Looking to dramatically change the face of downtown, the Elgin City Council Wednesday night approved the initial riverfront development project that will focus on the Civic Center complex.
The area is along the Fox River between Kimball Street and Highland Avenue. Already a popular attraction with the nearby Hemmens Cultural Center and Borden Public Library, the area is also adjacent to the recently approved city recreation center.
Among the amenities planned are an underpass to the Kimball Street bridge to create a safer pedestrian and bicycle link to the Fox River Trail. The shoreline will see the addition of lighting, benches and boat docks to possibly offer water taxi service. Walton Island will be redesigned into a more parklike setting to include sculptures and designated areas for special events.
The centerpiece of the project will be a scenic overlook of the dam south of Kimball. Originally earmarked for $1 million in the 2000 city budget, the pilot project is estimated to cost $4.5 million.
Construction is expected to begin in November and be completed about a year later.
