UPDATE April 2, 2015 / Developers of the Water Street District announced that demolition will begin the week of April 5, 2015. The final numbers and the set of plans featured in previous posts may have been revised slightly, but they provide the essence of this project as it has evolved since first proposed as a site for condominiums in 2007.
Posted Feb. 20, 2015 / With the approval of the agreements between the City of Naperville and MP Water Street District LLP regarding the Water Street District in Downtown Naperville, construction is poised to begin as spring approaches.
According to Marquette project manager Jeff Prosapio, construction permitting is underway and initial demolition of existing buildings will be the first thing to happen, followed by the installation of a temporary coffer dam to begin the riverfront work, as well as the utility work, then followed by the start of building construction. Exact schedules are dependent a several factors including permitting and weather.
Pending actual construction dates, plans are underway for a ceremonial groundbreaking celebration on Water Street. Developers and their team, City officials, hotel executives, retail tenants, lenders and project design and construction firms are expected to take part in the shovel-turning event.
“We are looking forward to sharing this moment with so many who have helped bring this project to reality,” said Marquette Chairman Nick Ryan.
According to developers, this district will help define the south end of the downtown, while offering 520 spaces of critical public parking to the area along with top quality restaurants and retail and a respected national-brand boutique hotel, Hotel Indigo.
“This anchor development will add to the already vibrant downtown, making it one of the most unique suburban downtowns in the country,” added Ryan. “It will also provide additional access to our treasured Riverwalk and a wonderful connection to Naper Settlement. We are very grateful for the assistance of the City Council, City staff and numerous community leaders and stakeholders in their contribution to this outstanding development.”
The developer has announced the addition of Traveling Tots, a high-end children’s retail store, play space, and drop-in activity center that offers children’s parties, focused programs and events. “We believe this facility will add to the quality retail available downtown, while providing a valuable resource to area families as well as parents visiting Naperville and staying at the hotel,” said Ryan. Additional details on Traveling Tots will be forthcoming.
In addition to the 158-room Hotel Indigo Naperville, Bien Trucha, popular Mexican small plate restaurant based in Geneva, Illinois and Blue Sushi Sake Grill, a sophisticated concept headquartered in Omaha with locations in Denver and Fort Worth have signed on at Water Street and Chef David Miller of Chef by Request will offer a special event banquet facility within the hotel. Additional dining and retail venues are slated for the Riverfront and on the rooftop of the Loggia Building.
In addition to plenty of outdoor seating, an impressive fountain feature and staircase leading to the Riverwalk, guests can look forward to strolling on the Boardwalk on the property along the south side of the DuPage River, and crossing the Webster Street covered bridge into the central Downtown Construction of the entire development will begin simultaneously and is expected to take 15-18 months to complete.
News release submitted by Deb Newman for MP Water Street District LLP
Naperville Township offices will remain open during construction
Editor’s Note: Be mindful that throughout the construction process Naperville Township offices are expected to be open during regular business hours. Parking around the Naperville Township Administration Building, located at Webster and Water streets, could be a challenge. According to Jan Barbour, Communications Relations for Naperville Township, the staff will make every effort to leave space in the Township parking lot for clients. Available areas for parking may shift from time to time.
Anyone planning to visit the Naperville Township Office after construction begins is advised to call the office for parking suggestions. During business hours, parking in the Township parking lot is reserved for clients and staff only.
For more info, call Naperville Township at (630) 355 2786. The receptionist should be able to help as things develop, Barbour noted.
