Alton is said to be the happiest and healthiest city on the Mississippi River by 2029. In 2017, asbestos ligation attorney, John Simmons and Jayne Simmons decided to redevelop Alton — 75 million dollars in redevelopment to be exact.
The Simmons formed a group called the Alton Works. This group formed to help with the planning and revitalizing of Alton.
The project includes renovating some of the most historic and well known buildings in Alton. The Grand Theatre, the Stratford Hotel, the YMCA, the Old Telegraph building, the Jacoby Arts Center, the Wedge Building, and the Elfgen Building.
“A strong downtown is the foundation of a strong community and we believe Alton has all the qualities that people want in a community and it’s perfectly positioned for a renaissance,” said Jayne Simmons.
There are three districts of renovation: the Jacoby Arts District, Grand Entertainment District, and Broadway’s Makers District. The Jacoby Arts District includes the old post office which is now known as the Post Commons, the Jacoby Arts Center, and the Wedge building.
The Grand Entertainment District includes a revitalized Stratford hotel and Grand theatre. The Broadway Makers District makes up a series of artist and maker studios along with some retail shops.
A park will be placed in the Jacobys Art Center parking lot so when citizens and visitors enter Alton, they will see a beautiful park. “It’s going to be a beautiful welcoming space,” Jayne Simmons added.
John and Jayne Simmons hope to bring more than 100 million dollars in investment, 250 jobs, and 500 new residents to the city of Alton after 2029
2019 Archived Article by Emma Nicholson
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