The Village is continuing to move forward with the construction of the Civic Center parking garage with an anticipated completion date of spring 2021.
The Village Board has been in the process of evaluating whether or not to proceed with the project due to the impact of COVID-19. However, they have taken a long-term focus and believe that it will better serve the residents, businesses and visitors to the downtown in the near future. Additionally, stimulating the local economy and making this investment provides a significant benefit to local businesses. Constructing the garage at a time when there is less activity within the CBD is an additional benefit for beginning work on this project.
The Village Board approved the project in January 2020. The public parking garage is designed to have 277 stalls within five tiers of parking, one of which is underground. In addition to the garage, a row of ten surface parking stalls are proposed along the west side of the driveway from Duane Street. A total net gain of 212 additional parking stalls will serve Metra commuters, customers, business employees, residents, as well as Civic Center employees.
Beginning in early May, demolition took place on the former Shonkwiler building (423 N. Main Street) and the adjoining building to the east (425 N. Main Street). This allows for the creation of a pedestrian connection from the current Civic Center parking lot to Main Street. Utility relocation for the parking garage project is expected to commence next week with construction to soon follow.
For more information on this project, including renderings, site plans and a traffic study, please visit the project website.