Moser Tower Assessment Plan will provide framework for maintaining this community asset
Several capital improvements to the Riverwalk, known as Naperville’s “crown jewel,” and surrounding amenities are planned for the next few years. Included is an assessment of the Moser Tower, which is the structure that houses the 72-bell Millennium Carillon; a new elevator in Moser Tower; and a cost-sharing project to build a retaining wall on the west side of the DuPage River at 702 S. Washington St.
“All of these projects, in their own way, lay the groundwork for maintaining the Riverwalk and related assets for generations to come,” Riverwalk Commission Chairman Bill Epp said. “Especially when it relates to Moser Tower, by taking an in-depth look at the current state of the 15-year-old structure, we can better plan for what needs to be done in the future and budget appropriately and wisely to meet those needs, which better serves our taxpayers in the long term.”
In 2014 the Millennium Carillon Foundation transferred the responsibility for programming and maintenance of the Millennium Carillon and Moser Tower to the Naperville Park District and the City of Naperville, specifically the Riverwalk Commission. In 2011, the Riverwalk Commission produced an asset management plan that inventoried all of the assets on the Riverwalk and developed a plan to maintain these assets over time. Building on the success of this document, and in recognizing that asset management planning is an integral part of maintaining capital infrastructure, the Riverwalk Commission asked the City Council at its recent Capital Improvement Program (CIP) workshop to support an assessment of Moser Tower.
“The timing for this assessment is excellent,” Epp said. “We are at a critical juncture to evaluate the tower now so we can plan for its maintenance and be proactive in our budgeting, versus reactive. This is also helpful as we plan to install a new elevator in the tower within the next year, and knowing the condition of the tower beforehand will allow us to make the right decisions regarding the replacement.”
The Moser Tower Asset Management Plan will be a sister document to the Riverwalk Asset Management Plan and provide a timeline for proper maintenance of this unique outdoor structure. The assessment may take place as early as this spring. While the assessment is being conducted, residents and visitors may notice cranes and other equipment around the tower, as well as individuals on, in and around the tower evaluating the structure.
In regard to the retaining wall at 702 S. Washington St., the City is participating in a cost-sharing program with the developer of that property to construct the wall. This is an essential addition that is needed to accommodate the future Riverwalk south expansion project. Although a timeline for the extension of the Riverwalk from Hillside Road south to Martin Avenue has not been identified, this is an opportunity to share the cost of an amenity that otherwise could have been necessary for the City to fully budget.
For more information regarding the Riverwalk, visit www.napervilleriverwalk.com or contact Riverwalk Administrator Jan Erickson at ericksonj@naperville.il.us or (630) 305-5984.
For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us.
Editor’s Note: Also, during the monthly Riverwalk Commission meeting on Wed., Feb. 11, Commissioner Chuck Papanos noted that the ice rinks along the Riverwalk would remain open as long as weather conditions warranted. Typically, the park district ice rinks close for the season on February 15. Papanos also said the sled hills will remain available for outdoor recreation as long as there is enough snow.
