Hampshire developing a new downtown streetscape

Hampshire is embracing opportunity by developing a new downtown streetscape on State Street from Jefferson Street to Washington Avenue.

Construction will begin June and is expected to be completed by September 2021.

During construction, traffic will be detoured to Park Street and businesses, parking and sidewalks will be accessible.

The new streetscape will give residents and business owners:

• An outdoor community gathering space with overhead lighting and reconfigured parking;

• Newly paved intersections and crosswalks;

• Enhanced safety as it will no longer be a thoroughfare for commercial trucks;

• Landscaping, tree planting and a pedestal clock.

It is funded by an Illinois' Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Community Development program.

The village board explored other uses for this funding, including critical infrastructure programs and street improvement projects in other areas of the village, and only this project qualified.

In a survey administered by the village's business development commission, Hampshire residents ranked improving the downtown as a top priority.

The community gathering space will accommodate new and existing community events, including the Hampshire Street Dance, Hampshire Car Show and the Hampshire Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Market.

The streetscape project team includes Engineering Enterprises Inc. for construction and engineering; Planning Resources Inc. for landscape architecture; and Kornacki & Associates Inc. for lighting and electrical design.

With the improved downtown, the Village of Hampshire aims to attract visitors and consumers, create a sense of identity for the area, spur economic growth and offer the community a place to gather.