Local News
PRESS RELEASE: City of Arcola Partners with Reader Area Development to Stimulate Downtown Activity
ARCOLA, IL (June 16, 2026) – The City of Arcola has partnered with Erik Reader of Reader Area Development, Inc., a downtown consultant based in Peoria, to create a clear plan for putting empty and underused downtown buildings back into active use.
Over the next 90 days, the engagement will include walking downtown building by building, studying which properties have the best chance of moving forward, and building a step-by-step plan the city can use to get those buildings active again. The goal is simply to turn empty storefronts into spaces that are used again.
"Arcola has put real work into its downtown, and this is the next step," said Mayor Jesus Garza. "Our downtown is the heart of this community. It's where people gather, where visitors stop, and where a lot of our history lives. We want it full and active again, and we're glad to have someone helping us figure out how to get there."
The work will focus on three to five buildings to start. For each one, Mr. Reader will look at who owns it, what shape it's in, what it would take to fix it, and what funding could help. The city will end up with a practical guide it can act on right away.
"We wanted something useful, not a report that sits on a shelf," said Bill Wagoner, City Administrator. "Erik has actually walked our downtown and knows what we're dealing with. The plan he puts together will give us real, specific steps we can take on the buildings that matter most. That's exactly what we've been needing."
Reader Area Development, Inc. has done similar work in towns across Illinois, including Aledo, Havana, Monmouth, Pekin, and Delavan. In communities about Arcola's size and working with similar resources, focusing on a few key buildings first has helped put long-empty properties back into active use and encouraged more investment downtown.
"Downtowns are the front door of a town. They're what people feel when they drive through and what they're proud of when they live there," said Erik Reader, President of Reader Area Development. "Arcola already has good bones and people who care. My job is to help the city focus its energy where it will do the most good."
The work will run through the summer, with final recommendations presented to the City Council this fall.
About the City of Arcola
Arcola is a community in Douglas County, Illinois, known for its history, its downtown, and its role as a hub in the surrounding region. The city is committed to supporting a strong, active downtown that serves residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Media
Contact:
Bill Wagoner, City Administrator
City of Arcola
(217) 268-4966
bwagoner@arcolaillinois.org
About Reader Area Development, Inc.
Reader Area Development, Inc. is a downtown consulting firm based in Peoria, Illinois, founded by Erik Reader. The firm helps small cities and towns across Illinois put empty and underused downtown buildings back into active use through hands-on, practical work. Erik brings 15 years of experience in downtown and economic development, including service as the state director for Illinois Main Street.
Media
Contact:
Erik Reader, President
Reader Area Development, Inc.
(309) 620-4543
erik@readerareadevelopment.com
readerareadevelopment.com