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Rendering of Fox Haven Square. 📸 Credit: City of St. Charles
The latest episode of City Insider, the City of St. Charles’ podcast, digs into the future of major development sites across town — from Whole Foods’ immediate impact to the ongoing challenges of Charlestowne Mall and Pheasant Run.
Mayor Clint Hull, City Administrator Heather McGuire, and Economic Development Director Derek Conley joined the city’s communications team to talk through what’s happening now and what’s next.
Key takeaways for residents:
Whole Foods is drawing crowds. Since opening downtown, the grocery anchor has boosted weekday foot traffic, with leaders saying it’s helping nearby businesses thrive.
Fox Haven Square is filling up fast. The east side development will feature Harbor House (a huge country club-style facility with pickleball, dining, arcade games, and more), Fire + Wine, Rosebud Steakhouse, Taco Mucho, Fulla Beans, Simple EJ’s Kitchen & Tap, and more — all signed on through a partnership with the Greco family.
Charlestowne Mall remains a tough nut to crack. Costs to make the site “pad ready” (which means it’s essentially ready to develop) are estimated at $25–40 million, with utility, grading, interest costs, and financing challenges slowing progress. Von Maur and Classic Cinemas plan to stay, but redevelopment will require patience and multiple public hearings.
Pheasant Run is finally moving forward. After the fire and demolition, a new developer now owns the property and is working with potential tenants. City leaders are optimistic about ideas for turning the eastern gateway into something fresh and inviting, though they haven’t yet reached the point of developing concepts.
Old police station site under review. A feasibility study is underway to determine what the Fox River–front property downtown can support, with public engagement planned before decisions are made.
The episode also introduced Ward 1 alderpersons Ron Silkaitis and Mark M. Foulkes, who shared resident concerns about speeding and development while highlighting local history, schools, and businesses.
📖 Thanks for reading
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