While work on the Downtown Streetscape project continues, the community paused to celebrate the completion of a project milestone: the new Martin Memorial Plaza. City officials led the celebration and rededication of the new Martin Memorial Plaza on Friday, May 24.
This replaces the former Martin Memorial Plaza, located on the south side of Front Street on the same block. As part of the improvements to the downtown, the City created an updated plaza with a water feature, outdoor fireplace, festive overhead light strings, plenty of seating and chairs for gathering, and decorative planters reminiscent of Wheaton’s history as a stop along the railroad line.
The plaza’s namesake, Mayor Robert J. Martin, served as a City Councilman for 10 years before serving as mayor from 1983 to 1990. During Mayor Martin’s service on the City Council and as Mayor, Wheaton saw a significant amount of growth, spurred by the annexation of the former Rice Farm in south Wheaton.
For more information on the Downtown Streetscape Project, visit www.wheaton.il.us/downtownstreetscape.
