The St. Charles Plan Commission recently advanced a proposal for a major redevelopment of the vacant Pheasant Run site that features Chase Bank, Dutch Bros Coffee, and Valvoline among the first tenants.

The 33.7-acre site at the southeast corner of Main Street and Kautz Road has been vacant since the resort closed in 2020, then burned in two separate fires before the last structures came down in 2024.

Read on for more details on the evolving project.

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Every visit to Maple Leaf Coffee House helps fund something bigger than the menu.

They boost local journalism by sponsoring Tri-Cities Central, but that’s just one piece of a strong commitment to community. A few groups they support:

The Maple Leaf team also supports the St. Charles Public Library and sponsors Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove.

So next time you grab a coffee or stop in for breakfast or lunch, know that your purchase is helping improve the community for all of us.

☑️ Project collab: St. Charles officials backed a plan to turn the vacant riverfront police station site into public open space and expressed interest in working with the Park District on concepts due this fall.

☑️ Development moves forward: Village officials approved the redevelopment agreement for the 900-home LaFox of Campton Hills project despite some pushback from the Geneva library and school districts.

☑️ Summer sickness: As of Friday, Kane County had logged 34 cyclosporiasis cases so far this year (roughly three times the typical annual number) as the parasite outbreak associated with contaminated produce continues to spread nationwide.

☑️ History preserved: The Judge Barry House in St. Charles that was once slated for demolition to make room for church parking has now been officially landmarked, following a restoration deal that saved it.

☑️ Rabies recall: Kane County is offering free revaccinations after it was discovered that some rabies shots given to pets at county clinics last fall may not last the full 12 months.

☑️ News notes:

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☑️ An inside look: Kane County Clerk John Cunningham is opening up his office for tours so residents can see exactly how their ballots get counted ahead of the November 3 election. Learn more about the program.

☑️ Science & simplicity: A Fermilab physicist who came up with a groundbreaking way to pull oil out of the ocean using magnets is also a self-described "simpleton" who loves hanging out in Batavia. Get to know him in this episode of “Area Code: Batavia.”

☑️ Non-profit support: St. Charles is sending $700K in mental health tax funding to 21 local nonprofits to support community-based programs and services, with TriCity Family Services topping the list at more than $200K.

☑️ Bike bid: Geneva’s Bike & Pedestrian Committee (disclosure: I serve on this committee) is reapplying for Bicycle Friendly Community status after earning an “honorable mention” in 2024. Anyone who bikes in Geneva can help by completing an anonymous survey.

☑️ Blueberry bonanza: Windy Acres Farm in Geneva will bring back the state’s largest blueberry festival and corn boil across two weekends in August, with slushies, treats, and carnival rides for the whole family.

☑️ Protecting kids: Kane County health officials are urging parents to get their kids tested for lead exposure at 12 and 24 months, which is now a state requirement in Illinois to help identify exposure early.

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If you feel like it’ll be too hot to venture outside for some live music this week, just think back to mid-January and what it felt like to be cooped up in your living room staring out the window into eternal darkness.

Lots of fun stuff happening! Check out the lineup.

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That beautiful new addition to the downtown Batavia riverfront at Sturdy Shelter Brewing? That's 212° Construction’s work, and it's the kind of project that’s right in their wheelhouse: something that gets the community outside, together, right on the Fox River.

212° Construction has been operating in the Tri-Cities for decades — not just doing great work, but spending time at the places they help create. From decks and outdoor kitchens to gazebos and pergolas, there’s no outdoor project they can’t handle.

Next time you're grabbing a brewski on Sturdy’s new deck, remember: you're sitting on some quality local craftsmanship.

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☑️ New auto shop owners: The father-son team behind Bodylines Inc. has taken over the former State Street Collision shop on Geneva’s east side, giving the Belvidere-based auto body shop its second location.

☑️ Now we’re cooking: Fox Den Cooking has expanded into the space next door on First Street in St. Charles, and it's celebrating with a grand opening on August 2 featuring giveaways and discounted class registration.

☑️ Grand opening: Smoothie King is throwing a celebratory party for its new St. Charles location this Saturday (8/1) with $3.99 smoothies, free swag, and a shot at winning a $150 gift card.

✳️ Play ball! Both Chicago baseball teams are on hot streaks heading into the second half of the season, and Urban Artisan in Geneva a whole selection of unique Cubs and Sox-themed gear to show off your pride or gift to a fan in your life.

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☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for the Tri-Cities area — including this luxurious Tanglewood home in Batavia that sold for a shade under $1M.

✳️ Need a local Realtor? Get in touch with the Tri-Cities’ trustworthy expert Chris Wallace at [email protected] or chriswallacere.com.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ Police reports: View police reports and arrest logs for Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and Campton Hills.

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✳️ Summer camping adventure: Hickory Hills Campground in Edgerton, Wisconsin is one of the top weekend camping trips within a couple of hours of the Tri-Cities, and Batavia-based Valor Carts has tips for making the most of any camping excursion with its new T4 model. Explore an outdoor getaway.

☑️ ADA Transition Plan & Resource Fair | Wed 7/29, 5PM–7PM | Geneva Public Works | Community event to share Geneva's ADA Transition Plan.

☑️ Meet Your Mayor | Wed 7/29, 5:30PM–8PM | Geneva City Hall | Informal discussion with Mayor Kevin Burns on current and future happenings in Geneva. 

🎟️ Garden to Glass: A Botanical Cocktail Experience | Fri 7/31, 6PM–8PM | Chi-cuterie, Geneva | Immersive garden event with cocktail making and floral education.

🎟️ Puffs | Fri 7/31, 7:30PM | Albright Theatre, Batavia | Adult comedy packed with magical laughs and clever satire. 

☑️ As You Like It: Shakespeare in the Park | Sat 8/1, 6PM | Island Park, Geneva | Outdoor show with picnics, food vendors, and live performances. 

🎟️ Trivia Night & Emo Dance Party | Thu 8/6, 6PM–11PM | Studio 64 (Arcada Theatre), STC | Support mental health through trivia and nostalgic music. 

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