Foley is preparing its downtown corridor for a major transformation as crews begin work on South Chicago Street, a project tied to the opening of the city's new library and community center in 2026.

City staff members met with Riviera Utilities representatives and the project contractor this week to outline the first phase of construction. The work will stretch from U.S. 98 to East Orange Avenue, where the new library is being built, and will mirror the city's earlier improvements on North Chicago Street.

Plans call for new walkways, landscaped green space and additional street trees. The project will introduce a streetscape design aimed at slowing traffic and creating a more pedestrian-friendly path connecting Heritage Park to the future library. Brick pavers and columns similar to those installed at Heritage Park will border the corridor. The city is also coordinating with Riviera Utilities on decorative lighting that will match the aesthetic of recent downtown improvements.

City officials said the South Chicago Street effort follows the success of the North Chicago Street project, which opened in May 2025 and included the extension of East Jessamine Avenue and a new gateway entrance to Heritage Park.

Sections of South Chicago Street will close at various times during construction. The city plans to coordinate with the contractor to maintain access to local businesses and the Foley Post Office throughout the project.

The new library will be about 40,000 square feet, doubling the size of the current building. The street improvements are scheduled for completion by March 2026, with the library opening later that spring.