The background: The former east-side police station along the riverfront, just north of the Municipal Building, has been vacant since 2019. The city rejected four developer proposals for the site in 2021, then hired a consultant for a feasibility study. In July 2026, City Council approved a non-binding statement of interest confirming its intent to work with the St. Charles Park District to plan, develop, and implement the redevelopment.

Something for all seasons: Staff presented details on a possible winding ice skating ribbon that could convert to a walking path during warmer months, a bandshell that would serve as a community gathering space and event venue, and an open-air market pavilion for farmers markets and other events (similar to Wheaton’s).

Small shops floated too: Positioned in the presentation as similar to Batavia's Boardwalk Shops, this concept proposed adding six to 12 small vendor sheds on the site. Staff noted that such a program would bring more retail storefronts and likely boost foot traffic downtown, but could also lead to pushback from existing business owners wary of new competition.

The river wall needs work: The 1,200-foot stretch of riverside walkway from City Hall to the Union Pacific bridge is degraded beyond repair and needs a full replacement. Staff's early cost estimate for that project is $3 million to $5 million.