West Dundee eyeing next steps for downtown upgrades

An extended riverwalk, landscaping, additional lighting and parking upgrades could be part of the next set of public enhancements completed in downtown West Dundee.

The upgrades would be a continuation of the first phase of the village's downtown plan, which included demolishing buildings, stabilizing the Fox River shoreline, expanding a public parking lot and laying the groundwork for future beautification efforts, Community Development Director Tim Scott said. Those improvements, along with various private investments, have transformed the corner of First and Main streets in the last couple of years.

The village board this week authorized a roughly $43,000 deal with engineering firm V3 Companies to develop designs and cost estimates for the second phase of the project. The plans are expected to be ready for board consideration this fall, at which point the village could seek bids for the work, officials said. Construction could begin as early as next spring.

"By and large, this is really all about public improvements and infrastructure to amenitize the river and park there," Scott said. "It's just being done in phases so it's manageable and cost-effective."

The riverwalk and shore stabilization extending to Oregon Street would be completed as part of the second phase, allowing river access that has been lacking south of Main Street, Scott said. A parking area east of First Street would be curbed, striped and surfaced, he said, and landscaping improvements would be made throughout the area.

Village President Chris Nelson said the upgrades are crucial in preparing the area for future redevelopment.

"It's not as evolutionary as Phase 1 was, but I think it's an incremental step," he said. "My hope is that it would invite additional private investment in the coming years."

Though not included in the project's second phase, the redevelopment of a century-old pump house is expected to be incorporated into the designs created by V3 Companies so the village can plan ahead, Scott said. The structure recently was torn down with the intention of using salvaged materials to rebuild it for a community use.

The design, use and location have not yet been finalized, and the construction costs would "significantly increase" the overall price tag for Phase 2, Village Manager Joe Cavallaro said in a memo. But officials still hope to include the pump house in subsequent project stages.

"We're making accommodations for it," Scott said. "That's the key."