Belt announces a $1.5 million project for East St. Louis

Centreville – With the State’s Rebuild Illinois program in full swing, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced a $1.5 million shovel-ready construction project in downtown East St. Louis on Thursday.

“I’m pleased that the State is prioritizing the revitalization of historic landmarks in our community, like the Broadview Hotel,” Belt said. “This project will create hundreds of jobs downtown and will provide new and affordable housing and development to a city in need of investment in local infrastructure.”

Part of the statewide construction program that will support new development across Illinois, the project is set to renovate the historic former Broadview Hotel in downtown East St. Louis, to create transit-oriented affordable housing and commercial development.

“This building has been a historic landmark in our community for nearly 100 years,” Belt said. “I look forward to seeing this building and the rest of downtowns’ renewal in the years to come.”

Now registered as a national historic place, the Broadview Hotel was completed nearly 100 years ago, in 1927. In its early years, the hotel was the city's largest and finest hotel, providing luxury rooms and amenities, and doubling as a regional and statewide convention and meeting venue.

The Broadview Hotel is also an excellent example of hotel design and construction in the St. Louis region in the 1920s. Designed and engineered by Arthur J. Widmer for Widmer Engineering Company, the building embodies modern urban hotel planning.

The project is being funded by Rebuild Illinois, the state’s 5-year statewide construction program. You can visit the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's website for updates on this and future Rebuild Illinois projects.

Belt is joined by governor to tour Belleville mass vaccination site

BELLEVILLE – With Illinois’ vaccination efforts in full swing, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) was joined by Governor J.B. Pritzker Thursday to tour a Metro East mass vaccination site located in the Belle-Clair fairgrounds. 

“Eventually more than a thousand people who live in the Metro East will be able to roll up their sleeves for their vaccination shot, thanks to this site,” Belt said. “As more vaccines are brought into our state, this number will only grow, and I believe sites like these will be key to ending this public health crisis.”

Read more: Belt is joined by governor to tour Belleville mass vaccination site

Belt named Education Committee chair

EAST ST. LOUIS – As the 102^nd General Assembly begins, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is honored to serve as the Senate Education Committee chair. 

"I am excited and honored to be selected as the Senate Education Committee chair for the 102nd General Assembly," Belt said. "As the chair, I will ensure that our youth are getting the tools and resources they need to succeed.”

Read more: Belt named Education Committee chair

Belt announces Tiedemann House has been added to the National Register of Historic Places

O’FALLON – The Tiedemann House in O’Fallon is one of 12 Illinois sites added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced Wednesday.

“I’m pleased to hear the Tiedemann House has been recognized on a national scale for its architectural and historical value,” Belt said. “This beautiful home is a critical piece of the history of Illinois and the Metro East, and it’s an honor to finally see it added to the National Register of Historic Places.”

Read more: Belt announces Tiedemann House has been added to the National Register of Historic Places