Wood River mayor says Madison County office move would boost downtown

WOOD RIVER - A plan by Madison County to purchase several buildings in Downtown Wood River and move offices from the former Wood River Township Hospital was touted at Monday's Wood River City Council meeting by Mayor Tom Stalcup as another sign of the revitalization of the area.

The County Board was set to approve the purchase of several buildings, including the old Schwartz Furniture store at 22 and 34 W. Ferguson and 203 S. Sixth Street, at its Wednesday, June 17 meeting.

The county is also in negotiations for other locations.

Stalcup, speaking after Monday's City Council meeting about the planned purchase, said the proposed move would have a "large impact" due to increased foot traffic and would also help with ongoing efforts to renovate downtown buildings.

The city has an aggressive TIF program that has spurred a number of developments, ranging from multiple restaurants and coffee shops to second-story apartments and lofts.

"We're trying to rebuild downtown," Stalcup said. "Seven or eight years ago it was sort of dying on the vine. It's coming around."

The three buildings would be purchased for about $750,000, and renovations would cost about $12 million.

County officials have been debating what to do with the former Wood River Township Hospital, which closed in 2000 and was taken over by the county soon after.

Only a fraction of the available space is used, and renovations would be very expensive, in part due to the required asbestos abatement.

A report on the county's "exit plan" for the Wood River Facility noted that Wood River was the best location, in part because it is centrally located for the clients served.

The fate of the former hospital is still up in the air, with demolition costs expected to be about $10 million.

The City Council also took action on several other Downtown-related issues.

Wood River approves City Center Park materials contract

A contract for the purchase of materials for the stage and pavilion at the "City Center Park" was approved by the Wood River City Council on Monday.

The $327,669 contract with PARKREATION Inc. was awarded through the Sourcewell Purchasing Program, a government cooperative allowing the city to waive competitive bidding.

Also approved was a request to seek bids for the actual construction of the park.

Plans for the park, located at First Street and Ferguson Avenue, were unveiled in March. It features a stage and permanent spots for various games and other activities.

The city-owned property was used for the Holiday Traditions Night Market and for Halloween programs last year.

The total cost of the project was estimated at the time as about $1 million.

Wood River approves TIF for Venecia's Pizza move plan

The Wood River City Council also approved two tax increment financing agreements, including a request for $1 million over a 10-year period from JAME Properties LLC for 53 E. Ferguson Ave. for renovations at the new location of Venecia's Pizza, which is moving from its current location.

According to documents provided as part of the request, the developers plan approximately $3 million in renovations.

It is the second TIF agreement approved for the property.

In May, the City Council approved an $80,000 agreement to purchase the building.

JAME Properties LLC plans to renovate the former Kumar's Kafe as a new location for Venecia's Pizza, now at 1205 E. Edwardsville Road.

JAME Properties is owned by Allison Hill and Jared Reynolds. The tentative plan, according to TIF documents, is for the restaurant and another business, both owned by Hill, to occupy the first floor. The second floor will have six loft apartments.

Also approved by a 4-1 vote, with Bill Dettmers the sole "no" vote, was an agreement with Stormfront Roofing at 915 Whitelaw. The company is planning renovations totaling about $300,000, and would receive $80,000 in TIF funding. Dettmers voted against the agreement because of concerns about "front-loading" payments for TIF agreements.

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This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 8:50 AM.