The Elmhurst Economic Edge…
City and State Cooperate on Downtown Beautification
Projects
Thanks to State of Illinois transportation funding grants, the City of Elmhurst
has begun redevelopment of the North York Street sidewalk ("streetscape") and
the Police Station Plaza, which will be immediately followed by redevelopment
of the City Centre Plaza (at York Street and Schiller). Supplemented by the State
grant are City of Elmhurst Downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds. TIF
funds, which are used for capital improvement projects in the Downtown TIF
district, are separate from City operating funds - which are currently very
limited and subject to significant budgetary constraints.
Through TIF and State grant funds, the City is investing in the beautification of
the Downtown to enhance the Downtown and increase business and visitor
interest in the community.
The new decorative fountain and the other
amenities will become a significant attraction for Elmhurst. The pedestrian
environment will be improved as well, allowing better walkability throughout
the Downtown City Centre area.
The City of Elmhurst Public Works Department has put in place an efficient
timetable to minimize any inconvenience to residents and businesses. As soon
as construction is complete on the Police Plaza and sidewalks, crews will begin
work on the City Centre Plaza. The fountain construction Involves significant
utility work for electrical systems, water supply and installation of control
equipment. Construction work is subject to seasonal weather limitations and
construction contract/grant requirements.
The Downtown beautification
projects are scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2009.
This column, provided by the City of Elmhurst's Department of Planning, Zoning
and Economic Development, is one in a series of articles designed to apprise
citizens and business owners alike of how the City is working to strengthen and
improve the tax base and financial well-being of the community through
economic development.
The City of Elmhurst will be reconstructing the City Centre Plaza during the
summer streetscape project. The project is being partially funded with federal
funds through a $635,000 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP)
grant and Downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds. No City of Elmhurst
operating funds are being used.
Work to construct the new fountain and plaza in the City Centre is anticipated
to begin the week of June 22, 2009, weather permitting. Construction will
consist of removal of brick pavers and paver base and replacement with a new
concrete paver base and new brick pavers; removal and replacement of the
existing fountain and planter islands; related underground water, sewer and
electrical work; installation of streetlights, and new trees and tree grates. The
final plaza will include a new fountain and interior plaza space.
Several different contractors will be involved with the construction work. City of
Elmhurst Public Works employees will also contribute to the plaza construction.
It is anticipated that the City Centre Plaza shall be substantially completed by
September.
The finished fountain and plaza will provide a new and exciting public space in
the City Centre. The renovated plaza will be a wonderful place to stop and enjoy
all the amenities available in downtown Elmhurst.
The City appreciates your patience during these exciting improvements. Stores
and restaurants will remain open during construction. Please visit the City
Centre to observe the construction activities and enjoy all the opportunities
available in downtown Elmhurst.
Please view the Architectural Perspective of the City Centre Plaza on the next
page.
ARCHITECTURAL PERSPECTIVE - CITY CENTRE PLAZA
A display board showing this City Centre Plaza design will be on display during the
construction period to show residents and visitors the improvements under construction.
Some details illustrated may differ when construction is complete.