Naperville library board formally supports Nichols parking deck

The Naperville Public Library Board unanimously approved a letter Wednesday supporting the city’s construction of a new parking deck at its downtown Nichols Library.

Should the project move forward, it could increase the city’s downtown parking supply by 10%, adding 370 spaces to the 130 already available at the library, according to plans originally drafted in 2008.

Naperville City Council members are expected to consider the proposed facility, which is backed by the Downtown Naperville Alliance and the Downtown Advisory Committee, during its fall hearings for the 2027 budget, city spokesperson Linda LaCloche said.

Library Executive Director Dave Della Terza noted that the original drawings would need to be updated to ensure they meet current standards, but he believes construction could begin as soon as 2028. The deck would address parking congestion at the library and provide more spaces for downtown patrons.

“I’m just excited to see the process moving forward because I’ve seen this come and go and come and go,” Della Terza said. “I would love to see it get to a point where it’s actually going to happen.”

The board’s letter, addressed to Mayor Scott Wehrli and the Naperville City Council, requests that library officials remain updated on any decisions and discussions surrounding the project.

“With the level of commerce and tourism surrounding the area, there is a need for additional parking in downtown Naperville,” the letter said. “Moreover, NPL patrons have routinely emphasized challenges with parking at Nichols Library as evidenced by the most recent Naperville Public Library Community Survey.”

Support for the two-story deck at Jefferson Avenue and Webster Street, which could cost anywhere from $34 million to $36 million, comes in the wake of a presentation the downtown alliance and the advisory committee made to the library board about the state of downtown parking and in support of reviving the project.

The two groups are seeking feedback on the project from groups like the Naperville Riverwalk Commission, the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Naperville Development Partnership ahead of the city’s budget hearings.

Della Terza, a board member for the Naperville Development Partnership, said the group appeared supportive of the deck after being briefed on the concept. He noted that library board President Reginald Gardner saw the presentation given to the Naperville Area Chamber and said the chamber also appears to be on board, he said.