Bridge Information & Welcome Center Unveiled February 2nd At Batavia Arts Walk
01-22-2007

Batavia, IL: The Batavia MainStreet Economic Restructuring Tourism Committee has teamed up with the Bridge Steering Committee to present the “Bridge Information & Welcome Center.” This walk-in storefront is designed to provide information, entertainment, history and hands-on fun to attract groups to downtown Batavia and to celebrate bridge construction. Located at the 2 E. Wilson storefront, the Center’s unveiling is scheduled for Friday February 2nd as part of the Batavia Arts Walk from 5-9 p.m. Starting Monday February 5th, the Center is open daily M-F 8 am – 5 pm and Saturdays from 9 am – 5 pm.

Building a bridge is history in the making, so area residents are encouraged to get a front row seat and see the progress for themselves! Families, scout troop, classes or groups are encouraged to visit the walk-in center to learn more about the Donovan bridge reconstruction project, revisit Batavia history, watch the construction action and pick up information on Batavia businesses.

The Bridge Information & Welcome Center includes:

• Latest copy of the “Bridge Builder” newsletter
• Free copy of new 2007 Downtown Batavia Guide and Business Directory
• Historic photos of the 1911 bridge construction project
• “Build-a-Bridge” hands on construction area presented by the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy’s IMSA Kids Institute
• A time-lapse photography wall by Michael Barton of Indigo Photographic (one photo will be taken each week and added to the wall)
• Batavia business information area with racks for literature, coupons and business cards
• Central location for bridge promotions and entry for contests
• Historic Fox River photography display
• Kids pillow area with binoculars for up close viewing of the bridge construction

Special thanks to the following groups and individuals for help with this project: Batavia Depot Museum, Batavia MainStreet ER Tourism Committee volunteers, City of Batavia, Grant Markuson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy IMSA Kids Institute, M.I.C. Construction & Dennis Kintop, Precision Blue Incorporated, ReUseIt Center, Sign Tech and Sir Speedy Printing. Thanks also to volunteers Scott Salvati of Lighthouse Marketing for designing the Bridging Batavia logo and to Steve Willing of Willing Graphics for the “Buddy the Bridge Builder” mascot.

The Batavia MainStreet Program is one of 64 not-for-profit, community based organizations in the state of Illinois. The mission of Batavia MainStreet is to enhance the identity of Batavia’s downtown area as the heart of our community. MainStreet members work through the four points: Design, Economic Restructuring, Organization and Promotion to improve the downtown district. MainStreet volunteers believe the revitalization of Downtown Batavia is essential to our community’s sense of pride, place, and heritage for this and future generations. For more information Batavia MainStreet or to volunteer, please contact the office at (630) 761-3528, email britta@downtownbatavia.com or check online at www.downtownbatavia.com.

NOTE: Photo opportunity Saturday January 27th from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at the work day when volunteers construct the Bridge Information and Welcome Center at 2 E. Wilson Street storefront.