FOLEY – Streetscape improvements are underway on South Chicago Street as the City of Foley prepares for the opening of its new library and community center in 2026.
City staff and representatives from Riviera Utilities recently met with the project contractor to review plans, marking the start of construction on the corridor. Work will take place on South Chicago Street from U.S. 98 to East Orange Avenue, the site of the new library now under construction.
The project will create an inviting, pedestrian-friendly corridor with new walkways, green spaces and additional street trees. Streetscape features are also intended to calm traffic and enhance safety in the downtown area. Brick pavers and decorative columns—similar to the improvements at Heritage Park—will be installed, along with decorative lighting in partnership with Riviera Utilities.
This effort mirrors the transformation completed on North Chicago Street, which opened in May 2025 and included the extension of East Jessamine Avenue and a new gateway to Heritage Park.
During construction, sections of South Chicago Street will be closed at different times to allow work to proceed. The city will coordinate with the contractor to maintain access for customers visiting nearby businesses and the Foley Post Office.
The South Chicago Street project is scheduled to be completed by March 2026. The new library and community center, which will feature approximately 40,000 square feet of space—double the size of the current facility—is expected to open later in spring 2026.