Kicked off in December of 2013, the Rock Renaissance Area Redevelopment and Implementation Strategy (ARISE) further assesses the issues present on particular sites and builds public awareness of the challenges and opportunities for redevelopment in downtown and on the river. It also presents relatively well-articulated redevelopment strategies – including action steps needed (potential cost implications, funding sources, strategic partnerships, etc.) for the area. The ARISE Plan is a playbook for action that the city can use when working with developers, land owners, elected officials, and businesses downtown to encourage and guide cleanup and redevelopment of declining sites near the river downtown.

See the ARISE Plan or the Executive Summary.

The Town Square

The Phase 1 transformation of the ARISE Plan is the creation of the Town Square in the area between Milwaukee Street to the north, Main Street to the east, Court Street to the south and River Street to the west. The Town Square will consist of amenities such as a pedestrian bridge, riverwalks that celebrate the Rock River, a Great Lawn gathering space and a festival street. Contingent upon funding, the City intends to complete the Town Square by 2020.  Improvements planned beyond 2020 include Riverwalk Extensions connecting downtown to the Janesville Performing Arts Center and Traxler Park and an outdoor amphitheater which will include building a permanent riverfront stage between JPAC and Hedberg Public Library.

Downtown Market Opportunity Study

The Downtown Market Opportunity Report (2021) was commissioned by the Forward Foundation, the charitable arm of Forward Janesville, an ARISENow Partner. In collaboration with the City, the Foundation’s goal was to obtain an updated assessment of the ARISE Plan and areas of continued prioritization. Multiple stakeholders have worked to implement the ARISE Plan since its adoption in 2015. 
 
While a study such as this may typically be kept private, the intent of the Foundation has always been to maximize the opportunities in downtown Janesville for the benefit of our community. The Foundation hopes that this report helps potential investors, entrepreneurs, and public officials to continue the implementation of the ARISE Plan as the playbook for downtown redevelopment. 

See the Downtown Market Opportunity Study or its Executive Summary.

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