the nation, we see continued interest in heritage tourism and historic immersion experiences, as younger generations seek authenticity, a deeper connection with their environs, and understanding the story of the places where they live, work and play. As Princeton and other historic communities work to preserve and promote their local, regional and national significance, Landmarks Illinois will continue to be a resource and partner. Simply put, we stand behind “People Saving Places” and firmly believe that by reusing places of the past, we are creating a better future for communities across Illinois. The people of Princeton are to be congratulated for their dedication and vision by investing in this Revitalization Plan. While this revitalization process begins with streetscape and open space enhancements, the Plan also calls for historic preservation of Princeton’s Main Street, improved wayfinding and interpretation, and business retention and recruitment through active community and economic development. These efforts require an ongoing commitment from leadership, but also widespread support and participation from community members. We believe that Princeton’s past provides a strong foundation for your future.

Introduction Scott Mehaffey Planning Consultant

History and Nature “Weep not that the world changes—did it keep A stable, changeless state, 'twere cause indeed to weep.”

— William Cullen Bryant, 1794‐1878 excerpt from “Mutation,” United States Literary Gazette, Nov 15, 1824

Throughout the early nineteenth century, the American Midwest was a place of rapid change, emerging opportunities and evolving technologies – much as it is in the early twenty‐first century. The fertile plains above the Illinois River Valley brought together a variety of settlers, who drew their livelihood from farming, hunting, fishing and the economic necessities of emerging settlements. From early explorers and trappers to later milliners and jewelers – businesses and jobs evolved throughout the nineteenth century to meet the changing demands of society. From early shipping routes along the Illinois River, to wagon trails and stagecoach roads, to the transformational railroads – the evolution of Princeton’s commerce and Main Street followed the economic development of the region and the nation. Among the earliest settlers were four of five Bryant brothers born in Massachusetts around 1800 – the fifth being the American poet, journalist and editor, William Cullen Bryant, who settled in New York City. Arthur Bryant arrived in Princeton in 1833, and had begun a tree and shrub nursery by 1845 – one of the first in the Midwest. All four Bryant brothers built substantial homes in Princeton, all of which are occupied and well‐maintained today. Over the course of the twentieth century, Princeton’s economy became more diversified but largely remained tied to the soil. Prosperous farmers, and those who served their needs, built fine houses and commercial buildings – and a community of lasting importance – and one that remains strong today, despite the many challenges facing Rural America in an increasingly technological and urbanized world. As Princeton enters the twenty‐first century, it is experiencing the beginnings of a reawakening and newfound appreciation for the pleasures and benefits of small‐town living. Strategically located along the nation’s busiest interstate highway, with frequent daily passenger rail service to Chicago, Princeton continues to attract new businesses and residents. The Princeton area offers many historic treasures and cultural activities, balanced with an array of nature‐oriented attractions, from parks to prairies and creeks to canals.

A (Re)new(ing) Vision

With these resources in mind, I began working with Princeton’s Main Street Revitalization Steering Committee in May of 2016. I saw not only the potential, but also the growing energy, enthusiasm and determination among a new generation of community leaders – many of whom, like myself, were born and raised in Princeton, and remembered better days. Much of the past year has been spent examining the underlying causes of change, and accepting that while Main Street and the community as a whole may never be the same as it was just decades ago, a new vision is emerging and evolving from the creativity, entrepreneurialism and commitment of a growing number of people.

One important outgrowth of this planning effort has been to put in place a “structure” (although loosely defined) for creative placemaking. Placemaking is typically defined as an ongoing dialogue among community members to evolve, execute and evaluate ideas that enrich and enliven a community. Placemaking capitalizes on a local community's assets, inspirations, and potential, with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people's health, happiness, and well‐being. This goes beyond shaping physical space to shaping the activities that happen in them: the physical and programmatic working together. For example, working broadly and strategically to increase bicycling in Princeton will foster support for a dedicated bike route along Main Street.

Grassroots efforts like two recent “pub crawls” have immediate social and economic benefits but also help build consensus for future bicycle infrastructure. Similarly, by holding promotional events to raise funds for a North Main Kiosk, the Art District merchants have galvanized around a potential shared benefit, set an example for other groups who want to see specific parts of the Main Street Revitalization Plan realized sooner – and have initiated a larger conversation about visitor wayfinding and information needs all along Main Street.

Three commissions have been proposed to further develop and implement the Plan. A Historic Preservation Commission has been formed to address ongoing preservation issues along Main Street and elsewhere in the community. A Pedestrian & Bicycling Commission has been proposed to develop a multifaceted mobility plan, to make Princeton safer and friendlier to walkers, runners, bicyclists and people who are mobility‐challenged. A Public Art Commission is being organized to develop murals and changing sculpture exhibitions, but also to promote arts‐related activities and to foster collaboration among existing arts‐related organizations. In addition, the City of Princeton is hosting a series of economic development roundtables, and collaborating with the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce to reactivate community and economic development efforts – including a Business Retention & Recruitment Committee. Every town has its special qualities and Princeton’s friendly people and community spirit will undoubtedly revitalize Main Street in ways we have yet to imagine!

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Main Street Evolution and Current Challenges

19th Century Origins

The City of Princeton, Illinois, (population 7,700; 2014 U.S. Census) is located within the northwest section of the State, approximately halfway between the Chicago suburbs and the Quad Cities. Princeton was incorporated as a town in 1838 and as a city in 1884. The settlement’s original name, Greenfield, was changed to Princeton when the town was platted in 1832. Although the Galena Trail mail delivery and stagecoach route originally ran through nearby Wyanet, in 1834 the route was changed to follow Princeton’s Main Street.

This 1870 “Bird’s Eye View” of Princeton shows the influences of New England planning traditions with village greens or “town squares” along the Main Street, schools and churches located near major intersections, larger properties at the edges of town, with smaller blocks for more modest housing near the center of town. Tree‐lined streets and parks were not only for shade in summer but were also an outward symbol of culture and prosperity.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Princeton’s original settlers were New England “Yankees” descended from English Puritans, followed shortly thereafter by Western European immigrants, mainly German and Swedish. The earliest commercial district began near what would later become Courthouse Square, expanding northward along Main Street. Photographs from the 1860s and ‘70s show a typical western frontier town with wood‐frame structures and intermittent boardwalks lining a dirt road. At least part of this road may have followed a pre‐existing route used by the Pottawatomie and possibly other Native American tribes.1

Photographs of Princeton’s Main Street c 1870. The photo on the left shows several early commercial buildings along South Main. The photo on right was taken from Main and Peru, looking north. This photo was taken by Henry W. Immke, an early Princeton photographer whose collection is held at the Bureau County Historical Society Museum.

The original town was platted within Section 16 of Princeton Township, with the intersection of Fourth Street (later changed to Euclid Avenue) and Peru Street (named for the nearest major town to the east) at the center. The Courthouse Square was centered in the southwest Quarter‐ Section, with a North Square (and later, a City Hall) located near the center of the northwest Quarter‐Section.2 Town squares or village greens lay at the heart of many New England villages, drawing upon centuries‐old traditions from England and continental Europe.

1 Nehemiah Matson, Map of Bureau County, Illinois: With Sketches of Its Early Settlement (1867), pp. 15‐16 2 Although it is unclear whether the town’s original designers intended public squares be centered within the northeast and southeast Quarter‐Sections, it is interesting to note that the high school athletic fields and the City‐ owned hospital campus now mark those respective intersections.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

In 1854, when the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy (CB&Q) Railroad constructed a line approximately one mile north of the Courthouse, a second commercial district and freight yards developed near the depot, focused primarily on the import/export of agricultural commodities, tools and equipment, and construction materials.3 Soon thereafter, a North Main Street “district” developed, including stores for agricultural implements, seed and farm supplies, hardware, work clothes and dry goods – whereas the South Main Street “district” continued to improve with multiple ladies’ shops, jewelers, bakeries, banks, etc.

Both the North and South Main Street districts had their own banks, grocery and dry goods stores, clothing stores, restaurants, hotels, opera houses, fire stations, post offices and (later) libraries – and were separated by a 12‐block stretch consisting of mainly houses, churches and small industry. This bifurcated Main Street is unique among rural communities and has produced both challenges and opportunities through the years.

Early 1900s postcard views of Princeton’s first CB&Q station, surrounded by an active freight yards. After the railroad came to town, a second business district developed nearby, including the Knox Hotel, built in 1856 and remaining active until the mid‐1970s when it was converted to apartments. Recent renovations to the Knox and several other buildings have made the North Main Art District a vibrant destination for locals and tourists.

3 Prior to the CB&Q, nearby Hennepin was the center of trade for Bureau County, due to the proximity of the Illinois River.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Early 20th Century Improvements

As Princeton’s Main Street evolved throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, most of the original wood‐frame commercial buildings were replaced with brick, the streets and sidewalks were paved, and street lighting (first gas, then electric) appeared. Historic photographs show benches in front of many stores (most likely provided by the merchants), as well as hand‐painted signs and advertisements, back‐painted lettering on plate glass windows, cast iron storefronts and colorful canvas awnings.

In 1903, the Princeton City Council granted a franchise to the Illinois Valley Traction Company to build, operate, and maintain an electric railway down the center of Main Street.4 By 1907, an interurban electric trolley ran the length of Main Street, connecting with other rural communities to the east and ultimately, to Chicago. In addition, a smaller streetcar, named the “dinky,” provided local service along the same line. All streetcar service ended by 1929.

While not exactly a “streetcar suburb,” Princeton was connected to the Chicago suburbs via the interurban trolley system, from 1907‐1929, with a spur connecting south through the Bureau Valley Country Club and on to Peoria. The BVCC, operated today as Chapel Hill Golf Course and Event Center, still maintains the former track bed as a biking and running path, as well as the original cable suspension bridges that crossed over the interurban.

4 David Belden and Bureau County Historical Society, Princeton: Postcard History Series, (Arcadia, 2010), p 43.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

By 1910, Princeton was not only the seat of Bureau County, but was also a prosperous and civic‐ minded community with numerous churches and meeting houses, schools, social clubs and service organizations. Princeton families maintained ties to the eastern United States, but increasingly to Chicago, as well. One well‐placed Princeton “native” was CB&Q President, Darius Miller (1859‐1914) who ensured that his hometown received a new, Prairie Style depot, dedicated in 1911.5

Upgrading the original wood‐frame depot and improving the nearby “Railroad Park,”6 built on a portion of the original freight yards, was the focus of the Princeton Woman’s Club, who presumably oversaw landscape improvements at that time – forming what was to become a third town square at the north end of Main Street. Photographs show a village green lined with American Elms, a diagonal path connecting Main Street to the depot, as well as benches, lighting and a small watering trough (or possibly a planter or fountain).

Princeton’s second (and current) train station was designed by CB&Q architect William J. Frein, c 1910. This building was constructed immediately west of the first station, removed in 1911. A portion of the original freight yards was improved as a public park in 1917, and was further improved after the CB&Q deeded the land to the City of Princeton in 1927 – at which time it was renamed Darius Miller Park.

5 In 1910 this building style was generally referred to as modern architecture of the Chicago school. The “Prairie Style” moniker was first coined by writer Wilhelm Miller in 1915 – who, incidentally, designed the landscaping for Princeton’s Matson Library in 1917. 6 “Roadway to be Paved: Railroad Officials Would Like to Give Depot a Main Street Entrance,” Bureau County Republican, Vol 36, August 9, 1916.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

At the advent of automobile travel, Princeton became a popular destination for “pleasure drives” from the Chicago area. In 1913, the Chicago Auto Club marked the Illinois segment of the Cannon Ball Route, leading from the Iowa border towards Chicago, with Section 339 designated from Princeton to Aurora.7 The Cannon Ball Route entered Princeton from the west along today’s U.S. Route 6, turned north on Main Street, then east along Elm Place where it continued northeast through Dover. Route 6, otherwise known as “The Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Highway” was originally designated in 1926 and a decade later, it was the country’s longest coast‐to‐coast highway. During the golden days of automobile travel, Princeton truly was one of the crossroads of America.

Marking the east edge of the Route 6 corridor through Princeton, is the Owen Lovejoy National Historic Landmark – with the historic Bureau County Fairgrounds marking the corridor’s west edge. It is hoped that the Peru Street/Route 6 corridor will become the focus of a future Revitalization Plan similar to Main Street.

(far left) Cannon Ball Route Map from TIB Automobile Route Book (Vol. 15, 1921)

(top left) Early Illinois Road Map (Illinois Digital Archives) showing IL Route 32 (later absorbed into Routes 34 and 66) from Chicago to Princeton, where it intersected with other east‐west highways.

(bottom left) Elm Place was the main entrance into Princeton from Route 34, before the completion of Interstate 80 in the 1960s. In similar fashion, Route 6 east of Princeton was lined with sugar maples.

7 The Cannon Ball Route was an early auto trail that ran from Kansas City, Missouri east‐northeast to Chicago, and was marked by white posts with a black ball painted on them. By 1915, the route was considered "one of the best‐ marked highways between Quincy... and Chicago" (Motor Age #27, 1915). This auto trail became Illinois Route 32, most of which was later absorbed into Illinois Route 34.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Although Princeton’s North and South Main Street districts did not originally have street trees, there were trees lining Main Street between the commercial districts, around the edges of the three town squares, and along the side streets – which brought greenery into view. Tree‐lined streets and yards were predominant throughout Princeton, which was known during the mid‐ 20th century as “The City of Elms.”8 This was due, in part, to the presence of Bryant Nurseries, established in 1854 by Arthur Bryant – one of four Bryant brothers who helped establish the City of Princeton. Unfortunately, nearly all of the American Elms were lost to Dutch Elm Disease in the 1960s and ‘70s.

Later 20th Century Evolution

In the decades following World War II, Princeton’s economy experienced a surge in activity with returning soldiers prepared for work and assisted by the G.I. Bill. Princeton’s Main Street boomed. Photographs from the 1950s depict an active and prosperous thoroughfare that lay at the heart of Princeton and that attracted shoppers from the surrounding communities. Numerous industries developed or expanded in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors at this time, and Princeton benefitted from federally‐funded soil conservation and agricultural research programs.9 While retail, service and financial sectors – as well as several small processing plants – provided employment, the greatest number of jobs were within the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Although the CB&Q continued to offer passenger service to Princeton via the Burlington Route10 and its famous Zephyrs, train travel dropped steadily with the increase of automobile ownership and car travel. On weekends, Princeton’s Main Streets could be jammed with local commuters, area shoppers, tourists and “cruisers.” Before the interstate highway system, U.S. Route 34 from Chicago to the Iowa border was a main thoroughfare for family vacations and weekend pleasure drives, as well as freight hauling. Route 34 enters Princeton at the northeast via Elm Place, continues south along Main to Peru Street, where it overlaps Route 6 and continues west. Route 6 was a busy cross‐country thoroughfare by this time, and Princeton benefitted from being located at the intersection of these two then‐major roadways. Princeton also had a privately‐operated municipal bus service11 and several local taxi companies during this time, but an increasing number of households owned one or more cars.

8 While "City of Elms" was used mid‐century, "The City of Homes" was used prior to that. In a local contest held in 1966, the slogan was changed to "Where Tradition Meets Progress," which is still used at the present time. 9 Both USDA and SCS (renamed Natural Resources Conservation Service/NRCS in 1994) have maintained offices in Princeton for generations. 10 The CB&Q merged into the Burlington Northern Route in 1970. Burlington Northern Railroad acquired the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway in 1996, rebranding as BNSF Railway in 2005. 11 Princeton’s city bus service operated during the 1950s and consisted of one privately‐owned bus.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

South Main in the early 1950s (Saletzki photo). After World War II, Princeton’s Main Street boomed. Uniform sign bands, awnings and historical‐styled lighting are character‐defining elements – recommended for restoration in the years ahead.

Main Street businesses thrived during this time, and with increased traffic from area residents and tourists, municipal parking lots were constructed, street lights were modernized and traffic lights were installed. In the mid‐1960s, construction of Interstate 80 began just north of Princeton. Part of the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act of 1956, I‐80 intersected Illinois Route 26 approximately one mile north of the railroad tracks. In the mid‐late 1960s, several motels, gas stations and a truck stop developed near the I‐ 80/Route 26 interchange, serving travelers but gradually drawing business away from Princeton’s historic Main Street. Starting in the 1980s, several fast‐food franchises and big box stores located in this area, with greater negative impacts on Main Street businesses. Also at this time, Princeton experienced a rare population reduction, further hampering the viability of Main Street stores. As the World War II‐era “greatest generation”12 retired and consumer preferences and spending habits shifted, Princeton lost many iconic businesses. Consolidation in the U.S. banking industry during the 1990s and early 2000s brought further changes to Main Street. Beginning in the early 2000s, the City of Princeton established both Industrial and Technology parks near the I‐80 interchange, to attract new industry and offset employment losses in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. In 2002, Princeton engaged landscape architecture and planning firm Teska Associates to develop a Comprehensive Plan Update13, calling for streetscape development. In 2004, landscape architects Thompson Dyke & Associates began a community‐based design process, producing an award‐winning plan14 that was only partially implemented along North Main/Route 26.

12 A term made popular by journalist Tom Brokaw in his 1998 book of the same title. 13 The City’s first known Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1969, and was updated in 1991. 14 2009 Honor Award from the Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Note: Tom Dyke, a Princeton native, had been part of a local team that produced a previous Main Street plan in the 1960s.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Preserving Main Street’s Architecture

From the vernacular (“National” style) wood‐frame commercial buildings of the mid‐1800s to the brick, stone and iron commercial buildings of the later 1800s (displaying a wide array of “Romantic” and “Revivalist” styles) – to the modern (later referred to as “Chicago” style or “Prairie” style) buildings of the early 1900s, Princeton’s Main Street became increasingly durable and fashionable by the beginning of World War I.

Beyond its impressive collection of Victorian‐era commercial architecture, Princeton has several Prairie‐Style buildings by noted architects such as S. Scott Joy (left) and Parker Noble Berry (right) – both of whom were from Princeton and became accomplished architects. These buildings are currently in need of restoration.

From the 1920s through the 1970s, Main Street buildings were modernized to meet changing needs and fashions. In later years, some Main Street property owners covered historic buildings with pole‐barn metal siding or vertical plywood (T‐11) siding. Many of Princeton’s Main Street property owners are now beginning to remove these later façade coverings and restore these buildings to their historic appearance. Current ordinances require commercial building owners to secure building permits and to use natural (non‐synthetic) construction materials for exterior walls and visible roofs.

An Historic Preservation Ordinance and Commission have been reactivated to promote Main Street preservation, and to encourage and reward historic building owners. The Historic Preservation Commission is developing rehabilitation guidelines for historic building owners, which may address key features such as cornices, fenestration (both windows and doors), signage (sign bands, hanging signs and window lettering), and awnings. Commission members will also assist historic property owners with research and recommendations.15

15 Princeton, Illinois Historic Preservation Ordinance (working draft, April 2017)

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

In addition, this knowledgeable group of civic‐minded volunteers can assist historic property owners with applications for Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits for changes that follow the Secretary of Interior Standards and Guidelines. A Preservation Ordinance and Commission are required for Princeton to become a Certified Local Government (CLG) with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, and to guide ongoing changes in the local historic districts regulated by the City of Princeton. This commission will continue to document and develop guidelines for historic buildings along Main Street and elsewhere throughout the community.16

In the future, preservation‐specific training should be offered to Main Street property owners and local contractors, providing information about funding alternatives and tax strategies. The City of Princeton and the Historic Preservation Commission should work closely with the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce and local merchant associations to ensure that ongoing building rehabilitations preserve and contribute to the historic character of the North and South Main commercial districts.

Beautifying Main Street’s Streetscape

In addition to preserving its character‐defining architecture, Princeton must work hard to rehabilitate the Main Street “streetscape” – which includes sidewalks, parkways and streets – as well as the three public squares or “village greens” described above. Together with the buildings, the streetscape provides the evocative “immersion” experience that makes Princeton’s Main Street unique and attractive for residents and visitors alike.

Across the country, historic commercial districts like this one in Cooperstown, New York, have become highly‐successful attractions for residents and visitors alike. Although the right business mix is always important, that alone cannot guarantee success. The combination of restored storefronts, a green and walkable streetscape and a targeted mix of product and service offerings have proven to be a winning combination for many historic communities.

16 The National Register nomination research has been conducted by local volunteers, and the nomination itself is being funded by Landmarks Illinois through a grant from The Richard Driehaus Foundation.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Beyond the North and South Main historic districts, the far north end of Main Street (i.e. Route 26 from Progress Drive to the railroad tracks) and the Midtown District (traditionally defined as Clark Street to approximately Central) should also be improved and maintained to high standards. This includes landscape buffers to partially screen parking lots adjacent to Main Street, as well as the landscaping of commercial buildings and parking lots.

Although Main Street was not “landscaped” historically, streetscaping has become an expectation for merchants and shoppers alike and a common measure of a community’s “pride of place” and economic vitality. Therefore, it is a differentiator between Princeton and other rural communities without attractive streetscaping. Streetscape beautification helps attract new businesses, residents and tourists – and makes publicity photos more scenic and inviting.

Beyond the aesthetic value, streetscaping helps lower ambient air temperatures in summer, buffers winter winds, increases shade and reduces glare, moderates engine noise and “bounce” from hard surfaces, absorbs pollution and produces oxygen, and absorbs rainfall and stormwater runoff (thereby reducing point runoff and “first flush” pressure on storm sewers).

Streetscaping also encourages people to gather and interact, to spend more time and money, and to increase public safety by protecting pedestrians from errant vehicles. Where sidewalk “bump‐outs” and/or high‐visibility crosswalks are used, pedestrians are more visible to motorists and crossing time is reduced: important for the elderly and mobility‐challenged.

Sidewalk bump‐outs and high‐visibility crosswalks increase pedestrian visibility and safety, and shorten pedestrian crossing time. Bollards provide protection from errant vehicles.

Bicycle lanes should be as continuous as possible to reduce possible confusion for bicyclists and motorists. Curb bump‐outs should not interrupt bicycle lanes.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

In addition to street and sidewalk enhancements, Princeton Main Street streetscape includes several municipal and privately‐owned parking lots. All should receive similar aesthetic, environmental and public safety improvements. The City of Princeton will lead the way with redevelopment of seven municipal parking lots: Amtrak Station, Elm & Main, Marquette & Pleasant, Crown & Pleasant, Prouty‐Zearing, 429 S. Pleasant, and Marion Street.

The City of Princeton will apply for an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant to improve the current gravel parking lot at the Amtrak Station. Plans include restoration of the adjacent brick streets.

Princeton’s historic town squares, like their New England precursors, are to remain open and free from recreation equipment. Active community programming should be balanced among Darius Miller, Veterans and Courthouse Square to reduce turf damage, soil and root compaction and general wear and tear.

To encourage walking and bicycling along Main Street and to provide community gathering areas and places of respite and relaxation, the three existing squares (Darius Miller, Veterans and Courthouse) are to be preserved and enhanced. Never intended for active recreation, these civic spaces should remain free of recreation equipment but improved for ongoing public use and special events. Unlike Princeton Park District, the City of Princeton is not staffed, insured or budgeted to operate recreational facilities.

Another important public space along Main Street is the Mary L. Uthoff Memorial, which provides an important connection between South Main and the Marion Street Municipal Lot. This underdeveloped and underutilized space is proposed for use as a “Princeton History Walk” or “Walk of Fame,” with murals and possible bronze plaques to commemorate important historical figures.17 The Uthoff Memorial can also include benches, planters and lighting to make the space feel safer and more inviting.

17 The Virgil Fox plaque, currently located in front of City Hall, is proposed to be relocated to the History Walk, or adjacent to the high school auditorium where he performed as a student and later as a professional performer.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Community and Economic Development

Princeton’s Historic Main Street is a key factor in the future community health and economic development of the region. As the county seat of Bureau County, Princeton is the center of community and economic development for approximately 35,000 people and approximately 20 surrounding rural communities. Traditionally regarded as the western gateway to the Illinois Valley Community (centered on LaSalle‐Peru, with Ottawa, IL as the eastern gateway), Princeton is also home to numerous businesses that provide employment to area residents, as well as a primary shopping and entertainment destination.

Since the late 1800s, Princeton has been known widely for having fair local government, good schools, active churches, clubs and civic organizations, museums and theatres, beautiful and well‐maintained houses, several parks and other outdoor recreation destinations, and friendly merchants and service providers. In the late 1900s, due to various socioeconomic factors, many of these institutions in Princeton and elsewhere began to erode, prompting concerned residents to question the future viability of rural communities.

The ever‐increasing costs of rebuilding and maintaining public infrastructure, operating local governments and providing essential public services to significantly‐depleted local tax bases has resulted in the consolidation of many rural communities. Typical of this population shift, Princeton has become one of the last remaining centers of business and government in Bureau County and the surrounding area. In fact, all towns in Bureau County have experienced consistent loss of population throughout the 20th century – except for Princeton.

Princeton will face several community and economic development challenges in the years ahead, including job creation, public education, business retention and recruitment and the restoration and ongoing rehabilitation of publicly‐funded facilities, amenities and infrastructure. Clearly, the current tax base needs to be revitalized and expanded, and Main Street lays at the heart and nexus of many community and economic development initiatives. As is so often the case, Princeton’s Main Street is both a symbolic and measurable indicator of community health, viability and economic prosperity.

Given the range of current and future challenges to Main Street, the City of Princeton will actively engage public and private partners to help guide and protect the many ongoing public and private reinvestments called for by this Main Street Revitalization Plan. Like all good plans, this one will continue to evolve as new ideas and opportunities emerge, but the vision and commitment will remain and, hopefully, continue to grow over time.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

The Plan

Design Program: Vision and Recommendations

The Design Program for Princeton’s Historic Main Street Corridor consists of a Guiding Vision and Specific Recommendations for five principal sections covered by the Plan. The vision and recommendations were derived from a series of three Community Vision Workshops, with additional input from the Main Street Revitalization Steering Committee, the Assessment Team and others. For brevity, only six recommendations are included under each section. (For a more complete list of recommendations, see the Community Vision Workshop – Strategies Worksheet included in the Appendices.)

Interstate 80/Route 26 Interchange The Interstate 80 and Route 26 Interchange will evoke a strong sense of the Midwestern Prairie, emphasizing colorful native forbs/wildflowers. The four “Flags of Freedom” are to remain the focal point, visible from all directions. Shrub screening along the fencerows will help keep motorists focused ahead. Once exiting south on Route 26, the shoulder landscaping will emphasize flowering ornamental trees (due to overhead wires) and salt‐tolerant shrubbery, accented with occasional masses of hardy grasses and flowering perennials. The design intent for the shoulder landscaping is to create a Prairie Style landscape but not actual prairie.

 Create dramatic impact; contrast with countless miles of farm fields in both directions  Evoke strong character/sense of place; complement the iconic “Flags of Freedom”  Use colorful, low‐maintenance plantings, mostly native  Make positive first impressions: improve views from both driver and passenger sides  Provide transition between prairie and more formal North Main streetscapes  Improve tourism billboards on I‐80; new welcome mural on Route 26 south of I‐80

Current I‐80 Interchange is unremarkable aside from the “Flags of Freedom.” Colorful prairie will add year‐round interest without detracting from the Flags, and will evoke a stronger sense of Princeton’s Midwestern heritage.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Route 26, Progress Drive to Railroad Avenue Route 26 constitutes the far north section of Princeton’s Main Street. North of the North Main Historic District, Route 26 is the main entrance to Princeton and should welcome visitors to Princeton while also beckoning motorists to discover Princeton’s Historic Main Street “Just ½ Mile Ahead.” Attractive landscaping, signs, lighting and other improvements will convey community pride and the City’s historic character. Regulations will ensure that sign and landscape ordinances are met, and future developments will adhere and contribute to the design character already established by these improvements.

 Develop a landscape of colorful, low‐maintenance plantings, mostly native  Increase density of street trees, shrubbery as drivers continue south (change in scale)  Screen parking lots and landscape around signs to improve appearance and welcome  Work with property owners/franchisees to provide additional landscaping  Improve wayfinding signs  Connect existing bike/multi‐use path from south side of I‐80 to Backbone Road

First impressions of Princeton after exiting I‐80: bland, generic – no sense that Historic Main Street is only one‐half mile ahead. Landscaping and a large mural sign will welcome Princetonians home and beckon visitors to explore.

Further south along Route 26, historical‐style lighting and a multi‐use path already exist but landscaping and way‐ finding signs are lacking. All driveway crossings should have safety warning signs.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

North Main Historic District The North Main Historic District will continue to become a vibrant destination for area residents and tourists, with many new businesses that expand upon the Art District theme. A boutique hotel or bed and breakfast, a restaurant with an outdoor seating area, and a convenience grocer for nearby residents are anticipated. In addition, renovations to Darius Miller Park will accommodate daily use by North Main workers, shoppers, residents and visitors. By promoting train and bicycle travel, the North Main Historic District will be able to take greater advantage of its proximity to the Amtrak Station and nearby attractions. An annual art fair and other events being planned for Darius Miller Park will require and reward participation from the surrounding business owners. Many unoccupied or underutilized apartments over the stores will be renovated, perhaps attracting a younger demographic, and there is great potential for establishing a brewpub and entertainment venues to increase evening activities.

 Develop marketing and business development plans for North Main Historic District  Continue to develop Art District theme with murals, changing art installations, pop‐up galleries, annual art festival, studios and workshops, live‐work spaces for artists/artisans  Add trees and planters to North Main; improve Darius Miller Park/Amtrak Station area  Develop interpretive signs and “Discover Princeton’s History” app  Assist owners with façade grants and guidelines for historic building rehabilitation  Develop arts‐oriented youth employment and family activities; provide free Wi‐Fi

Current views upon entering the North Main Street Historic District. Darius Miller Park in foreground, right.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Midtown District The Midtown District is characterized by homes, churches, and small businesses – with some government/institutional uses. (Refer to City of Princeton Comprehensive Plan for zoning and recommended uses.) Existing retail and professional service offices provide transition zones at the north and south ends of Midtown, which is characterized by tree‐lined parkways, similar to other residential streets in the community. Lights, paving, signs, banners, etc. should visually connect the North and South Main Historic Districts. City Hall and the adjacent Veterans Park should be improved with historical style lighting and additional landscaping, and “strip mall” development south of City Hall should be landscaped to the same level of quality as the North and South Main Historic Districts. Interpretive signs may be placed to describe the history of this district and to highlight key buildings such as Princeton Municipal Utilities and City Hall.

 Improve existing infrastructure (i.e. sidewalks, curb and gutter, curb cuts and aprons, storm sewers); replace “cobra head” street lights with historical style including side‐ mounted sidewalk lights and banners  Repaint all crosswalks, with high‐visibility (reflective) crosswalks at major intersections  Recruit B&B operators to lease or purchase historic homes  Create bike path along both sides of Main Street  Provide historic interpretation and improve legibility of existing wayfinding signs  Improve City Hall and Veterans Park to make them feel connected, contiguous

Current views of Midtown District: note outdated “cobra‐head lights” and lack of street trees and bike paths.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

South Main Historic District The South Main Historic District will once again become a vibrant destination for area residents and tourists, with a broad spectrum of businesses. Drawing upon the presence of performing arts venues, museums, historically‐significant architecture, and active community programming, the South Main District will once again become an active hub for the people of Princeton and the surrounding communities. Over‐store apartments and offices will be rehabilitated, and there is great potential for bicycle tourism given the proven success of the annual Z‐Tour, and South Main’s relative proximity to the Hennepin Canal and the Grand Illinois Trail. Courthouse Square, already the setting for many longstanding community traditions, will gradually be improved with restored buildings, cast iron lamp posts and benches, and beautiful landscaping. Interpretive signs will bring history to life for residents and visitors alike.

 Develop marketing and business development plans for South Main Historic District  Continue to promote existing businesses and attractions, developing new events or features to highlight, promote and complement – be entrepreneurial  Develop South Main streetscape similar to North Main; improve Courthouse Square  Develop interpretive signs and “Discover Princeton’s History” app  Assist owners with façade grants and guidelines for historic building rehabilitation  Activate/engage by promoting mixed‐use buildings, business incubators, low‐interest loans and low‐cost rents for start‐ups; provide free Wi‐Fi; create apprenticeships and summer jobs; organize, recognize and award volunteers; expand events and promotions

Current views of South Main Historic District: note lack of streetscape development and historic façade restoration.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Implementing the Plan

Funding Strategy and Priorities Implementation of the Main Street Revitalization Plan will depend upon funding and the ability of the City of Princeton, Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce and other leaders to organize and execute successful capital campaigns. The Main Street Revitalization Steering Committee, Planning & Zoning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission and a proposed Public Art Commission will need the ongoing assistance and cooperation of the Princeton Bicycling Club, Z‐Tour Committee, Princeton Rotary, Princeton Jaycees, Homestead Festival Committee and other community service organizations. In addition, the plan will require increased volunteerism, for everything from planting and maintenance to special events, as well as a better‐organized and rewarding volunteer program. Many of the proposed Main Street improvements are planned to increase tourism, so the City of Princeton is likely to allocate local Hotel Tax revenues to the ongoing completion of the plan. Retail Sales Tax revenues can be allocated to street and sidewalk repairs, but Main Street must compete with other areas of priority throughout the City. Ongoing capital improvements will be designed and estimated by qualified consultants and the City’s Director of Planning, budgeted by the City Manager, with approved spending from the City Council.

Street Tree planting along South Main in 2016 typified a public‐private approach to Main Street Revitalization, with the City of Princeton Dept. of Public Works removing concrete and rubble; local landscape companies installing trees, soil and mulch; and the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce handling tribute tree program donations.

Government grants and low‐interest loans have traditionally been used for streetscape and façade improvements, but have become increasingly competitive. As many government funding programs require preliminary engineering, a thorough market analysis/return‐on‐investment strategy, and 20‐50% matching funds, Princeton’s Main Street Revitalization Plan is only the first step in positioning the City for government funds.

Private‐sector funding is absolutely necessary to achieve the vision and recommendations of the Plan. Currently, a “Princeton Main Street Revitalization Fund” is managed by the nonprofit Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, with the long‐range intent to establish a Princeton Community Foundation who will ultimately coordinate fundraising for this and other community needs. Until then, community volunteers will need to “champion the cause” and continue to raise the needed funds for Main Street Revitalization. As the plan begins to be

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan implemented and success is visible, it may be strategic for the City, Chamber or another leader to engage a professional fundraiser to organize a capital campaign.

The Main Street Revitalization Plan must be a budget priority for the City of Princeton, Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce and Bureau County government. These entities must continue to collaborate and share the costs and responsibilities, in order to reap the benefits. In addition to capital expenditures, operating budgets (i.e. allocation of labor) will be impacted. Some state and federal grants are only available to city and county governments, whereas other grants are made to chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus, business incubators and related nonprofits. Until the Princeton Community Foundation is activated, the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation and other Princeton‐area nonprofits can serve as grant applicants and fiscal agents when a related nonprofit is required. Funding priorities should be given to projects that generate a return on investment (i.e. increased Hotel Tax, Retail Sales Tax, etc.) – as well as projects that qualify for available funds (i.e. a flexible and entrepreneurial approach). Other priorities include reinvestment in the South Main Historic District on par with the investments already made in the North Main Historic District; planting of trees and other vegetation for multiple economic and environmental benefits; improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety and developing facilities to encourage these activities along Main Street; beautifying the I‐80 interchange/Route 26 corridor to entice visitors to explore Princeton’s Historic Main Street.

Partial streetscape improvements made to North Main in 2010‐2011 are already paying quantifiable dividends with many new businesses, increased foot traffic and growth in retail sales tax revenues. North Main “Art District” merchants raised funds for the North Main Street Kiosk, installed in 2016‐17, featuring a business directory, map and promotion of upcoming events and area attractions.

Main Street events and promotions can celebrate Princeton history, such as the Richard Widmark Film Festival – celebrating a Princeton native and drawing business to the historic Apollo Theater. Unique, place‐specific events cultivate community pride and drive tourism.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

The following is a suggested ten‐year timeline for implementing the Plan, with project leaders, estimated costs and potential sources of funding. This timeline and the individual projects will change as priorities shift and new opportunities arise:

Suggested Phases, Estimated Costs and Potential Sources of Funding

Phase I (2017‐2019) Leaders Estimated Cost Potential Funding Darius Miller Park City of $40,000 Hotel Tax, Operating Princeton Budget (CoP) Install North Main Kiosk CoP $35,000 Art District merchants Pave, complete Elm‐Main Municipal Lot CoP $215,000 Capital Budget Repave 429 S. Pleasant Municipal Lots CoP $200,000 Capital Budget Repave Marion Street Municipal Lot (pending CoP $200,000 USDA Rural Development grant) Continue streetscape improvements on South CoP $250,000‐ Hotel Tax, Capital Budget, Main (add’l. sidewalk furnishings, landscaping) 300,000 grants, local fundraising Begin monument conservation and landscape Bureau $150,000‐ County Budget, grants, improvements at Courthouse Square County (BC) 200,000 private contributions Bicentennial Drive, Long Street, Amtrak Station CoP $1,250,000‐ ITEP grant, other grants, Drop‐Off and Parking Lot (pending grant) $1,500,000 local fundraising Bicycle path, bike lanes, bike signs and racks – CoP (Bicycle $200,000‐ FHWA and NHTSA grants, phased installation Commission) $250,000 local fundraising Welcome Sign/Mural on Route 26 near I‐80 Chamber, $50,000 Tourism grants, Hotel Tax CoP

Phase II (2020‐2022) Leaders Estimated Cost Potential Funding Repave Prouty‐Zearing and Marquette‐ CoP $430,000‐ USDA Rural Pleasant Municipal Lots (pending grant) $480,000 Development, Capital Budget Begin Murals and “Ghost Sign” restoration, CoP (Public $50,000‐ Summer Youth working with area youth and artists Art $100,000 Employment grants, Commission) private‐sector funding

Caboose renovation/conversion near Amtrak CoP $25,000 Princeton Rotary Station (program, budget to be defined) New lighting on South Main, street and CoP $1,035,000‐ Possible ITEP Part II grant, sidewalk planters on North & South Main $1,085,000 other grants, local (pending grant) fundraising South Main Kiosk and plaza (pending grant) BC, CoP, $65,000 USDA Rural Development Chamber (Bureau County applicant)

Phase III (2023‐2025) Leaders Estimated Cost Potential Funding Improve Crown‐Pleasant Municipal Lot CoP $115,000 Capital Budget, local fundraising (Festival 56) Princeton History Walk and interpretive signs CoP (Historic $150,000‐ Grants, local fundraising Preservation $200,000 (potential Driehaus

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Commission), Foundation, Part II), Hotel BCGS, BCHS Tax, tourism funds Continue Murals and “Ghost Sign” restoration, CoP (Public $50,000‐ Summer Youth working with area youth and artists Art $100,000 Employment grants, Commission) private‐sector funding

Restore green triangles and repave/restripe CoP, BC $350,000‐ Capital Budgets, grants, Courthouse Square (pending funds) $400,000 local fundraising Complete City Hall exterior improvements, CoP $200,000‐ Capital Budget, grants, landscape improvements $250,000 local fundraising

Complete Veterans Park improvements CoP, VFW $95,000 Capital Budget, grants, local fundraising Complete Central‐Peru streetscape CoP $250,000 Capital Budget, grants

Phase IV (2026‐2028) Leaders Estimated Cost Potential Funding Complete Midtown (LaSalle‐Central) CoP $250,000‐ Capital Budget, grants streetscape $300,000 (possible ITEP Part III) Complete Progress Drive‐Railroad Ave CoP $135,000‐ Capital Budget, grants streetscape $185,000 (possible ITEP Part III) Complete I‐80 Interchange Prairie Landscape CoP, $290,000‐ Conservation grants, TIF, BCSWCS, $340,000 Hotel Tax, tourism grants IDOT Restroom/Bike Rental bldg. near Amtrak CoP, Rotary $200,000‐ FHWA/NHTSA grants, Station, Darius Miller Park $250,000 local fundraising

Notes:

$50,000 range shown on some projects allows for design and engineering services, and budget contingency for unknown/unresolved items

Additional research required to determine grant prequalification, application requirements, deadlines and matching fund requirements

Using an average annual inflation rate of 3.22%, total project costs may increase 50% over a 10‐year period (i.e. multiply 2027 project estimates x 1.5 to account for inflation)

Potential Main Street grant sources include:

Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) ‐ http://www.idot.illinois.gov/transportation‐system/local‐ transportation‐partners/county‐engineers‐and‐local‐public‐agencies/funding‐opportunities/ITEP

USDA Rural Development Grants ‐ Rural Business Development Grants ‐ http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs‐ services/rural‐business‐development‐grants

National Trust for Historic Preservation, Hart Family Fund for Small Towns ‐ http://forum.savingplaces.org/build/find‐funding/grant‐seekers/specialprograms/hart‐family‐fund

Landmarks Illinois, Preservation Heritage Fund Grant Program – ($500‐2500 for consultant or small project) http://www.landmarks.org/pdfs/2_%20GUIDELINES_Heritage%20Fund.pdf

The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation ‐ http://www.driehausfoundation.org/ (planning and design: no construction) and other private foundation grants, as well as in‐kind donations from business and industry (products, services)

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Plans and Highlights

Sheet 1: Progress Drive to Interstate 80 • Plant trees and shrubs to buffer asphalt parking lots. (Owners encouraged to do additional landscaping.) • Plant trees along Bailey Trust property anticipating future development, underplanting with native prairie/savanna (seeded). Possible Bureau County Soil and Water Conservation District (BCSWCD) project, with Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) funding. • Remove invasives, stabilize erosion and restore stream habitat along Epperson Run. Plant with native shrubs and prairie/savanna (seeded). Possible BCSWCD/IDNR/NRCS project. • Plant hardy, salt‐tolerant perennials (mostly native) in median beds. • Continue existing multi‐use path north to City‐County Park. Add striped crosswalks and safety warning signs, with pedestrian controls at all signalized intersections.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Sheet 2: Interstate 80/Route 26 Interchange • Prune existing trees & shrubs, remove poor specimens or invasive species. • Plant new trees where indicated, including flowering crabapples at the overpass abutments. Plant additional trees and shrubs along outside edges of ramps. • Remove existing warm‐season grass within the cloverleaf areas and recreate prairie with large drifts of forbs/wildflowers (seeded). Possible BCSWCD/IDNR/NRCS project. • Consider possible removal of concrete in south median, planting with salt‐tolerant landscaping to match north median. • Extend existing guardrail along multi‐use path where it is close to roadway, with striped crosswalks, safety warning signs, and pedestrian controls at all signalized intersections. • Add driver wayfinding signs at exit ramps and on overpass bridge. • Emphasize “Flags of Freedom” by maintaining clear sightlines.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Sheet 3: Interstate 80 to Backbone Road • Connect existing multi‐use path from I‐80 to Backbone Road, regrading and extending culverts and guardrails where needed. Add striped crosswalks, safety warning signs, and pedestrian controls at all signalized intersections. • Consider possible enhanced shoulder lanes when Route 26 is improved with curb & gutter (to be addressed in Bicycle Plan). • Landscape to provide a year‐round welcome experience, and to create a transition zone from prairie interchange to tree‐lined streets ahead. Use salt‐tolerant trees, shrubs, perennials and groundcovers to buffer asphalt parking lots, maintaining sightlines at driveway intersections (property owners encouraged to do additional landscaping). • Install a “Visit Princeton’s Historic Main Street” mural/billboard, to be located approximately 1200 feet south of the eastbound I‐80 exit (key decision point for visitors). • Plant street trees along Ace Road going east.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Sheet 4: Backbone Road to Private Drive • Continue use of salt‐tolerant trees, shrubs, perennials and groundcovers to buffer parking lots (property owners encouraged to do additional landscaping). • Connect new multi‐use path along east side of Route 26 across Backbone Road and Route 26 to existing path on west side of street. Add striped crosswalks, safety warning signs, and pedestrian controls at all signalized intersections.

• Plant flowering crabapples, hawthorns, Japanese Tree Lilacs and other ornamental trees along west side of Route 26 due to overhead wires. • Plant shade trees and shrub buffers along east side of Route 26 where parkway is wider. • Maintain sightlines at driveway entrances: typically 21’ or greater at street intersections. • Improve driver wayfinding signs to be read at greater distances and at night. • Encourage low‐level signs (i.e. trees will be limbed up/visible underneath).

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Sheet 5: Private Drive to Railroad Avenue • Continue transitional landscape style from Backbone Road south: ornamental trees on west side of Route 26 (due to overhead wires and narrow parkway) with shade trees and shrub buffers along east side. • At street intersections, planting setback is typically 21’ on passenger side with greater setback on driver side (sightline distance determined by traffic speed). • Consideration to be made for existing elevated business signs, but low‐level signs preferred going forward (i.e. trees will be limbed up/visible underneath). • Add striped crosswalks at all streets and driveways along multi‐use path. Add safety warning signs, including vehicle yield signs and bicycle stop signs at all non‐signalized intersections

• Evaluate existing driveway aprons/curb cuts for possible reductions.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Sheet 6: Railroad Avenue to Clark Street (cont’d on next page) • Maintain open sightlines open near railroad tracks, and open view into Darius Miller Park from railroad crossing. • Explore possibility of historic‐themed murals on north side of Windchimer (e.g. agricultural heritage) and north side of Knox Bldg. (e.g. streetcar). • Multi‐use path ends at Long Street; start 5’ bike lanes both sides of Main Street. Explore possibility of a restroom facility with seasonal bike rentals, located near existing caboose. • Use high‐visibility crosswalks (stamped and colored asphalt) at Elm, Marquette, LaSalle and north side of Clark. Use sidewalk bump‐out’s for improved pedestrian safety and visibility, with shorter crossing distances for the elderly and disabled. • Install street trees and in‐ground planters to filter harsh sunlight and reduce reflective heat. Encourage merchant planters, awnings and hanging signs.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Sheet 6, cont’d: Darius Miller Park and Amtrak Station • Darius Miller Park to be returned to original “village green” appearance with trees, lawn, benches. Possible reproduction of 1917 drinking fountain designed by Princeton native, Parker Noble Berry. Christmas Tree is focal point from Park and Station area. • Annual Art Festival and other community events will activate the Park, utilizing lawn and adjacent Long Street (i.e. closed to traffic). • New brick drop‐off east of Station; Bicentennial Drive to be repaved with brick. Salvage existing brick street pavers to restore adjacent Pleasant and Long streets. New Amtrak Station Municipal Parking Lot with stormwater detention basin to west. • Station platforms to be replaced with light‐wash aggregate concrete, with combination planter/seats and benches to match Darius Miller Park. • New map and orientation sign at southeast corner of Station, with railyards history exhibit at east edge of drop‐off, where first (wood) depot stood prior to 1910; BNSF Caboose area to be improved with possible restroom/bike rental bldg.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Sheet 7: Clark Street to Washington Street • 5’ bicycle lanes both sides of street • Striped crosswalks at all intersections with connecting sidewalks; possible pedestrian‐ activated blinking yellow lights at LaSalle, Clark for safe passage to Douglas School • Shade trees selected for upright‐vase form to recall look of Elm‐lined streets; narrower upright form where space is tight (e.g. west wall of Ace Hardware) • Cobra‐head streetlights to be replaced with historic‐looking standard used north of Clark (masthead lights required along State route) – include sidewalk light brackets

• Commercial property owners encouraged to plant landscape buffers to screen asphalt parking lots, and to landscape along Main Street side of existing buildings • Lighting, banners and wayfinding signs visually relate Midtown District to North and South Main Historic Districts

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Sheet 8: Washington Street to Central Avenue • 5’ bicycle lanes both sides of street • Striped crosswalks at all intersections with connecting sidewalks • Shade trees selected for upright‐vase form to recall look of Elm‐lined streets; narrower upright form where space is tight (e.g. west wall of Municipal Utilities Plant) • Cobra‐head streetlights to be replaced with historic‐looking standard used north of Clark (masthead lights required along State route until Peru Street) • Commercial property owners encouraged to plant salt‐tolerant landscape buffers to screen asphalt parking lots (i.e. shrubs shown below) • Plant more trees in lawn along west side of Municipal Utilities Plant, with vines (i.e. ‘Robusta’ Boston Ivy) along south wall – facing Veterans Park and City Hall

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Sheet 9: Central Avenue to Peru Street • Front of City Hall to be restored with cast iron lights, etc. • Community Message Board to replace Virgil Fox tablet (to be relocated) – low hedges to complement formal architecture (also used at Amtrak Station and Courthouse) • Minor planting improvements to Police & Fire Memorial • Remove former gas station curb‐cut opposite City Hall, screen vehicle storage area with heat‐ and salt‐tolerant hedge • Extend existing path in Veterans Park around edges of lawn north of gazebo; extend landscaping around north and east perimeters of Park • Use same bench proposed for Darius Miller Park; paint gazebo/bandshell to complement the period architecture of City Hall and to be less rustic • Add trees along both sides of Main Street to visually relate both sides of street

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Sheet 10: Peru Street to Park Avenue (cont’d on next page) • Bicycle lanes turn west to Pleasant Street with spurs to south and west (Pleasant is asphalt south of Peru) • Possible shared bike/vehicular route along Marion to connect to West Side Ballpark and Lincoln School: provide pedestrian‐activated signalized crosswalks and advisory shoulder (dashed lines) east of Main due to narrow width • High‐visibility crosswalks and curb extensions (bulb‐outs) at Peru (SW corner), Marion, Columbus and Park Ave. • No streetlights required (not State route): new sidewalk lights, benches, trash cans, in‐ ground planters to match North Main • Municipal parking lots repaved and landscaped, with improved signs and lighting • Provide historical interpretation at key locations

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Sheet 10 cont’d: Princeton History Walk (Mary Uthoff Memorial) • Existing exposed aggregate sidewalks to remain; faded concrete pavers to be replaced with salvaged street pavers or similar clay pavers • Add lights, planters and benches, with circular pavement area on Main Street sidewalk to call attention to the walkway • Install clock in circular pavement area to provide focal point/meeting spot on South Main (similar to clock that used to be on Citizen’s Bank across the street) • Paint murals on existing plaster walls, designed to depict Princeton history, founders and notables (style to complement other historic‐themed murals along Main Street) • Add low‐level music and open WiFi to encourage use (also proposed for North and South Main shopping districts) • Add secure bike racks at west end of walk with possible restroom/changing space (i.e. City leases portion of adjacent building)

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Sheet 11: Courthouse Square • Low curved hedge in front of Courthouse to be repeated at east end of front sidewalk and around “Winged Victory” Monument, to complement formal architecture • Kiosk and benches to be located northeast of Courthouse (kiosk similar to North Main Kiosk) – with South Main Business Directory, County meetings/announcements, Community messages/Festival 56 performances, Courthouse Square history • Ensign Fountain triangle (in front of Matson bldg.) to be improved; other three triangles to be restored (re‐created per original plan) • High‐visibility crosswalks (stamped and colored asphalt), street trees, historic‐style lights and same benches used at Darius Miller Park and Veterans Park • Add “next generation” trees to Courthouse lawn and around Monument

• Continue historical‐style sidewalk lights around Square, on both sides of street

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Appendices

Acknowledgements

Main Street Revitalization Steering Committee: Kim Scott, Chair; Rick Brooks, Midwest Partners; Kim Frey, Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce; Brian Gift, City of Princeton; David Hornbaker, Hornbaker Gardens; Mindy Isaacson, Juniper & Mae; Steven Keutzer, Studio K Architecture; Ryan Keutzer, Studio K Architecture; Gina Nelson, Bead Buzz; Pete Nelson, City of Princeton; Joel Quiram, City of Princeton; Annette Schnabel, Perry Memorial Hospital; Rachel Skaggs, City of Princeton; Melissa Steele Wendt, Beetz Me; Michael Zearing, Flour House

Community Vision Workshop Participants: Andy Austin, Mark Austin, Bill Beneke, Renee Bezely, Adri Blanford, Steve Bouslog, Rick Brooks, Gary Browning, Hope Browning, Gary Bruce, Kyle Burrows, Todd Burrows, Carolyn Campbell, Keenan Campbell, Tori Clark, Emily Cook, Nathan Cook, Stephanie Coomer, Ann Crosby, Kay Cushman, Bradley Davis, Jackie Davis, Lois Davis, Jeff Dean, Jan Esme, Steve Esme, Ben Fisher, Jennifer Forristall, Ginger Freeberg, Kim Frey, Dennis Friend, Mindy Fritz, Brian Gift, Tim Goodrum, Roger Gustafson, Kim Hanke, Nancy Heiden, Shannon Hochslatter, David Hornbaker, Laura Hornbaker, Shannon Hoschtatter, Susan Isaacson, Matt Keutzer, Ryan Keutzer, Steven Keutzer, Jene Kinsley, Mindy Kramer, Tim Kunkel, Pam Lange, Chuck Major, Dan Martinkus, Laura Massey, Matt May, Janelle McCarter, Patrick McCauley, Ken Mecum, Kelly Morris, Pete Nelson, Bill Nelson, Gina Nelson, Brandon Nyman, Colton Pate, Joel Quiram, Jim Routh, Lori Rumbold, Don Saletzki, Todd Salsman, Ben Schmidt, Annette Schnabel, Jay Schneider, Kim Scott, Colleen Sissel, Jeff Sitterly, Rachel Skaggs, Jim Smith, Sue Spratt, John Standley, Beth Standley, Melissa Steele, Brenda Streit, Carolyn Stull, Michael Stutzke, Sue Stutzke, Randy Swift, Robin Swift, Elise Swinford, Brian Taylor, Joshua Taylor, Esther Tracy, Kyle Unzicker, Mary VanKeulen, Mike Vaughn, Jerry Weiss, Michael Zearing, Sallee Zearing, Terri Zearing. Facilitators: Gisele Hamm and Linda Blaine, Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University; Scott Mehaffey, Planning Consultant. Contributors: Ace Hardware Distribution, Beck Oil Company, Rick Brooks, First Lutheran Church, Flour House, Juniper and Mae, Kramer’s Kitchen, The Kompany, The Milk Moustache, Studio K

National Register Research: Pam Lange, lead researcher, assisted by Melissa Steele and Michael Zearing. Additional research by Hope and Gary Browning, Frank Butterfield, Mike Lange, Carol McGee, Esther Tracy, Princeton Public Library staff, and Bureau County Assessor's Office staff. Terry Tatum, National Register Nomination Writer/Applicant.

Assessment and Analysis Visiting Team: Rolf Achilles, historian; Nick Kalogeresis, The Lakota Group; Charles Pipal, architect; Matt Wagner, Revitalization Programs, National Main Street Center, Inc.

Landmarks Illinois: Jerry Adelmann, Trustee, Barbara C. and Thomas E. Donnelley II Preservation Fund for Illinois Grant; Frank Butterfield, Director, Springfield Field Office; Lisa DiChiera, Director of Advocacy; Barbi Donnelley, Trustee, Barbara C. and Thomas E. Donnelley II Preservation Fund for Illinois Grant; Amy Ege, Director of Development and Engagement; Jean Follett, Emeritus Board Member; Suzanne Germann, Director of Grants and Easements; Kaitlyn McAvoy, Communications Manager; Bonnie McDonald, President and CEO

The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation: Kim Coventry, Executive Director

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Illinois Historic Preservation Agency: Rachel Leibowitz, Anthony Rubano

Historical research: Pam Lange, Esther Tracy

Plan production and estimating: Chris Rink, Quercus Consulting, Inc.; Steve Yontz, ecology+vision, llc

Special thanks to: Jean Babcock, Laurie Bonucci, Ann Crosby, Thompson Dyke, David Gugerty, Laura Massey, Pete and Maryellen Nelson, Sharon Schallhorn, Kristi Warren, Michael Wendt, Lou & Terri Zearing

Illustrations: Cover photo: Bradley Anderson (Homestead Festival 2015) Page 7: https://www.loc.gov/resource/g4104p.pm001800/) Page 8: Belden, David and Bureau County Historical Society. Princeton (Postcard History Series), p 11. Arcadia, 2010. Page 9: (vintage postcards from internet) Page 10 top: http://www.heritagedocumentaries.org/Route6/il/ilgr.html; bottom: Belden, David (ibid) p 41. Page 11 top: Belden, David (ibid) p 53; bottom: Bureau County Historical Society Page 12 left: http://www.idaillinois.org/cdm/ref/collection/isl/id/21039; upper right: IL Digital Archives; lower right: Bureau County Historical Society Page 14: Don Saletzki Page 15: Google Earth Street Views Page 16: FrankFortePhoto.com Page 17 top: http://www.landscapeonline.com/research/article-a.php?number=10973; bottom: http://cyclemoco.com/2012/04/dealing-with-curb-bumpouts/ Page 18 top: Mehaffey photo, 2016; bottom: https://newengland.com/yankee-magazine/travel/newengland/things-to-do/5-best-town-greens/ Pages 21-25: Google Earth Street Views Page 26: Bureau County Republican, October 2016 Page 27: City of Princeton website Pages 30-39: Google Image Search (various sources) Page 40 lower left: http://www.wausaumade.com/products/planters/sl4031; upper left: Landscape Forms, Inc.; upper right: Mehaffey; lower right: https://www.bisoninc.com/product/site- furnishings/highwheeler-bike-rack/ Pages 41-43: Google Image Search (various sources) Page 44 lower left: Mehaffey; upper left: Bureau County Historical Society; upper right: Google Image Search; lower right: Google Image Search Page 47: lower left: Mehaffey; upper left: Google Image Search; upper right: Google Image Search; lower right: Mehaffey Page 48 lower left: Google Image Search; upper left: Google Image Search; upper right: Bureau County Historical Society; lower right: http://www.electrictime.com/post_clocks/4_dial_o_b_mcclintock/ Page 49 lower left: Bureau County Historical Society; upper left: Bureau County Historical Society; upper right: Bureau County Historical Society; lower right: Key Builders

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Phasing Diagram

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Planning Process

Princeton’s Main Street Revitalization Plan followed a traditional planning model, like the diagram included below. This process is ongoing, i.e. as projects are developed and implemented, they are evaluated (both the product and the process) for continuous improvement. This requires planning leaders to gain commitment and understanding from the outset, getting key decision-makers (City and Chamber staff, City Council members, business leaders and other key stakeholders) – to understand the benefits of an ongoing planning model, while also acknowledging the challenges and difficulties of sustaining the effort over time. Building commitment and trust up front will lay the social foundations for establishing a community-driven “placemaking” process.

This planning model relies on broad stakeholder participation in the formative stages, with a gradual reduction as the project is defined and the solutions are agreed upon. A project committee (in this case the Main Street Revitalization Committee) provides continuity to ensure that stakeholder objectives are met as the projects are developed and implemented over time. A facilitator (in this case, Princeton’s Director of Planning and any project-specific consultants) shepherd the project from start to finish, from “what do we want to do?” to “what did we learn this time?” As Princeton’s Main Street Revitalization Plan is implemented, the project facilitators will “plan to plan” – that is, determining the best process and timeline for each individual project.

Princeton’s Main Street planning process followed this schedule:

May 2016: City Council approves agreement for Phase I – Planning, funded internally. External funds sought for Phase II – Design. Mayor appoints Main Street Revitalization Steering Committee, which continues to meet 4th Friday of each month. Google Drive folder established for Steering Committee.

Jun-Sept, 2016: Grant-funded Advisory Team and Steering Committee conduct assessment and analysis. Volunteers begin historical research for grant-funded National Register nomination. Steering Committee visits other historic Main Street communities.

Oct-Nov, 2016: Visioning sessions with Steering Committee and community representatives to identify key issues and objectives. Action Teams develop detailed recommendations. (continued on Diagram courtesy EcoPlan International: http://www.ecoplan.ca/ next page)

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

(continued from previous page)

December, 2016: Town Hall Meeting hosted by Steering Committee to inform public and invite feedback. Main Street Design Program outlines strategy for addressing key issues and objectives, utilizing Action Team recommendations. Steering Committee reviews and approves, providing additional input. Fundraising initiative is launched with a specific amount and deadline (i.e. transportation enhancement program grant application requires community to raise 20% of total project costs by the time grant application is submitted).

Jan-Apr, 2017: Main Street Planning & Design for streetscape and town squares; schematic design presentation to City Council followed by Public Open House. Main Street Plan spurs historic preservation ordinance, public art program, bicycle and pedestrian planning, economic development plan, etc. City and Chamber discuss best means and methods for ongoing planning, design and funding, working with Main Street Revitalization Steering Committee. (City and Chamber staff are members of the Steering Committee so are knowledgeable representatives to the City Council and Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.)

April, 2017: Main Street Revitalization Plan accepted by Main Street Revitalization Steering Committee and presented to City Council and Chamber Board. Statement of Probable Costs and Phase I project budgets reviewed, Phase I project work begins. Main Street Revitalization Steering Committee develops fundraising strategy for Phase I Projects, with intention of hiring fundraising consultant(s) for future project phases. Volunteers submit National Register research to consultant for completion of nomination forms.

May, 2017: City and Chamber confirms leadership responsibility for ongoing Main Street improvements (i.e. role of various committees and commissions, existing staff and future staffing needs, etc.) Project representatives begin meeting with target funders to explain the project and secure commitments.

Communication & Oversight

Throughout the planning process, the Main Street Revitalization Steering Committee maintained open meetings, and the public and local media were notified in advance of any upcoming City Council meetings or public presentations. In addition to local newspaper coverage, social media (mainly Facebook) was used to keep the community updated via the “Remember When in Princeton” page and the Mayor’s page. Most important, all planning documents are available under the “Community” tab on the City of Princeton website. An informational handout (draft included below) is being developed for people who want detailed information about the project and how they can participate, going forward. This handout also sets forth a commitment by the City and the Chamber to continue leading the implementation of the Plan.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

Draft Handout – April 1, 2017

About Princeton’s Main Street Revitalization Plan

What is the Main Street Revitalization Plan? Princeton, as the county seat, serves a market area approximately four times larger than the City's own population. Its Main Street is the physical and symbolic "focal point" of several ongoing efforts: improvement of quality of life for area residents, expansion of tourism with a unique mix of historical, cultural and natural attractions, and retention and recruitment of businesses that employ area residents and strengthen the local economy. Princeton’s Main Street Revitalization Plan is an evolving strategy for community and economic development, grounded in the belief that Main Street matters. The Revitalization Planning Process has been led by a small but dynamic group of business owners and civic leaders, who have collected recommendations from experienced planning consultants, a cross-section of Princeton residents (via three 3-hour workshops), and from government, business and nonprofit leaders in communities with established Main Street programs. The final plan, scheduled to be completed in April of 2017, will include detailed designs for improving the streetscape and three public squares along Main Street, as well as general guidelines for preserving and enhancing historic buildings and improving pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular circulation. In addition, the plan will include Statements of Probable Costs and suggested phasing and funding sources.

How will the plan be implemented? Princeton’s Main Street Revitalization efforts revolve around several guiding principles which will be championed and furthered by citizen volunteers.

1. Quality planning, design, construction and maintenance are fundamental to Princeton’s ongoing success and the vitality of Main Street. Property owners, tenants and developers must adhere to codes, ordinances, standards and guidelines. (Lead: City of Princeton, Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals) 2. Historic buildings and local history are worth preserving, interpreting and promoting to provide a broader awareness, greater appreciation, and deeper connection to Princeton. (Lead: City of Princeton, Historic Preservation Commission.) 3. Public art, including murals, sculpture, seasonal décor and beautification, provides meaningful focus for area youth and adults, and an avenue for exploring, celebrating and communicating Princeton’s unique history and identity. (Lead: City of Princeton, Public Art Commission.) 4. Greenery inherently attracts and engages people, uplifts the human spirit and improves the environment. Street trees will be planted for human scale, shade and cooling, air purification, and reduction of ambient noise and glare. In other areas, trees, shrubs, evergreens, perennials, grasses and annual flowers will be planted for year-round beauty and interest. (Lead: City of Princeton, Forestry & Landscape Commission)

Princeton Main Street Revitalization Plan

5. A physically and socially active community promotes better health, prosperity and civic engagement, and Main Street must provide facilities and accommodations for pedestrians, bicyclists and people with various levels of mobility. (Lead: City of Princeton, Pedestrian & Bicycling Commission) 6. Frequent Main Street Events – including parades, festivals, concerts, business promotions and fun activities related to holidays or local traditions – help keep Main Street vital and engaging for area residents and visitors. (Lead: Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce, Events & Promotions Committee) 7. Long-term businesses are visible, stable and reliable anchors for Main Street, attracting generations of shoppers and establishing reputations as “must-see” destinations. New businesses are needed to meet the demands of an ever-changing marketplace. (Lead: Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce, Business Retention and Recruitment Committee) 8. Tourism is essential for the economies of Princeton and the surrounding area. Great historic, cultural and natural attractions abound, coupled with year-round events. Easy access by train or car makes Princeton’s Main Street attractive for daytrips, weekend getaways and longer vacations. (Lead: Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Visitor Bureau)

What are the challenges?

Because Princeton’s Main Street Revitalization Plan may take a decade or more to implement fully, it will require ongoing commitment and leadership not only from the citizenry, but also from the City of Princeton and Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce. Currently, both are insufficiently staffed to sustain this effort. The Main Street Revitalization Steering Committee is meeting with the Princeton City Council and Princeton Area Chamber Board of Directors to discuss staffing implications.

Fundraising is a challenge, in part because the Princeton Community Foundation is inactive and unfunded. As an interim measure, the Main Street Revitalization Steering Committee has partnered with the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation (501c3) to establish a Main Street Revitalization Fund. No plans yet exist for a comprehensive campaign, outlining strategies, targets or timelines.

Related to this is grant research, donor cultivation, grant applications, award of contracts, project management and reporting, closeout – and local fundraising for the community match, which in many cases, is 50% of total project costs. There is no Economic Development Director at the City of Princeton, who would typically have responsibility for grant funding.

Another current challenge is a lack of private real estate investment, with many historic properties (some of architectural significance) continuing to deteriorate. In other rural communities, there exists a Community Development Corporation (CDC), Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Low-Profit Limited Liability Company (L3C) or similar entity focused on acquiring, rehabilitating, marketing, leasing and managing historic properties for community needs and investor returns.

What can I do to help?

If you would like to contribute funds, go to www.srccf.org/princetonmainstreet to make a tax-deductible donation. To contribute your time or expertise to Princeton’s Main Street Revitalization effort, please contact: Rachel Skaggs, City Manager, City of Princeton, IL: 815.875.2631 ext. 226 or rskaggs@princeton- il.com.

Princeton Main Street Revitalization – Goals & Objectives, Strategies & Actions

The Princeton Main Street Revitalization Steering Committee uses these 10 goals and related objectives, outlined by the community and written in “future tense”. Appointed Commissions and Committees focus on specific related strategies and actions to achieve these goals and objectives. Status updates and edits are coordinated by the City’s Director of Planning.

# Goals and Objectives Strategies Related Actions

I. Princeton’s Main Street is a vibrant retail, dining, entertainment and A. Develop or improve incentives to retain, grow and attract businesses Quick Wins/Short Term: lodging destination. • Increasing the dollar amount offered to beautify storefronts by the city • Promote façade grants to businesses • Develop business development district • Include menus on the Chamber website ‐ unique shops and merchandise • Develop angel investor group to assist start ups • Encourage people to write reviews for Princeton on Trip Advisor/Yelp, etc. ‐ product and service mix for residents and visitors B. Expand/improve and attract restaurants • Have Chamber send a reminder to visitors to review Princeton ‐ diverse restaurant menus and price points • Encourage development of outdoor dining • Menus and cards at depot and exterior boards ‐ lively entertainment and frequent events • Attract a coffee truck – food truck fest ‐ boutique lodging alternatives to economy motels • Open a beer garden (where Habaneros was or other lot) Intermediate Term: • Bring in upscale restaurant (fresh seafood etc.) • Review and update outdoor dining ordinances • Increase the presence of local restaurant at festivals • Develop outdoor dining plan with ideas to maximize space, extended • Attract a microbrewery/micro distillery sidewalks, etc. • Attract a whiskey/wine lounge • Develop an incentive for accessibility C. Develop creative solutions to fill empty buildings downtown, and lower start‐ • Research Habaneros lot for beer garden, zoning, etc. up costs for new businesses • Research microbrewery, contact breweries and ordinances • Create a maker space • Sponsor cooking classes to encourage gourmet restaurant start ups • Recruit artists to open studios/galleries • Develop events to promote downtown businesses such as, food hopping or • Create retail incubator(s) progressive dining, trolley and theatre evenings, etc. • Offer rent de‐escalation to entice new retailers to Main St. • Extend retail store hours and coordinate hours for consistency D. Identify specific businesses or types of retail businesses to target for • Contact Starved Rock investors about investing in Princeton attraction • Attract a book store Long Term: • Develop stores catering to men • Increase or reorganize building improvement • Open a Small food market on South Main • Redevelop the revolving loan fund • Attract a Butcher shop or Fresh Market • Develop rewards for long time business owners, such as lower utilities • Open a bike store • Establish a corporation to invest in vacant buildings • Wyanet locker branch in the DD Bucks general store bldg. • Organized a commercial incubator/shared kitchen • Build Main‐Putt on Main • Develop tax incentives • Encourage the establishment of Air B&B or VRBO • Attract a Restore to Sherwood Mall building E. Establish a comprehensive marketing plan for Princeton retail and dining • Encourage business to cross promote products • Develop cohesive look for marketing materials and signage • Extend store hours • Promote retailers/events at gas stations • Develop maps, guides, and promotional materials • Offer more promotion for Hoffman’s and festival/events and other already established businesses • Coordinate joint advertising campaigns F. Work with building owners to increase accessibility G. Promote and develop local foods‐based businesses • Promote farm to table restaurants that partner with local farmers • Create a liaison position on city level to promote farm‐to‐table‐to business model • Establish year‐round co‐op farmers market • Develop a community garden to tie in to local foods businesses H. Develop educational programming for business owners/managers I. Develop a pop up business program to test out business ideas and incubate small businesses • Open pop‐up holiday store • Develop a pop up café at Depot • Offer incentives for pop‐up small businesses J. Zone the Midtown section between North and South Main as commercial to connect the two business districts

II. Princeton’s Main Street is known for historic architecture, beautiful A. Develop the I‐80 gateway into town by adding landscaping, controlling Quick Wins/Short Term: squares and streetscapes, and well‐maintained infrastructure. weeds and adding other design elements • Draft a letter to local businesses about current ordinances and assistance B. Work with the City to improve infrastructure available to help business owners ‐ increased awareness/appreciation for historic bldgs. • Add public bathrooms • Add music downtown for the holiday season ‐ rehabilitation programs/incentives for bldg. owners • Improve curb cuts • Organize holiday decorating for the winter (Christmas lights and trees, etc.) ‐ kiosks, interpretive & wayfinding signs • Repair/replace sidewalks • Coordinate an adopt a pot program for summer flowers ‐ historic character, evocative street furnishings C. Design improvements to the train depot/Darius Miller Park area extending to and including the surrounding buildings Intermediate Term: D. Develop a fundraising plan with grants/fundraisers and donations • Establish a public art group • Organize fundraisers • Organize a team to work on improving the depot • Encourage donations by citizens • Coordinate a gateway support group to beautify the I‐80 corridor • Research and seek grants E. Develop temporary programs to improve the appearance of downtown and Long Term: attract shoppers • Plant more trees • Use Main Street businesses for art installations for big cash prize like • Install a system of wayfinding signs Grand Rapids • Integrate pedestrian and bike traffic into street planning • Develop seasonal decorations for Main Street • Coordinate secondary parking, traffic signals and traffic calming strategies • Have scarecrows in one location • Install bike racks F. Partner with landscaping volunteers/companies to help maintain • Include other gateway designs in Main Street plan landscaping G. Coordinate volunteer committees to oversee beautification projects H. Add murals to Main Street • Involve local artists or PHS students • Research possible historic murals I. Develop an adopt a vacant lot program • Recruit sponsors to clean up vacant lots J. Work with the City to improve snow removal K. Develop a streetscaping plan for Main Street with a cohesive style including landscaping, lighting, benches, etc. • Integrate historic streetscapes into Main street beautification and focus on commercial and residential historic properties • Install light pole banners • Encourage walking downtown north and south end by beautifying sidewalk area • Add a green buffer of trees/landscaping between sidewalk and street • Shopping district outdoor music

III. Throughout the year, Princeton’s Main Street is home to a A. Develop new festivals and events to highlight local businesses and attract Quick Wins/Short Term: number of innovative and engaging events and festivals that visitors to town • Decorate Christmas Trees on South Main Street draw people downtown and highlight the local businesses. • Establish annual art fair at Darius Miller Park • Organize a themed pub crawl • Develop heritage festival • Expand the Christmas Parade ‐ Homestead Festival • Create festivals with parades per season • Develop an art gallery in empty windows downtown ‐ Z‐Tour • Expansive all sport tournament at Zearing (all ages) • Organize a Christmas lights tour and contest ‐ Concerts on Main • Host Beer Tasting multi‐stop event • Develop a Turkey Trot ‐ Annual Art Show • Host Film Fest (indoor/outdoor) • Offer live Christmas music in the depot ‐ Year‐Round Farmer’s Market • Themed street dance nights • Create a Facebook page to promote Princeton events • Ask high school students to brainstorm unique events • Harvest/Ag base festival Intermediate Term: • Taste of Princeton • Expand Fourth of July festivities • Offer tour of lights for different holidays • Form a committee to organize concerts on Main Street • Offer a kid’s concert • Grow the Beef and Ag Days events • Have outdoor movies • Have rotating art shows in businesses • Focus on healthy cooking with classes – like optimal health has • Encourage street performers • Develop a signature event, only found in Princeton • Develop informational kiosks to promote events • Organize a Richard Widmark Festival • Coordinate larger art shows in Darius Park • Coordinate Live entertainment in stores and shops • Organize a festival of lights B. Develop a marketing and advertisement plan for festivals and events • Develop a musical festival or battle of the bands • Enhance media to advertise for events • Organize movies in the park • Install billboards along interstate • Put stars of Princeton in sidewalk in front of Apollo • Create a Community calendar • Expand ‘More on 34’ event with sidewalk sales and advertising for future • Enhance advertising model for events/festivals events C. Improve and expand current events • Add live music and food vendors to the Z‐Tour • Expand Music on Main • Add new events to Homestead – enhance make more cohesive Long Term: • Provide community workshops tied to festival • Redevelop the empty Habanero lot • Request sponsors of trees decorate their tree and take care of it • Add plaques of the Princeton story throughout Main Street D. Develop and improve facilities and parks to hold events • Develop an ice skating rink at Darius Miller park • Build a bandstand • Organize sporting tournaments at Zearing • Fund beautification of event parks • Add a splash pad/pool E. Develop event‐specific planning committees (for each event) F. Coordinate gift packages with coupons and info about businesses for people who stay at hotels • Assemble weekend visitor packs G. Develop a database of local residents who can teach a variety of fun and educational activities/classes • Identify people with specific skills (i.e. woodworking, cooking, etc.) H. Develop trolley for Main Street transportation • Use trolley for themed stops • Provide Trolley bar hop of different businesses limited ticket event I. Develop and coordinate transportation to and from Princeton during key festivals and events • Coordinate transportation via train to arrive and depart from Princeton to Chicago coordinating with festivals, i.e. Homestead, Music on Main J. Develop attractions to bring people to Main Street • Add zip line from Windchimer to train depot K. Revive discontinued events and festivals • Bring back ‘Taste of Bureau County’ L. Create a special taxing district to support Main Street events

IV. Princeton is a thriving and entrepreneurial community due to A. Develop programs and incentives to encourage entrepreneurs to start Quick Wins/Short Term: the wide range of educational opportunities for job seekers as businesses • Support already established entrepreneurs well as programs and incentives for business startups. • Develop a reduced rent program to lower the cost of starting a business • Organize a cash mob to support local businesses • Create a business incubator with counseling from local business ‐ existing businesses expand professionals Intermediate Term: ‐ new businesses are attracted • Develop a program modeled on the Ottawa/LaSalle/Peru Tech Park • Research business incubation ‐ skilled workforce available • Develop a co‐working space • Develop INSPIRE Program ‐ established and promoted incentives B. Develop incentives to encourage the development of new businesses and • Organize a business loyalty program redevelopment of historic buildings • Establish a city supported incentive program C. Work with local businesses and schools to offer more apprenticeships and mentoring Long Term: • Recruit and involve older workers as mentors/coaches (paid and nonpaid) • Bring in an industrial company comparable to Harper‐Wyman • Organize a talent bank of people willing to share their experience/expertise • Attract professional‐based companies • Develop a talent bank to further encourage an exchange of talents/experience • Develop a volunteer management system • Encourage internship among high schools and manufacturing D. Collaborate with high school on mentoring and volunteering opportunities geared towards retaining youth E. Coordinate a job posting social media site that is geared towards attracting talent to fill available positions in Princeton F. Work with Illinois Valley Community College and other educational institutions to bring work skills courses to Princeton • Coordinate satellite campus of Illinois Valley Community College in Princeton G. Request the high school to consider allowing students to use required volunteer hours in businesses H. Develop a slate of programs to lower the costs and risks of a starting a business I. Attract/develop specialty schools (technology, trade schools, etc.) J. Provide city wide public wi‐fi to allow people to work anywhere K. Work with existing businesses to develop educational workshops for new or existing businesses L. Create an idea bounce (ie: Shark Tank) program for those interested in starting a business or launching a new product

V. Princeton’s Main Street Historic Districts are listed on the A. Enforce current ordinances and maintenance standards Quick Wins/Short Term: National Register of Historic Places and building owners and • Address eyesores, safety issues and inappropriate uses of buildings. • Establish a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places investors have taken advantage of this. • Discourage using storefront/buildings use storage • Educate the public about the current ordinances B. Incentivize the purchase and/or restoration of historic buildings ‐ preservation tax credits • Increase store front improvement grants for historical preservation Intermediate Term: ‐ historic integrity preserved/promoted C. Restore historic features for added ambience • Develop architectural tour of historic buildings ‐ interpretive signs, walking tours, etc. • Restore brick streets in select areas to define business districts • Develop fundraising programs such as “Upstairs Downtown” • Restore historic mural signs o Open call for historic pictures • Replicate old business signs from years gone by “Leafy Lane Diary” o Businesses through time • Uncover inter urban tracks and restore trolley o Art installation of Underground Railroad Route D. Develop historic district, commission and ordinances o ‘Working for Lincoln’ and other famous visitors (Emerson, E. • Establish a preservation commission Roosevelt, Reagan, Twain, etc.) • Work with city to add ordinances to protect historic resources o Doobie Brothers tribute event • Educate building owners on National Register Historic designations and tax • Write historic preservation ordinances credits • Develop incentives for building owners to improve facades • Make sure historical preservation includes accessibility issues  Enforce City ordinances • Eliminate all cedar shake banners on facades  Establish historic preservation commission • Include historic homes as well as commercial buildings  Install historic signage E. Install wayfinding signage to highlight the historic district  Research and inventory ghost murals/advertisements F. Develop regular fundraisers to assist historic preservation projects • Bring back the ‘Taste Of Bureau County’ as a fundraiser for historical Long Term: preservation projects  Restore buildings facades G. Organize programs to educate and train building owners on restoring and  Restore brick streets maintaining historic buildings • Offer training for historical renovation • Educate building owners on economic advantages to upkeep and preserving historical assets through quality improvements • Encourage buildings owners to maintain their properties in appropriate ways H. Develop educational features and activities to highlight Princeton history • Create interpretive guide/app to historic pedigree of buildings • Provide interpretive signage • Time travel events • Historical exhibit/activity at Amtrak depot • Create “Experience Princeton” App make experience interactive with geocache/QR codes on signage associated with historical land markers • Offer historical home tours year round • Include homes in historical preservation plan and provide signs or info to find them • Promote historical walk/bike/bus tours (with arts/theatre aspects) • Add historical installations I. Develop a volunteer corps with skills/interests in enhancing/refurbishing historic buildings J. Redevelop Newcomers Club (welcome wagon) and provide information about Princeton’s history

VI. Princeton is a bustling community where people can, and do A. Develop pedestrian‐friendly infrastructure Quick Wins/Short Term: walk and bike to their favorite shops, restaurants, • Improve accessibility (universal design) (sidewalks, ramps, businesses) • Develop an Amtrak Bike Guide mapping routes in Princeton area entertainment and recreation venues. meeting ADA standards • Host a turkey ride to initiate a bike club • Improve sidewalk maintenance • Get some businesses to become bike friendly ‐ improved parks and green spaces along Main Street • Improve snow removal • Create a display in Prouty Building of bike friendly roads ‐ clear routes to surrounding parks and natural areas • Define & improve crosswalks • Organize Bureau County tours by bike (Barn Quilt tour, cemetery tour, etc.) ‐ sidewalks and side streets improved for walking, • Complete streets with traffic calming devices • Create seasonal rides and flash mobs running, bike riding, etc. • Develop more public restrooms • Create an ‘Experience Princeton’ app • Provide pet stations (provide pet poop bags) • Create bike safety events (Light the night, Safety Town, Officer Talks) • Improve cut downs on sidewalks • Identify locations for Bike Racks throughout the town • Put signage of rest room • Lobby the city to adopt a complete streets policy • Invest in permanent signage for tour routes • Provide storage lockers at depot Intermediate Term: • Place automatic doors into entrances • Safe path to city/county park and red covered bridge • Move parking from main streets to side lots for safety and view of building • Extend sidewalk along Peru from 5th – library on the south side B. Host special events to encourage people to walk/run and ride in Princeton • Sidewalk Thompson – zoning, subcommittee to analyze and ID sidewalk • Host a full marathon needs • Host a color run • Attract business to do bike rental (repurposed), repair, consider a club and • Organize a half marathon volunteer hours – cross promote events C. Create new bike paths and sidewalks to and from Main Street • Create an adopt a park – ask Rotary/Jaycees to adopt S&S park, put up • Provide sidewalks and bike paths from I‐80 to courthouse square restrooms • Connect Princeton to Hennepin Canal path • Connect all parks with paths Long Term: • Sidewalk developed in Darius Miller Park connecting depot to cabbage rose • Connect interurban to City/County and Hennepin • Convert old interurban rail bed to bike path and connect with paths in town • Create bike lanes throughout the city and establish specific with signage D. Develop marketing materials to promote walking/riding in Princeton • Chapters of friends of Hennepin to fix and keep clean, include cord and • Have Z‐Tour Routes on maps provided in kiosks all year other non‐motorized sports and city/county maintenance • Create “experience Princeton” app to connect consumers to bike rentals and bike routes, destinations, restaurants, etc. • Create coordinated signage and maps E. Develop programs to encourage people to bike along Main Street • Work with city to establish bike lanes • Organize a bike share program • Provide bike safety courses F. Integrate tourism into biking/riding routes • Reinstate walking tours G. Encourage the development of complementary businesses that walkers/ riders would frequent • Organize a bike rental program • Recruit Divvy Bike to set up in Princeton H. Improve public transportation system • Reintroduce the trolley • Initiate a bus service from north and south Main Street I. Develop special features along walking and bicycling path to increase utility of path • Offer bike repair kiosks

VII. Princeton is a family‐friendly outdoor recreation getaway. Main • Develop a pool/waterpark or splash pad Street caters to recreation tourism. • Attract equipment rental businesses • Maintain Z‐tour routes year round ‐ bike shop and sporting goods shop (combined?) • Promote Kayaking of the Hennepin Canal ‐ equipment rentals • Offer kayaking rentals and tours ‐ hunting, fishing outfitter • Promote fishing the Hennepin Canal ‐ outdoor adventure tour companies ‐ lodge/cabins

VIII Downtown Princeton thrives as a mixed‐use area with . apartments and lodging opportunities on the upper floors of the businesses in the Historic Main Street District(s).

‐ loft‐like spaces to attract young professionals ‐ live/work spaces ‐ weekender apartments ‐ B&B/Air B&B/bicycle tourism

IX. Princeton is known for a convenient transportation options • Create a trolley system including train, car rental, taxi, Uber, bicycles, BPART and • Encourage the development of Uber in Princeton trolleys. • Attract a taxi company • Restore interurban street car system X. Founded by the descendants of English Puritans, Princeton is known near and far as “Little New England.” The community has embraced this design theme to increase tourism and community pride.

‐ restore the village squares to their historic dimensions and appearance ‐ make sidewalks feel greener and more human‐scaled ‐ restore historic facades with awnings, projecting signs, painted and stenciled lettering on the windows