Main Street Projects
Building
Improvements
$3,400,000
Job Creation/
Retainment
81
Property Tax
Reassessment
(In process)
The ongoing transformation of downtown Paxton is exciting and benefits residents and visitors alike. Revitalization has brought a new look and feel to this area, as well as a better variety of goods and services. Business recruitment and retention keeps dollars in our community and increases the tax base. Coupled with an active TIF district, small and large improvements to our downtown area provide a strong, sustainable economic impact. The following building purchases and improvements are a glimpse of recent changes in downtown Paxton since 2020. (Data updated 5/2024)
237 S. Market St.
- Former American Legion building
- Complete interior & exterior renovation
- Accessible ramp on south side of building
- Currently being developed as an art gallery
Annex Building; event space
- Complete interior & exterior renovation
- Addition of restrooms
- Concession stand
Indoor & outdoor space now known as
Veterans Square
221 S. Market St.
- Formerly bowling alley, most recently housed antique store; uninhabitable
- Structure removed, new lawn installed for gathering space
- Home to Paxton Main Street’s “First Fridays Concert Series” (free)
125 S. Market St.
- Formerly housed Market Street Grill restaurant
- Completed outdoor bar, patio and kitchen expansion
114 S. Market St.
- Formerly a meat market then retail space
- Building has recently completed a total remodel; apartment on 2nd floor
- Current home to Lavender Lane Boutique
103 N. Market St;
Clark Building
- Formerly Remembrance Hall on 1st floor; 2nd floor has 4 apartment units; 3rd floor unusable
- Remodeled 1st floor currently houses Edward Jones Financial Advisor & remodeled Kino’s Coffee; 2nd floor houses 4 apartment units; 3rd floor houses private residence
151 N. Market St.; Commandery Building
- Formerly Laybourn’s and Nena’s Mercantile
- Remodeled and currently houses Paxton Mercantile Co.
- Elevator installed
153 N. Market St.; Commandery Building
- Remodeled 2nd floor
- Offices of Ford County Chronicle, Paxton Main Street, Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce
- Dr. E. T. Grove Civic Room; community room w/ kitchen available for rentals
155 N. Market St.; Commandery Building
- Formerly housed Masonic Lodge and street level retail
- Remodeled and currently houses Prairie City Wine Room
- Installation of exterior mural (reproduction of original mural)
203 N. Market St.
- Formerly private antique store & 3 upstairs apartments
- Recently remodeled into 2 retail spaces on ground floor
- Completely remodeled 2nd floor apartments
- Current home to Blush & Velvet Boutique and Little Munchkin Children’s Boutique
222 N. Market St.
- Undergoing remodel for future retail space
222 ½ N. Market St.
- Recently renovated for available retail space
- Currently home to Game Changer Sports Shop
108 W. State St.
- Former car dealership
- Renovated into concert & event/wedding venue
- Current home to The Cadillac
125 W. State St.
- Former law office
- Interior remodel and parking lot improvement
- Current home to J & J Paxton Properties
149 N. Market St
- 3rd floor; Paxton Masonic Lodge #416
- Now has elevator access