Improved Elgin Civic Center Plaza slated to open in June

The newly improved Civic Center Plaza in Elgin is now slated to open to the public June 1 after a change order approved by the city council in December.

The reconstruction project is "substantially complete," according to city spokesperson Molly Gillespie. She said work completed includes final grading, concrete and masonry work, installation of furnishings and some tree planting and landscaping work.

The recent change order pushed back installation of a portion of the landscaping until spring "to ensure the highest quality finished product," she said, and to avoid the risk of planting during colder temperatures when plants are more vulnerable.

The $2.05 million project was initially scheduled to be completed by April 1. The change order added no cost and decreased the possibility of a replant once they open to the public.

"Completion of this highly anticipated project brings a significant improvement to the entire Robert Gilliam Municipal Complex, serving as a passive and aesthetically pleasing area to be enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come," said Public Works Director Mike Pubentz. "The design process involving so many stakeholders and the thoughtful planning - including details down to the benches, lighting and decorative retaining wall - have resulted in a public space the community can be proud of."

The municipal center consists of Elgin City Hall, the Hemmens Cultural Center and the Illinois Second District Appellate Court. The large concrete area between the three buildings came to be called the Civic Center Plaza and was generally used to cross

from building to building within the municipal complex or for special events, such as the holiday tree lighting and Sept. 11 remembrances.

The city council approved the reconstruction in June and awarded the construction contract to W.E. O'Neil Construction of Chicago.

Improvements to the plaza, which was built in the 1960s and was in need of repairs for years, include new concrete walkways, improved site drainage, new raised planting beds, site lighting, accent lighting, landscape irrigation and renovated public art.

Perimeter fencing will remain in place until the completion of the remaining work and the site will remain closed to the public.