(Tricia Wagner and Dave Tess from Brand Leadership Team)
City officials in Rochelle approved funds last night to hire an architectural firm involving the Branding Project for the downtown area.
The Brand Leadership Team plans to spend up to $25,000 as the proposal includes a plaza and food market. It would also have an entertainment stage along with a splash pad area in the summer and an ice rink in the winter. Team Chairperson Tricia Wagner said they have received a great response from the 18 groups they have talked to about the project.
It will take around 6 months for the designs to be completed for the downtown area. Wagner said that residents want to see what Rochelle may look like in the future.
The vote was 5-0 in favor of the money for the project. Absent from last night's meeting were Councilmen Dave Eckhardt and Don Burke.
The goal is to have entertainment planned for over 250 days a year for the downtown area once completed.
The council also talked about a "Style Guide" which is scheduled to be put together in the future. This would include information from city services, the Chamber of Commerce, Gredco, along with the Main Street program and private marketing.