The City of Belleville, IL, is breaking ground -both literally and figuratively- in efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and foster sustainable growth through the In-Fill Project. Its most recent project is the lot of 24 Queensway in the Mariknoll Neighborhood of Ward 3, with a groundbreaking on May 16, 2024. Located just north of North Belt West, the Queensway property will be walkable to Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and West Junior High School, as well as ample shopping and restaurants. The house will be part of Belleville West School District 201, with access to the Center for Academic & Vocational Excellence (CAVE), and a short commute to Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC). With easy access to Highway 161, it offers a convenient to drive to downtown Belleville, Scott Air Force Base, St Louis, and the region’s major attractions.
The Queensway property was considered a blight to the neighborhood prior to its demolition. Nearby resident Scott Tyler said, “I’ve lived in this neighborhood for 26 years. This house was a big problem. The roof was about to cave in. It was getting overgrown with weeds. When it got torn down, the neighborhood couldn’t have been more excited.” The City has owned the Queensway property since 2018, and has been responsible for its upkeep since then.
As part of the In-Fill Project’s requirements to guarantee successful development, proposals from many developers were considered. Ultimately, a proposal by CA Jones for a 2-story Covington-style single-family home won the bid. Jennifer Hays, CA Jones Executive Vice President, remarked, “CA Jones is proud to be in partnership with the City of Belleville to bring new homes to existing neighborhoods. The opportunity to provide obtainable new construction housing revitalizes these streets.” This house has been pre-sold and will be owner-occupied upon completion.
As this will be the neighborhood’s first new-build home in more than 40 years, Ward 3 Alderman Scott Ferguson said, “I think it’s going to boost morale! It will increase property values. It’s exciting to see new homes and new rooftops.”
The In-Fill Project paves a path to the future by stabilizing neighborhoods, improving property values, and promoting home ownership to current and future Belleville residents. The first In-Fill Project was completed in June of 2020, making a substantial impact on the East D Street neighborhood. The duplex 710/712 East D Street was a vacated property inherited by the City of Belleville and sold for development to Tygracon Properties.
With the support from grants, developers, and the community, the In-Fill project will ultimately reduce the City’s financial obligations to upkeep abandoned properties, 
increase revenue from taxable properties, and add to the local economy by attracting more residents. Belleville Mayor Patty Gregory states, “The In-Fill properties are attracting young families to a town that 214 years old. The fact that young people are choosing Belleville as a place to live is very exciting.”
Developers: to learn more about the In-Fill Project, read Request for Qualifications.
The City of Belleville, Illinois, incorporated in 1814, is the St. Clair County seat and the largest city in southern Illinois. With a current population of 41,295 (2022), Belleville is home to the longest contiguous main street in the United States, excellent education and healthcare organizations, and thriving businesses and neighborhoods, including three National Historic Districts.
Submitted by Matthew Allison, Manager of Marketing