Armory Park Plan

A riverfront park area is being designed as we anticipate Jumer's Casino Rock Island's move to IL-92 and I-280. Schrieber / Anderson Associates, Inc. has a concept plans for the area located on the riverfront between 17th and 20th Streets. The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA) has given the City approval to demolish the Armory.

Project goals:

1. Maximize use and flexibility of the green
2. Iconic space on river
3. Aesthetically pleasing, creative design
4. Water access - physical & visual
5. Public boat docks
6. Retain flood control
7. Capture river views
8. Meet park programming needs
9. Linkage to downtown and The District
10. Enhance downtown and riverfront redevelopment opportunity

City Council has selected a preferred concept to move forward with design and development. The concept is the Armory Silhouette concept.

The Armory Silhouette concept includes a main stage area in the vicinity of the current Armory stage. The structure has an open design and could be used from either side. The lawn facing the park will have Millennium Park style arching cross bars. Other prominent features include a watercourse and interactive water fountains, an observations tower that can serve as an icon for the park, riverfront promenades, restrooms, entry features, a sculpture garden, transient marina, boat dock for a water taxi, a parking lot on the east side, flood protection, and demolition of the Armory structure. The park will include plenty of green space, plants, and trees, along with some hard surfaces.

Click on the following links to PDFs to see more.

• Armory Silhouette concept
• Armory Sihouette images

On May 5, 2008 City Council reviewed more detailed design concepts for Armory Park. Click here to view the presentation.