St. Charles aldermen get early look at downtown plaza, riverwalk concept plan
As the last of three new riverfront buildings takes shape in downtown St. Charles, city officials are looking ahead at plans to incorporate a public plaza and two-level riverwalk into the First Street redevelopment project.
Offering walkable community spaces and access to the Fox River have been central components of the city's vision for the First Street corridor, said Rita Tungare, community and economic development director. Earlier phases of the plan have included various streetscape improvements and a plaza on the west side of the street.
On Monday, the planning and development committee was presented with a concept plan for a parallel "east plaza," which would include open space for events, a staging area for performances and the opportunity for interactive public art. Plans also call for extending a riverwalk, a portion of which was constructed this year, to connect with the plaza.
"It's part of the original concept to create a (pedestrian-friendly) environment so the businesses and community at large can enjoy the river and use it as an amenity," Tungare said. "It's an integral part of this project."
The ongoing phase of the First Street project includes three mixed-use developments, two of which have been completed. Per the city's agreement with developers, the public improvements along the Fox River would be implemented in coordination with the third building, a five-story structure that broke ground this past spring.
The city budgeted about $1.3 million for constructing the plaza, completing the riverwalk and adding features such as planting islands, integrated seating and decorative accents, according to city documents. Aldermen on Monday also said they'd prefer to install railings on both levels of the riverwalk for safety reasons.
Mayor Ray Rogina said some First Street business owners have expressed interest in occasionally closing down the roadway for various events. "I think the extension of the plaza along with that concept will bode well as we look into the future," he said.
Engineering and design plans for the public improvements, along with more accurate cost estimates, will be presented to the city council at a later date, Tungare said. The city intends to complete the upgrades next summer, when developers are expected to wrap up building construction.
"We're trying to align the timing of completing the plaza and riverwalk improvements so we can close out this portion of the development," Tungare said.
The next phase will include the redevelopment of three remaining parcels within the project area; city officials have been working to secure a developer for them.