I’m not sure why the headline of the article is about $50 million in gamboling improvements then deep down just casually mentions $100+ million of private real estate development in downtown Alton.

“Also on Tuesday, Pritzker went to Alton to take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the recent launch of a planned revitalization project for the city’s downtown area.

The plan, called AltonWorks, is expected to include at least $100 million in private investment. The development group, headed by Alton lawyer John Simmons, has acquired 25 downtown buildings so far, said spokeswoman Susan Ryan.”


https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/met ... 5a635.html

Pritzker pumped for AltonWorks: $75M downtown Simmons plan cuts ribbon

This looks like it will be a project of immense scale with an emphasis on riverfront and rooftop development. Looks like renovations to the Stratford Hotel and Grand Theater buildings too.

Maybe while Illinois is throwing transit $$$ they could hook Alton up with a Metrolink route. The ROW already exists and would have several easy connections to small nodes of density like Granite City, Madison, and Wood River. If the Metro East is ever going to get moving in the right direction again it will start with the strengthening of these small downtowns.

Commuter rail to Alton? Yes please!

Ebsy wrote: Commuter rail to Alton? Yes please!

You could probably do something like Pacific, MO to Alton, IL with emphasis on bringing people in and out downtown whether it be jobs or extras for ballgames, etc.  However, not sure if their is really a large enough core work force to really support it.  Believe Twin Cities & Nashville added heavy rail commuter trains on respective freight corridors as nearby peer metro areas with mixed results.  Still a few bucks from the trainsets, adding more metro station, maintenance facility on top getting agreements in place with the private railroads & taking on the significant liability insurance, etc. 

But it would definitely build on existing infrastructure along with existing Amtrak Lincoln & Missouri Runner Service.   

The area between the Piasa bird and the River Road is getting a nice make over along with a tourist center - this replaces the cruddy gravel lot that exists there now.



https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/ ... -top-story