Janesville
JP Cullen Memorial Pavilion and the Cope-Ryan Pavilion
5/30/2020; The arched gateway to Town Square on S. River Street at Court St. intersection
The JP Cullen Memorial Pavilion and the Cope-Ryan Pavilion, located in Town Square, are a part of Janesville's major downtown redevelopment project designed to make it a "go to" destination for the community and visitors. The grand vision for the Rock River/downtown began in 2013 by the Rock Renaissance Area Redevelopment and Implementation Strategy (ARISE) which created an action plan to accomplish the many desired goals. In 2016, it successfully brought together both public and private partners to achieve them (ARISE NOW). The project was composed of six phases that encompassed downtown areas along both east and west sides of the Rock River.
The JP Cullen Memorial Pavilion is located on the west side of the Rock River; opposite it, across the bridge on the east side of the Rock River, sits the smaller Cope-Ryan Pavilion.
The JP Cullen Memorial Pavilion is located on the west side of the Rock River; opposite it, across the bridge on the east side of the Rock River, sits the smaller Cope-Ryan Pavilion.
11/19/2020 On the west side of the Rock River, a plaque honors Terry Campbell, visionary for the revitalization of the downtown area.
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 5/30/2020; Logo for Town Square
Town Square, on the west side of the Rock River, was completed in 2018 as part of Phase 1 and 2. The redevelopment of the Square included first removing the parking ramp that straddled the Rock River - a major undertaking which also included finding parking space replacement for it - phase 1. Removal of buildings and brownfield remediation had to occur on the site. A riverwalk, S. River Street improvement, plus the River Lawn were also a part of the improvements. The exciting, artistically designed Blain Gilbertson Family Heritage Bridge links the east and west sides of the river and was completed and dedicated on October 16, 2020. All were predicated on increasing the appreciation of the history, natural beauty, and value that the Rock River gives to the community.
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The designer of both of the Pavilions was Angus-Young of Janesville, WI while Vandewalle & Associates of Madison developed the master plan for the Town Square; the engineering was completed by Strand Associates of Madison. The contractor was Paulson Kimball Construction, electrical was Westphal Electric, and Springfield Welding & Manufacturing was the fabricator.
The JP Cullen Foundation made a donation to ARISENow (a public-private partnership to execute the ARISE Redevelopment Strategy) campaign to secure naming rights for the JP Cullen Memorial Pavilion while Tobin Ryan and Jim Cope secured those rights for the Cope-Ryan Pavilion.
A great celebration with ribbon cutting of the JP Cullen Pavilion occurred September 17, 2018. Local dignitaries thanked the contributors and the public for supporting all the efforts to make Town Square become a reality. Mark Cullen along with his brothers David and Richard, along with JP's granddaughter and a friend dedicated the Pavilion to their father with a simple plaque located on front side of the Pavilion. Dedication of the Cope-Ryan Pavilion along with the Pedestrian Bridge occurred October 16, 2020.
The JP Cullen Foundation made a donation to ARISENow (a public-private partnership to execute the ARISE Redevelopment Strategy) campaign to secure naming rights for the JP Cullen Memorial Pavilion while Tobin Ryan and Jim Cope secured those rights for the Cope-Ryan Pavilion.
A great celebration with ribbon cutting of the JP Cullen Pavilion occurred September 17, 2018. Local dignitaries thanked the contributors and the public for supporting all the efforts to make Town Square become a reality. Mark Cullen along with his brothers David and Richard, along with JP's granddaughter and a friend dedicated the Pavilion to their father with a simple plaque located on front side of the Pavilion. Dedication of the Cope-Ryan Pavilion along with the Pedestrian Bridge occurred October 16, 2020.
The Janesville City Recreation Department manages the activities, including music events, held at both of the Pavilions.
5/30/2020 The plaque honoring the JP Cullen Memorial Pavilion
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11/19/2020 The plaque honoring the Cope-Ryan Pavilion.
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OTHER TOWN SQUARE FEATURES
5/30/2020; The "Bubbler" (very apropros for Wisconsin) was designed by Fountain Technologies; it offers artistic water and lighting.
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5/30/2020; A nearby plaque honors sponsors of the fountain: SSI Technologies
and Data Dimensions.
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5/30/2020; A series of limestone terraced steps and seating known as River Terrace offers visitors a way to be close to the Rock River without ever being in it. A floating dock and pier which can be used to launch kayaks and canoes connects to the Terrace.
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5/30/2020; The Pavilion is adjacent to River Terrace.
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Public art, including a sculpture named Resiliance, highlights the center of the Pedestrian Bridge - it is the one of the premeire art pieces that are a part of the Town Square. It was designed by Deedee Morrison, nationally known artist.
11/19/2020 The Blaine Gilberston Family Heritage Pedestrian Bridge walkway spans linking the east and west sides of the Rock River
9/9/2021 A large boulder at the west end of the pedestrian bridge
welcomes visitors. It has engraving "The Mick & Jane Blain Gilbertson Family Heritage Bridge"
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11/19/2020 An engraved map on stone of downtown Janesville sits at the west entrance behind the boulder of the pedestrian bridge
11/19/2020 Permanent tables and chairs are located in the plaza area on the east side of the bridge.
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11/19/2020 On the east side, next to the Cope-Ryan Pavilion, there is a prominent see-through glass dislplay with engraved names of the many sponsors
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11/20/2020 View from the Bridge towards the east side and the Cope-Ryan Pavilion
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11/19/2020 Adjacent to the Cope-Ryan Pavilion, Janesville's official tree, the "Squiggly Tree", has been planted.
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11/19/2020 The "Squiggly Tree"
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