St. Charles hits pause on seeking proposals for former police station site
Tagged as the next major redevelopment opportunity in St. Charles, the former police station in the heart of the downtown has generated buzz among city leaders since even before it was vacated last year.
But plans to seek development proposals have been put on hold - possibly until next spring - amid the economic uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus crisis.
Aldermen this week expressed their support for a draft request for proposals highlighting their desired parameters for the future project: a mixed-use concept with plenty of parking that incorporates the former police station site, adjacent riverfront space and optional surrounding parcels.
A proposed timeline suggested issuing the document in early July, with developers' responses due by the end of October.
But aldermen Todd Bancroft and Dan Stellato, both of whom have development backgrounds, said now is not the right time to seek proposals for a crucial site.
Some development companies have downsized during the pandemic, they said, while others have decided not to pursue any new projects. And although the city-owned property would likely still generate some interest, developers will be "a little distracted" and nervous about making major investments, Bancroft said.
"To me, it feels like going out in July would be a mistake," he said. "Let everything settle down, let everyone go back to work - whatever that means for these companies - and let everyone take a breath."
Bancroft recommended waiting until next spring, when the city would have a greater chance of yielding "better and more aggressive concepts."
A large-scale project with "wow" factor is envisioned for the site, where aldermen say they are open to a variety of uses such as retail, upper-level residential or even a hotel. The adjacent riverwalk would ideally become a shared private-public space, according to the request for proposals, and creating adequate parking would be a top priority.
Aldermen initially discussed tearing down the former police facility to increase the site's marketability. But budgetary constraints due to the COVID-19 crisis have put the demolition on hold, said Russell Colby, assistant community and economic development director.
Aldermen agreed this week to hit the pause button, saying they'd rather "wait and get off on the right foot" than give the project a false start.
Stellato doesn't anticipate any major changes to the request for proposals, which he says is "terrific" and reflects all key points made by the city council in previous discussions.
The document is expected to be brought back to aldermen for approval by next spring, official said, or even sooner if the economy rebounds and development projects begin picking up steam.