The Naperville City Council Monday previewed conceptual plans for the latest block ripe for redevelopment in the downtown.
Romeoville-based Marquette Cos., with Moser Enterprises of Naperville, unveiled building designs for the entire Water Street corridor, which is flanked by City Hall to the west, Main Street to the east and the DuPage River to the north.
Their vision showed an urban streetscape of several four-and five-story buildings containing a mix of retail, restaurant, office and residential uses. On the south side of Water Street the developer proposed a public esplanade along the river and perhaps areas for outdoor dining overlooking the river.
On the north side of Water Street, the developer showed a five-story condominium building that included a 400-space parking garage. The design concept shows the parking deck would be hidden behind the condominium building, which faces north on Water.
Although City Council members liked the initial concept, many raised concerns about how the project would handle traffic, how much parking would be adequate and the overall height of the project. The plans have yet to be officially submitted to the city.
The council also during Monday’s workshop meeting continued to tweak a planning document for the Water Street area and are expected to formally vote on the report in January.
