City of Gilman Downtown District

Project Description:

The City of Gilman’s historic downtown district currently has sidewalks that are out of ADA compliance. That makes pedestrian access into existing structures difficult if not impossible in some locations. The City reached out to Piggush Engineering to come up with a solution to help solve this problem.

Piggush Engineering was engaged in late 2018. We designed the proposed improvements along with coordination with IDOT, FWHA, ICC and TP&W RR to achieve PDR approval prior to applying for the grant. With IDOT’s Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) Grant Program, our team was able to secure a $2,000,000 grant for the City of Gilman to fund a large portion of this transformational project.

Proposed project improvements include reconstruction portions of North Central Street as well as Second and Front Streets in The City of Gilman’s downtown district. The improvements include new roadway pavement, curb, storm sewer and drainage improvements, and new sidewalks. Also, new roadway and pedestrian lighting and streetscaping elements. This includes gateway markers, seat walls, landscaped planters, benches, bicycle racks, trees, tree grates and other miscellaneous streetscape appurtenances.

With the help of Piggush Engineering, the improvements will vastly improve the quality of life within the City of Gilman’s downtown district for generations to come. This project will greatly improve pedestrian access to buildings. In addition, it will improve public safety at night through the proposed lighting improvements within the City’s downtown district. Also, its beauty and aesthetics will be enhanced.