1st Street Plaza Expansion

The 1st Street Plaza Expansion project is located at the southeast corner of Main Street & 1st Street. Phase 2 construction of the project began in May 2023 and is expected to be complete by the end of the year. The City purchased the parcel of land in January 2020 and since then have been developing a concept for community gathering on the site. The project includes the permanent closure of 1st Street to vehicles from Walnut St. to Main St. to accommodate a contiguous public plaza including the existing west and east plazas. The project will feature a meandering walkway to allow for unobstructed pedestrian passage through the site which can be used for open/seasonal markets, public seating/dining, holiday displays and events. The project also features a large egg-shaped gathering plaza surrounded by a solar panel covered trellis. A nice balance of landscaping, shading, public seating, wayfinding signs and site lighting will enhance the ADA accessible and flexible plaza. View plaza renderings here.

Public-Private Partnership

The 1st Street Plaza Expansion Project represents a public-private partnership hosted by the City of St. Charles, in conjunction with the St. Charles Initiative—an independent advisory committee of community leaders. The St. Charles Initiative offers a new approach to funding public projects through a combination of government funds and private donations. Click here for more about the St. Charles Initiative.

 

Update - 1/9/24

Work on the 1st Street Plaza continues into the winter weather months with assembly of the trellis feature, electric and technology components installation and cleaning up of the site.  While the project is substantially complete in terms of hardscape and features, the project like all others is being impacted by extended lead times on electrical and technology components which are expected in the next few months.  The project team is excited to implement these components as weather permits when they become

Update - 12/11/23

December started with some snow and cold temps but winter loosened it’s grip long enough for the team to finish up some key components of the project.  1st Street at the entrance to the parking garage was reconstructed and the crosswalk was installed allowing pedestrian traffic to utilize an newly opened walkway linking the west plaza space and S 1st Street.  Protective bollards were installed and brick paving continued right up the middle of the project giving a peek at how the entire plaza spac

Update - 11/28/23

The weather outside has been frightful but that hasn’t stopped progress on the new plaza project.  The construction team as installed the asphalt base for the brick paver pedestrian walkway and has been diligently working on brick paving on both the east and west sides of the project adjacent to the buildings.  Also, lots of landscaping has been installed and seat walls (benches) have been finished with limestone caps.  Keep an eye out for more action as November comes to a close and December begins.

Update - 11/14/23

Much progress has been made on the project over the last couple weeks and the site is coming to life.  Brick pavers, landscaping, benches, kiosks and material delivery for the trellis are all happening and contributing to the site’s progress.  Please keep in mind the area is not open to the public yet and it is an active construction site with all the dangers of a construction site. 

Update - 10/30/23

Lots of progress has been happening on the site over the last two weeks and the project is coming together nicely.  A peek through the construction fence will yield a glimpse of what is to come just down the road.  Some more fun before and after pictures for everyone to enjoy this week:

Before:

Update - 10/16/23

Before and after!  Things are taking shape on the site and exciting new features are beginning to pop up all over the site.  Face brick for seat walls, planting media and some brick paver work are all highlights happening this week and next!

BEFORE:

First Street Photo

AFTER: 

Pages

Active Project

Public Contacts