The City of Galesburg has secured two federal Brownfield Grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, amounting to over $1.2 million. These funds—a $500,000 Assessment Grant and a $713,600 Cleanup Grant—will target the remediation of historically contaminated properties. This major investment targets the assessment and cleanup of several notable sites, including the former Knox Laundry and the Broadview Hotel properties. The initiative aims to transform affected sites, boost economic development, and revitalize the community. City officials are completing the final paperwork for the grants, anticipating a project timeline stretching from October 2025 through September 2029. However, officials say the work may wrap up sooner than expected, bringing swifter benefits to residents and businesses.
A significant boost for environmental efforts in the heart of the city: a $713,600 federal Cleanup Grant has been allocated for the former Knox Laundry site at 57 North Kellogg and 332 East Ferris Streets. The site—once home to a bustling laundry business since 1898—was finally demolished after years of vacancy and condemnation. Now, the city is set to target lingering soil contamination and install engineered barriers like pavement, aiming to protect public health and make way for future redevelopment. This grant marks a critical step in transforming a long-troubled property into a potential asset for the community’s future.
A $500,000 assessment grant has been awarded to evaluate properties in need of environmental cleanup and new uses. Initial focus will be on the former Broadview Hotel at 29 Public Square, which was demolished after safety violations, and the former Tucker’s Printing Company on North Cherry Street, a site that experienced two major fires and was leveled earlier this year. Both locations have decades-long industrial and commercial histories, raising concerns about contamination. With this funding, officials hope to analyze environmental risks and craft safe redevelopment plans. Additional sites may be assessed using a brownfields inventory developed last year.
“We are honored by the EPA’s selection and grateful for their support in helping us turn these underutilized properties into assets for the community,” said Steve Gugliotta, Director of Community Development. “These grants will help improve environmental safety, promote redevelopment, and attract future investment to our city.”
The city is set to receive both financial support and technical guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency as part of a comprehensive revitalization plan. With an Assessment Grant, officials will survey sites for hazardous materials, identifying potential environmental threats. The Cleanup Grant, meanwhile, will be used to address contamination directly, with active site improvements planned. These steps are expected to stimulate new development, making formerly blighted areas safe for future use. City leaders emphasize the dual benefits: not only advancing economic growth but also protecting public health and safety for residents as these projects move forward.