🚜 Under-the-radar projects worth noting in the Tri-Cities

Bulldozers. Road closures. Building remodels. There’s rarely a shortage of construction and development projects happening in our area.

The tricky part is keeping up with what’s happening.

Here are a couple of local initiatives worth keeping an eye on as they progress:

St. Charles | Stuart’s Crossing Development

If and when this active project officially gets off the ground, the northeast corner of Route 64 and Kirk Road will be getting a significant makeover — and a new entertainment destination.

According to the plan summary, the Stuart’s Crossing Development will feature four new commercial buildings on the lot located southwest of the current Jewel-Osco store. The Concept Plan envisions retail and restaurant/tavern space, plus a central outdoor plaza geared toward pedestrians and recreation.

The hope is that this would be an economic development win for St. Charles while offering east-side residents a nearby hub for leisure, food and fun. Though I imagine some may have traffic concerns.

Batavia | LBG Medical Resort

Approved but not yet under construction, the LGB Medical Resort will be a nursing home located at 37W284 Main Street (the northeast corner of Deerpath and Main).

This development was the topic of a public hearing held in June. The proposed floor plan suggests the building will be a shade under 62,000 square feet, housing 96 total beds plus space for nurses, resident treatment, dining, storage and other amenities.

It’s currently unclear when construction will commence.

Geneva | Demolition of old Burgess-Norton office building

A long-vacant office building across the street from an active Burgess-Norton manufacturing facility on the corner of Peyton and Richards Streets on the West side of Geneva was recently torn down.

Plans for this lot have not been made public yet…but we’re keeping our eyes peeled.

📰 News to use

The 🔒 icon indicates a potential paywall. The *️⃣ icon indicates that an account/login is needed.

☑️ Sick season: Due to a recent rise in hospitalizations, the state is recommending that medical facilities step up efforts to mitigate the spread of viruses like COVID-19, the flu and RSV.

☑️ Legal and lucrative: The five dispensaries operating in Kane County have generated an average of about $120K per month in cannabis-related sales tax revenues since June.

☑️ Illegal and felonious: After executing a search warrant at Buzz Smoke N Vape on the east side of Geneva, police arrested two employees and recovered more than 200 grams of illegal cannabis.

☑️ Gone fishing: IDNR removed a record-breaking 750K pounds of invasive silver carp from the Illinois River between 11/27 and 12/6, part of an effort to stop them from reaching the Great Lakes.

☑️ Rallying after tragedy: A GoFundMe campaign has been established to raise money for the family of a Geneva High School student who passed away due to a stroke earlier this week.

☑️ Farms of the future: Local students interested in studying agriculture can pursue one of up to 20 scholarships available through the Kane County Farm Bureau Foundation.

🏘️ In the community

🔒 Sticking around: The Batavia Bulldogs’ senior QB Ryan Boe — who had committed to play at North Dakota State — has decided to take his talents to Northwestern instead.

☑️ Holiday happenings: On the latest episode of the What’s Up St. Charles podcast, the hosts run through exciting local events coming up over the next week or two.

☑️ Post-holiday cleanup: Here’s what Geneva residents and Batavia residents need to know about how and when to dispose of their live Christmas trees.

☑️ Community investment: Illinois continues to invest in the JTED program for workforce training and economic development, an initiative promoted by State Senator Linda Holmes.

🏬 Local biz

Three Batavia Boardwalk Shops join forces to launch new storefront

Three local businesses that could previously be found at the Batavia Boardwalk Shops are opening a brand-new brick-and-mortar location at 10 E. Wilson Street.

Signed By Crystal, Gather Bakery and Simply Kirious Soaps are hosting a soft opening party TONIGHT, complete with festive treats, beverages and a raffle.

Head downtown to participate in the celebration and grab some last-minute holiday gifts from local merchants.

In restaurant news…

☑️ More tacos, more better: The new Taco Dále location on Randall and Fabyan in Batavia is getting closer to opening, targeting Jan. 22 as the day.

☑️ Local dining: Applications to participate in St. Charles Restaurant Week (2/5 - 2/9) are being accepted until Jan. 3 — don’t miss your chance if interested!

🎸 Live music

This weekend’s live music lineup covers 38 performances from today (12/21) through Saturday (12/20). Nothing’s scheduled for Christmas Eve on Sunday (unless you count your Uncle Randy breaking out the acoustic guitar after one scotch too many).

Here’s what’s happening the next three nights:

• Ben Crooch plays with Magoo and Alan Baster at The House Pub on Thursday night.

• Guitarra Azul will perform at Eden Events on Friday night.

• Arcada Theatre will host Christmas Wizards - Trans-Siberian Orchestra as a special pre-holiday show on Saturday night.

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌥️ Today: High 43F | Low 39F | Enjoy the dry skies

🌧️ Friday: High 43F | Low 42F | Rain all day

🌧️ Saturday: High 52F | Low 44F | Slightly warmer rain

🌧️ Sunday: High 52F | Low 46F | Christmas Eve rain

📖 Thanks for reading

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with:

• Questions, feedback, tips or suggestions

• Story, press release or event submissions

• Sponsorship or partnership inquiries

I respond to all replies — let’s work together.

If you enjoy Tri-Cities Central, please SPREAD THE WORD and/or leave a review! We grow primarily through word of mouth.

📱 Follow TCC

We’re also on Facebook and Instagram. Follow us for updates about what’s happening in the area throughout the week.