Kankakee, IL – Mayor Wells-Armstrong, city engineer Neil Piggush, and members of the Riverfront Implementation team met with Hitchcock Design Group and a lighting consultant to explore what could be the first, major project for the Kankakee Riverfront Master Plan.
The team walked along the bridge on River and Schuyler to discuss bridge lighting, an attractive feature that highlights the architecture, as well as, the beauty of the city.
“We are pleased to work with the City of Kankakee on their riverfront project. In crafting a lighting design, we hope to bring new life and appreciation to the canvases that the bridges and other elements offer. We feel that this will bring a renewed sense of emotional attachment, community pride, and fun to the Riverfront that may have been taken for granted up to this point,” said President of Hugh Lighting Design, Peter Hugh.
Rick Hitchcock from Hitchcock Design Group stated that he is excited to work with Peter, who is one of the region’s top lighting designers. The bridges have never been lit up in the past, however the plan is to also draw in visitors while developing the Kankakee Riverwalk.
“Simple lighting techniques on the bridges will create some early pizzazz, and a more sophisticated lighting approach will really showcase the majestic CNRR bridge as a backdrop to the powerful dam, which is the focal point of the future Riverwalk,” said Rick Hitchcock.
As the City of Kankakee continues to work on acquiring properties to develop the Kankakee Riverfront, attracting families and businesses to the area in the heart of the city is a key initiative to move Kankakee Forward.
“The City of Kankakee is a beautiful city and we hope to showcase its qualities and become a major attraction for those who may not realize what our community has to offer. It’s going to take some time; however, we are committed to the Kankakee Riverfront because we know the impact it could have on many generations,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong. Kankakee’s Riverfront Implementation Team meets again next month. For more information on the Kankakee Riverfront Master Plan, visit our website at www.citykankakee-il.gov
