Marquette Companies, developers of the Water Street District in downtown Naperville, have made a donation to North Central College to begin the design process for the gateway park that will replace the demolished eyesore building at 430 South Washington Street. Dubbed ‘The Park at 430’, the space will provide a visual and physical entry to the college campus off Washington Street, adjacent to Fredenhagen Park and the College’s newly-dedicated Riverwalk Gateway.
“Marquette is happy to contribute the first $7500 in seed money toward the design concept for the space,” said Nick Ryan, Managing Director. “Since we share a vision for a pedestrian-friendly and picturesque Downtown, we thought this would be a great way to help get the College’s vision for the park started. I think we all celebrated the removal of the old building on that site. This type of public-private partnership is what makes our community great. We are also excited to be adding a boardwalk and plaza to enhance the extension of the Riverwalk on the south bank of the river as the Water Street project is constructed.”
“ Marquette has always been a supporter of North Central, from general funding to fine arts to academic programs,” said Rick Spencer, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at North Central College. “We were not surprised that they would step up again, as an example of how corporate citizens value the College as part of the community. That relationship is critical to us. The park project is really a cooperative venture between the College and the community, and we are so grateful that Marquette understands that and wants to play a part in getting it started.”
Marquette has received City Council approval for the PUD for the Water Street District, a mixed use development on Water Street between Main and Webster Streets. The development will feature a mix of retail, restaurant and class A office space as well as a 166-room upscale, urban boutique hotel, and a 524-space public parking garage. Construction is expected to begin this year.
For information on the Water Street District in downtown Naperville, visit www.waterstreetcommunityinfo.com.
