2007 Foxwalk/Riverwalk Master Plan

FOXWALK/RIVERWALK

Aurora FoxWalk/Riverwalk - The Revised Master Plan (Section 9 of the FoxWalk Overlay District Design Guidelines and Regulations), 2008 edition)

City of Aurora Aurora Park Collaborative

Draft - November 2007 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD...... 7

INTRODUCTION...... 9 City of Aurora ...... Downtown Planning ...... 10 Revised FoxWalk/Riverwalk Master Plan Process ...... 12 Permitting & Adaptive Master Plan Stratigy ...... 13 Coordination with the RiverEdge Park ...... 14 Moving Into The Future...... 15 16 EXISTING CONDITIONS ...... 19 2007 FOXWALK/RIVERWALK MASTER PLAN ...... 21 Project Goals ...... 22 Guiding Principles ...... Master Plan Elements...... Activities and Design Elements ...... 24 25 MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ...... 27 (A) West Channel ...... (B) East Channel ...... 28 (C) Bike Trail Connection to North Avenue Bridge...... 34 (D) PHASE II: FOXWALK/RIVERWALK Improvements...... 38 APPENDIX...... 40 44 CREDITS...... 48

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 6 FOREWORD FOREWORD

The FoxWalk/Riverwalk was initially conceived as a continuous, two-level pedestrian walkway system that would completely surround Stolp Island and extend from Benton Street to New York Street on the east and west banks of the river. Substantial sections of the FoxWalk/Riverwalk, including the Fountain Plaza at Benton Street, Tivoli Plaza south of New York Street, and staircases leading to New York Street, were constructed as an adjunct to the opening of the Hollywood Casino.

In 1993, improvements were made to Pinney Street to provide access to the FoxWalk/Riverwalk, just north of New York Street. A deck was constructed on the Pinney Street side (rear) of the properties located between Hollywood Casino and River Street to provide a second means of access to the FoxWalk/ Riverwalk in the same general vicinity.

In 1997, Hollywood Casino built an enclosed walkway that crosses the west channel of the Fox River just north of Galena Boulevard.

A partial demolition/redevelopment of 54 E. Galena Boulevard (Budget Finance), was completed in 1997. Construction of Rotary Park, adjacent to this property, commenced in the fall of 1999. A bridge connecting Rotary Park with Parking Lot “F” was installed in 2000.

A walkway was completed in 2001 that provides a passage from the Galena Boulevard sidewalk through a cantilevered indoor arcade at North Island Apartments (2 N. Stolp). A connection from that arcade to the FoxWalk/Riverwalk is planned for the future.

In 1997 and 1998, permits for construction of the FoxWalk/Riverwalk were issued by federal and state regulatory agencies. Those permits subsequently expired in 2007, which triggered the development of a revised Master Plan for the FoxWalk/Riverwalk. The revised Plan was adopted by the Aurora City Council via R07-475, on September 25, 2007, after an extensive review process by the Riverwalk Commission and the FoxWalk Overlay District Design Review Committee, in consultation with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. and Terry Guen Design Associates.

The objectives of the revised Master Plan are to provide, at minimum, a primary connection around Stolp Island and along the east and west channels of the Fox River that is universally accessible under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and facilitates water access at the river level to the greatest extent feasible. Primary and secondary connections along the east and west banks of Stolp Island are integrated with the existing pedestrian scaled street grid and passageways.

This Revised Master Plan creates accessible paths along both sides of the river, from Illinois Avenue through the planned RiverEdge Park, along select downtown riverbanks and up onto Stolp Island. South of Stolp Island, the bicycle trail connects the FoxWalk/Riverwalk to new and planned residential developments between Benton Street and North Avenue. This trail also completes local and regional connections by closing the 1.3 mile gap in the Fox River Trail System, the last remaining portion of the 71 mile trail which runs to the Wisconsin border.

In addition to meeting federal accessibility standards, the Revised FoxWalk/Riverwalk Master Plan also responds to requirements of new environmental regulations, and embraces the recreational potential of the river. Public spaces, softer edges, river access points, enhanced water quality and improved wildlife habitat are features of the revised plan.

FOREWORD 7 CITY OF AURORA

The City of Aurora was established in 1837 as a burgeoning center of industry and commerce. As of 2007, the City’s population was estimated at 170,000. Aurora is located in the Fox River Valley of northeastern Illinois, an area which has historically been noted as a place of remarkable beauty. Aurora’s downtown is bisected by the Fox River, with Stolp Island at its center. The island is seamlessly woven into the surrounding city grid by historic bridges, and with its adjacent parcels, comprises the historic, traditional downtown. The early- and mid-20th century architecture sets the stage for a strong sense of place and human connection.

Urban planners and designers strive to identify the special characteristics that make places unique and from which new economic, environmental, and cultural development can emerge. In addition to its powerful physical elements, Aurora is fortunate to have a strongly collaborative human foundation of public and private entities, which have come together to support this Master Plan and its implementation.

The FoxWalk/Riverwalk Master Plan envisions universally- accessible primary and secondary river-edge connections, downtown river access plazas, and dam modiﬁ cations to create a whitewater kayak and paddling park. Successful implementation of these improvements will not only redeﬁ ne Aurora, but also enhance the desirability of living in a city with the Fox River at its heart.

8 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION 9 DOWNTOWN PLANNING

The numerous reports and presentations prepared for the • Bicycle/pedestrian connections and trails City of Aurora since 1975 iterate what the casual observer can • Open space, inviting vistas, and urban wilderness immediately see: the Fox River running through downtown • A setting for mixed-use, environmentally sustainable Aurora is its greatest asset. Since before Aurora’s founding in development the early 1800s, the Fox River was treasured fi rst for its natural • Places where people can live, work, learn, play, dine, wonders, and then during the late 1800s and early 1900s for and shop in the heart of the city its industrial capacity . At the turn of the 21st century, Aurora has come full circle, once again recognizing the potential for The original FoxWalk Concept Plan set the stage for a unifi cation capitalizing on the natural attributes of the Fox River. of the river with the architectural fabric of the downtown. Authored by Perkins & Will, the Concept Plan and the FoxWalk The Aurora Riverfront Vision Plan adopted by the City of Aurora Overlay District Design Guidelines have functioned as the in 2006, summarizes the rich history of this river city, with platform for streetscape improvements and design review identifi cation of the Fox River as an asset for all future downtown within District boundaries. They provided specifi c regulations planning eff orts. To quote this plan, “we envision this resource for design, renovation, and construction within the District as a complex living, dynamic system serving humans, plant life, boundaries, and also criteria for developer contributions to and wildlife in ways that are compatible and benefi cial to all.” the construction of this public walkway system. The vision was of a concrete, cantilevered, two-level design that fl anked While some aspects of this vision embrace both the river the Fox River’s edge. The construction of the original walkway and the restoration of its habitats, other aspects focus on was never fully funded. Current state and federal regulations envisioning the development opportunities that will revitalize mandate a redesign, limiting the use of “hardscaped” river the built and natural environment. These eff orts will provide edges and requiring a new, more environmentally-sensitive, opportunities not only to renovate the shape and texture of “softer” connection to the water. the urban fabric and its connection to the river, but also to use patterns which forge direct relationships between people and The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) and Illinois their surroundings. These connections to the river are local and Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) permit requirements regional, literal and fi gurative, contextual and metaphorical: promote optimization of downtown shorelines for canoe, kayak and river use access, and improvement of water quality and habitat through maximization of a non-structured vegetated

10 INTRODUCTION REVISED FOXWALK MASTER PLAN PROCESS

Providing direction for the 2007 Revised FoxWalk Master project. Plan was a subcommittee of the City of Aurora’s Riverwalk Commission, comprised of City offi cials and community From July through August 2007, project goals and several representatives who share ongoing involvement with the Fox plan options were developed, which were vetted through River and local economic development initiatives. In spring meetings with various stakeholders and leaders. The 2007, an aerial survey of the site area was fl own, as a basis of resultant 2007 Revised FoxWalk Master Plan and Phase II collecting updated infrastructure locations. Preliminary street FoxWalk Plan were accepted by various stakeholder groups and river access elevations to assist in determining the locations which included the Aurora’s RiverEdge Park subcommitee, of ADA paths were also provided. This planning process representing City, Park District and Kane County interests, reviewed, with the subcommittee, an assessment of public land the R.S.V.P. citizens’ environmental action initiative, ownership, places of local signifi cance, existing improvements, representatives of the Mayor’s Offi ce, and the Aurora City current and possible future development sites, infrastructure, Council. This plan was accepted by Aurora’s City Council in and current permit design requirements. Also discussed were September 2007, by unanimous vote. possible program opportunities, potential FoxWalk funding sources, project phasing, permit requirements, and operations and maintenance considerations.

Investigative meetings were held from June through July 2007, to verify site conditions, determine planning goals, evaluate FoxWalk implementation opportunities, and to meet with regulatory oﬃ cials to understand the permit objectives of this plan. This research phase and site analysis period coincided with a series of presentations and working sessions with both the Riverwalk Commission and its subcommittee. These sessions were used not only as a vehicle for client feedback, but also as a means to gain a better understanding of the history of the Foxwalk project, and the City’s goals and desires for this

INTRODUCTION 11 PERMITTING & ADAPTIVE MASTER PLAN STRATEGY

Simultaneous to the public process for development of the 2007 project, to regulatory agencies in compliance with updated FoxWalk Master Plan, the Aurora Park Collaborative prepared permit requirements. preliminary plan and engineering documents for submission to the USACOE and IDNR. This permit document submission begins a process of review of typically 18 months in length, with the purpose to receive permits for the future work which can then be immediately undertaken if funding is identiﬁ ed. A successful permit application results in award of permits which are valid for three years, with a possible two-year extension. The area of work submitted in this project’s October 2007 permit application is the area outlined in the Phase II FoxWalk Plan.

How the Master Plan works, relative to regulatory permit submissions, is to provide a framework from within which certain elements and areas may be individually submitted for permit. At the time of this writing, the local regulatory agencies no longer provide blanket permits for Master Plans. The “Adaptive Planning Strategy” is to base future FoxWalk development on opportunities identiﬁ ed in the overall 2007 FoxWalk Master Plan, while at the same time acknowledging the possibility of redevelopment projects that could foster construction of the FoxWalk/Riverwalk design goals not shown on the Master Plan. The “adaptive” aspect acknowledges that in the timeframe of implementation, an adaptive plan segment would be evaluated by the Community Development Department, for consistency with the master plan goals. Designs accepted by the City could be submitted for permit approval by the property owner, per

12 INTRODUCTION COORDINATION WITH THE RIVEREDGE PARK

Concurrent with the FoxWalk/Riverwalk Planning Process, private ﬁ nancial support to match public contributions has also the Aurora Park Collaborative embarked on a public design been identiﬁ ed as a potential resource for both the RiverEdge process for the master plan of a park, located upstream from Park and FoxWalk/Riverwalk improvements. the downtown, on approximately 68 acres on both sides of the Fox River. The integrated plans for the downtown FoxWalk/ Riverwalk and upstream RiverEdge Park are included as a fold- out attached to this document.

While planning and implementation for these public spaces are distinct and require separate eff orts to obtain regulatory support and funding for construction, there is a cogent singularity to the development of these spaces as part of creating a continuous Fox River experience. Specifi cally, the planning process for each of these areas includes signifi cant overlap in subcommittee members, and goals for each project are similar. Because of this overlap and similarity, a continued connection between the projects will provide effi ciency of eff ort and coordination between the designs for both projects.

Potential funding for the Revised FoxWalk Master Plan, as well as the Phase II FoxWalk Plan includes the shared potential of municipal funding, federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Implementation Program grant funding, and IDNR Dam Mitigation and Repair funding. Additionally, sharing construction costs from future private river edge development, Tax Increment Financing agreements, and Special Service Area designations should be explored as opportunities to raise capital. Lastly,

INTRODUCTION 13 MOVING INTO THE FUTURE

Aurora, the City of Lights, was founded largely because of its favorable location along the Fox River. Acknowledging this historic tie to the river, this plan reconnects Aurora to this long-neglected natural resource. As we move into the future, preserving this connection to our past - and to the spirit of natural places - will become increasingly important as we grow in understanding and appreciation of the city in which we live.

Nonetheless, it is not enough to have a dream and a vision. The dynamics of funding, regulations, permitting, and construction realities must be confronted. The continued eﬀ orts of the community and its leaders will be ongoing to reach all the goals envisioned in this document.

Through progressive implementation of the Revised FoxWalk/ Riverwalk Master Plan, Aurora will not only create a unique urban downtown river environment, but also support its desire to achieve a sustainable Green City/Clean City along the shores of the Fox River.

14 INTRODUCTION 15 ILLINOIS AVE

25

UTE

IL RO

MCCULLOUGH VETERANS PARK ISLAND BROADWAY

PIERCE STREET

INDIAN CREEK

SITE BOUNDARY

WEST PARK AV E FOX RIVER

AVE

LINCOLN BLUES ISLAND COMMUTER

ROUTE 31 STATION

STREET IL

LAKE

STREET

RIVER CAS INO

RIVER WALK NEW YORK ST

SPRING ST

STOLP AVE DOWNTOWN

STOLP GALENA BLVD ISLAND EXISTING SITE BENTON PLACE DOWNER PLACE Park Site Boundary River Walk

N 16 EXISTING CONDITIONS SCALE 1” = 600’ EXISTING CONDITIONS

Existing conditions reveal a predominance of historic (greater his or her boat on a visit to the downtown, no space is formally than 50 years old) masonry walls, lining both the east and west designated and incorporated into the existing FoxWalk/ channels of Stolp Island and its adjacent banks. The constructed Riverwalk for that purpose. The canoe chute is identifi ed FoxWalk/Riverwalk, a series of six to fi fteen foot wide river edge as needing a long-term renovation; costly and diffi cult walkways located between six and sixteen feet above water maintenance of this structure has been required on an annual level, circumvent less than 20% of the downtown river edges. The basis. Both east and west channel dams have been cited by the most complete section of accessible FoxWalk is the completed State of Illinois Dam Safety Program, and are acknowledged to Stolp Island bank of the east channel. Other locations have no perpetuate siltation in the upstream basin. Finally, there are a walkway whatsoever due to the location of existing buildings number of circular pedestrian connections south of New York directly on river edge retaining walls, or due to the lack of a Street, which require passage through the interior casino lobby connection to existing public walkways. Previously completed or within arcades of private structures. FoxWalk improvements along the west channel have limited or no ADA access. In some places, the existing FoxWalk does not connect to a continuous route and ends abrubtly. Lastly, the existing conditions include historically signifi cant buildings to be preserved as well as often limited lot sizes of parcels adjacent to the river edge, each of which were determined as constraining factors to FoxWalk construction.

Other conditions of note include a lack of water level access points. Although there are many places a boater might park

EXISTING CONDITIONS 17 RIVER EDGE PARK

WEST CHANNEL

EAST

FOXWALK CHANNEL ZONE

BIKE TRAIL ZONE

NORTH AVENUE

BRIDGE

N 18 2007 FOXWALK CONCEPT PROJECT GOALS: PRIMARY AND SECONDARY FOXWALK CONNECTIONS, WATER ACCESS, AND USE

Based upon extensive analysis of current conditions, the Riverwalk Commission’s subcommittee agreed to a prioritization of design goals and a focus on the construction of a primary accessible pathway. The goal of this primary pathway is to provide one path along each shoreline through the FoxWalk Overlay District. Once this primary connection has been created, secondary connections along the Fox River will then be created.

The subcommittee identiﬁ ed at least one key access point between each major bridge along both channels. These points are intended to be access to a secondary path. As an alternative, they can be designed as a point of water access. It is important to note that if no connections are possible due to agency regulation or existing conditions, these water access points become the only means of getting down to the river within a particular stretch. Therefore, because these water access points cannot be connected, they should be undertaken as a last resort. The subcommittee supported the development of a kayak whitewater park, in part as a means to improve dam safety and water access.

These locations might be developed in the future as part of a planned river edge redevelopment, as public open space creation, or entirely renovated as a proposed access point.The emphasis here is to complete the planning and construction of a single, accessible, primary pathway on the west bank in order to create a circular connection throughout downtown Aurora. The goal of this primary path is twofold: to create an ADA accessible path throughout the downtown, and to also add river-use access points. This is achieved through an identiﬁ cation of existing and proposed pathways along downtown river edges as well as existing pedestrian ways within the city grid. Additionally, construction or renovation of accessible multilevel river plazas will provide visitor access directly to the river level. This eﬀ ort continues the FoxWalk initiative established in the 1993 plan. The program intent for the Phase II Plan extends the notion that the FoxWalk will help support downtown economic redevelopment. This will not only embrace the community and its stewardship of the Fox River environs, but also create a unique water access and recreation opportunities in downtown Aurora.

Improvements shown in the 2007 Revised FoxWalk Master Plan are anchored by a combination of ongoing river protection strategies that have been actively pursued by the City of Aurora in recent years. These include creating compensatory ﬂ ood storage areas, the completed demolition of the North Avenue Dam, habitat restoration, and decombination of sanitary and storm sewer overﬂ ows. Furthermore, this plan combines with

2007 FOXWALK CONCEPT 19 EXISTING FOXWALK CONNECTIONS

EXISTING FOXWALK CONNECTIONS

EXISTING DAMS

PROPOSED FOXWALK CONNECTIONS

UNDERPASS / LOWER LEVEL FOXWALK

LOWER LEVEL FOXWALK

PROPOSED LOWER LEVEL FOXWALK

PROPOSED FOXWALK CONNECTIONS

N 20 2007 FOXWALK CONCEPT PROPOSED KAYAK PARK & DAM MODIFICATIONS

RIVER ACCESS / KAYAK PARK

DAM MODIFICATIONS

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR DEVELOPING THE FOXWALK DISTRICT (Reference: Aurora Riverfront Vision Plan

• Buildings should off er riverfront setbacks with four- sided architectural interest and an orientation so as • Permitted Uses: Identify appropriate uses for property to off er views of the river and public spaces. Buildings adjacent to the river that blends well with public should directly access all public spaces in a spaces. harmonious and integrated manor. • Commercial Base: Basic consumer commercial services • Architecture: Buildings should be human-scale, should be provided within the Fox River Corridor to using materials and designs that complement the serve the needs of the new residents. City of Aurora’s commitment to historically signifi cant architectural structures. • Intergenerational Housing: Providing opportunities for people with a variety of lifestyles will create a diverse • Streetscape, Public Access, and Public Spaces: The population along the Riverfront. Streetscape and public space must be pedestrian and bicycle- friendly, and also should optimize public • Transition: A well-crafted progression from the river to access to the riverfront, eliminating gaps in the public new development to the existing adjacent pathway system. Placement of street furniture needs to neighborhoods. maximize a sense of comfort, security, visual aesthetics, and neighborliness.

• Sustainable Riverfront Design: Ecological design techniques should be utilized, including the planting of native vegetation, connectivity with trails, and an engaging interface between residential, public, and commercial spaces.

2007 FOXWALK CONCEPT 21 NEW YO

31 RK STREET

ROUTE

VE.

T ILLINOIS STOLP A STREE GELENA

LAKE BLVD. T D A STOLP RIVER STREE ISLAND B DOWNER PLACE

BENTON STREET

25

WATER STREET AY ILLINOIS ROUTE

BROADW C

NORTH AVE.

N 22 2007 FOXWALK MASTER PLAN SCALE 1” = 400’ MASTER PLAN ELEMENTS

A WEST CHANNEL OF THE REVISED MASTER PLAN

The primary goal of the West Channel Master Plan is to create barrier-free pedestrian access along the river, including access to the water’s edge, lush, garden-like plantings, shoreline stabilization and erosion control. These elements are anchored in the historic urban fabric of downtown Aurora and Stolp Island. The FoxWalk winds and loops under bridges as a network of swirling pathways with a number of new developments, connecting the major future visitor draws from the River Edge Park along the banks of the Fox River.

EAST CHANNEL OF THE REVISED MASTER PLAN B The East Channel Master Plan will continue to expand the network of walkways around Stolp Island and the River Edge Park (north of the site), linking the public spaces, businesses, and attractions of downtown Aurora to the river edge. This network will create a series of high quality univerally accessible connections between the river and the downtown fabric, allowing a visitor to transition seamlessly from the urban fabric to the urban wilderness. The East Channel FoxWalk will be an important new addition to Aurora’s downtown and a visitor attraction in its own right.

BIKE TRAIL CONNECTION TO NORTH AVENUE BRIDGE C In collaboration with the “Aurora Fox River Trail Gap” project, the FoxWalk Master Plan has closed the only major gap remaining in a highly-acclaimed bicycle trail from Oswego to Wisconsin. The 1.3-mile gap exists between the Virgil Gilman Trail and the southern end of the Fox River Trail’s west branch, just north of Galena Boulevard, in downtown Aurora. Realization of this project will encourage Aurora’s citizens and visitors to grab a bike and discover the beautiful trails, vistas, open spaces, nature, and wildlife along the Fox River.

PHASE II: FOXWALK IMPROVEMENTS

TheD 2007 FoxWalk Master Plan is an ambitious initiative that recommends a signiﬁ cant investment of community resources. Some planned improvements, such as modiﬁ cations to the dam, may take years to accomplish because of their scale, cost and complexity. By comparison, several short-term opportunities allow steady, incremental progress toward the goals and objectives of Revised FoxWalk Master Plan. The projects are highlighted in the 2007 FoxWalk Phase II Plan and will help Aurora to build and sustain momentum toward its riverfront renaissance.

MASTER PLAN ELEMENTS 23 24 ACTIVITIES AND DESIGN ELEMENTS BIKE PATHS UNDERPASS

The Fox River Trail is enhanced and extended The lower level river walk passes below the through the FoxWalk Master Plan on the East pedestrian bridge close to the river’s edge and West Banks. Bicycle path connections to the creating dynamic pedestrian spaces. The bridge surrounding neighborhoods are encouraged. and its approach paths are built above the ﬂ ood line to maintain access and use of the bridge at WALKING/JOGGING PATHS all times.

Paths for walking and jogging and other uses DAM MODIFICATION wind and interweave throughout the river’s edge on various levels providing ever changing Dam modiﬁ cations will be designed to create a views and vistas of downtown and the natural unique downtown Whitewater Recreation Park, beauty of the River. with a recreational level chute adjacent to the West Canoe Chute, and a competition level PEDESTRIAN CROSSING chute along the East Channel.

Enhanced crosswalks paved with brick or SOFT RIVER EDGE stamped asphalt deﬁ ne safe pedestrian crossings G accross busy downtown streets, creating a Where possible the riverbank is maintained continuous FoxWalk. as a natural soft edge, including wetland and native plants. In some situations boardwalks are CANOEING AND KAYAKING constructed above the soft river edge.

New opportunities for water recreation occur along certain enhanced areas of the River’s edge.

STAIRS

There are a number of existing stairs present as part of previous FoxWalk implementation projects. Some will be enhanced and others willl be eliminated to create an ADA accessible FoxWalk environment.

RAMP All the proposed paths and spaces will be ADA accessible with the goal of providing universal access wherever possible. Ramped walkways are encouraged throughout the Master Plan to interweave the urban fabric with the diﬀ ferent levels of the FoxWalk.

RIVERWALK

The riverwalk winds up and down and in and out along the edge of the river much like the ebb and ﬂ ow of the river’s currents. The FoxWalk becomes a boardwalk near the water’s edge, providing ideal places for ﬁ shing, boating access or sitting close to the water. At other locations, broad stone or concrete steps descend into the water to provide canoe and kayak launching opportunities.

ACTIVITIES AND DESIGN ELEMENTS 25 TIVOLI PLAZA NEW YORK T (ILLINOIS ROUTE 31) ST

LAKE STREE

MIDDLE AVENUE

WAUBONSEE COMMUNITY GALENA BL COLLEGE RIVER STREET VD.

MILLENNIUM DOWNER PLACE PARK

STOLP ISLAND

BENTON ST SWIMMING G REET STONES PLAZA

SCI- TECH LIBRARY

N 26 A WEST CHANNEL MASTER PLAN WEST CHANNEL OF THE REVISED FOXWALK MASTER PLAN

The existing east and west Fox River channels provide an unparalleled opportunity to achieve goals of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and Illinois Department of Natural Resources such as promoting recreational river usage in combination with habitat restoration. In its highest iteration, modifi cation of the channels ST REET has been identifi ed for potential as a whitewater kayak park. Ideally, this project could be funded and coordinated with a State of Illinois-sponsored Dam Safety Modifi cation Program, and would not only improve the safety of existing dams, but also create more suitable habitat allowing for fi sh migration and river de-siltation. (State of Illinois Dam Safety Study, June 2007; Proposal for City of Aurora Whitewater Park- Scott Shipley, 2007).

TIVOLI PLAZA Tivoli Plaza is proposed to be upgraded from the upper level to the water’s edge, creating an accessible pedestrian connection between River Street and the Fox River. Modiﬁ cations will capitalize on scenic views and vistas of downtown and the natural beauty of the Fox River. Improvements include re-designing existing infrastructure to conform to ADA accessibiilty requirements.

THE WAUBONSEE COMUNITY COLLEGE SITE As part of the Waubonsee Community College campus project, an underpass beneath the Galena Bridge is proposed to complete the lower level path along this bank of the Fox River. Redevelopment of a former surface parking lot will create a destination plaza that includes walks, public art, boat docking, and decorative elements. This site oﬀ ers a unique opportunity to enhance an existing “soft” edge along the river, in the midst of a highly-channelized segment of the Fox River.

MILLENNIUM PARK Because Millennium Park is directly across the river from the soft edge of the Waubonsee Community College site, a re-design of the park would connect visually with the opposite shore, relieving the intensity of the built environment and creating an opportunity for visitors to access the water directly from Stolp Island.

SWIMMING STONES PLAZA The Master Plan identiﬁ es Swimming Stones Plaza as a key water access point on Stolp Island. Already a public venue for art and culture, the creation of water access at this plaza will enhance the cultural aspects of the south end of Stolp Island. The proposed launch site will allow small non-motorized craft users to easily reach Sci-Tech and the Aurora Public Library. Additionally, this will create an easy point of departure to the more natural portions of the river south of downtown Aurora.

WEST CHANNEL MASTER PLAN A 27 28 A WEST CHANNEL MASTER PLAN WILDER PARK WATER BRIDGE LANDING FEATURE

AA SECTION LOOKING SOUTH

WEST CHANNEL MASTER PLAN A 29 30 A WEST CHANNEL MASTER PLAN WEST CHANNEL MASTER PLAN A 31 NEW NE YO W

GALENA BLVD.

STOLP ISLAND

DOWNER PLACE

CITY HALL

LIBRARY

BENTON STREET G

BROADWAY (ILLINOIS ROUTE 25)

WATER STREE

N 32 B EAST CHANNEL MASTER PLAN EAST CHANNEL OF THE REVISED FOXWALK MASTER PLAN

WYO As stated earlier, the east channel dam could be modiﬁ ed to provide recreational boat use. YORKRK STREET STREET The FoxWalk/Riverwalk along the west bank of the east channel has been constructed. No modiﬁ cations to this connected segment are currently proposed. Improvements along the east bank of the east channel would connect the Fox River Trail north of New York Street to downtown Aurora. New paths on various levels would highlight views and vistas of downtown and the river. The completed FoxWalk/Riverwalk will connect to the existing urban grid and be accessible for walking, jogging, biking and other uses. The G Revised Master Plan builds on the heightened importance of major entrances from the east bank to Stolp Island, as well as creating a physical connection with the river’s edge. A connected FoxWalk/Riverwalk on the east bank of the east channel would encourage higher uses for the “backs” of buildings whose primary entrances are currently on Broadway.

EAST CHANNEL MASTER PLAN B 33 34 B EAST CHANNEL MASTER PLAN WILDER PARK WATER BRIDGE LANDING FEATURE

AA SECTION LOOKING SOUTH

EAST CHANNEL MASTER PLAN B 35 LAKE STREET (ILLINOIS ROUTE 31)

BENTON ST

REET

RIVER STREE SCI- TECH RIVER STREET PLAZA

EAST BANK DEVELOPMENT

NORTH AVE. G

N 36 C BIKETRAIL CONNECTION TO NORTH AVENUE BRIDGE TRAIL CONNECTION TO THE SOUTH  WEST BANK, WEST CHANNEL

DOWNER PLACE AURORA FOX RIVER TRAIL GAP

The Aurora Fox River Trail Gap project is intended to close the breach in the seventy-mile bicycle trail from Oswego to Wisconsin. The 1.3-mile interruption exists between the Virgil Gilman Trail and the southern end of the Fox River Trail’s west branch, just north of Galena Boulevard in downtown Aurora. Gap closure was a top priority in the City of Aurora’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Study (2006) and the Kane County Board’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (2002). The 2007 Revised FoxWalk/Riverwalk Master Plan encourages the ﬁ lling of this void, allowing bicyclists to fully enjoy the regional trails, vistas, open spaces, nature, and wildlife along the Fox River.

RIVER STREET PLAZA The River Street Plaza mixed-use development is located adjacent to the Fox River, on the west bank of the west channel, just south of Stolp Island. The project provides a signiﬁ cant link which contributes to the closing of the Aurora Fox River Trail Gap.

TRAIL CONNECTION TO THE SOUTH - EAST BANK, EAST CHANNEL LIBRARY EAST BANK DEVELOPMENT The East Bank mixed-use development is located adjacent to the Fox River, on the east bank of the east channel, just south of Stolp Island. The project features two non-motorized river crossings: a bridge from the riverbank to Stolp Island south of Benton and the adaptive re-use of a railway trestle bridge for a connection to the west bank of the Fox River. A pathway will oﬀ er connectivity north to the FoxWalk/Riverwalk at Benton Street and south to North Avenue. Multiple opportunities for water access will be incorporated into this pathway.

WATER STREET

BIKETRAIL CONNECTION TO NORTH AVENUE BRIDGE C 37 TIVOLI PLAZA NEW Y OR

GELENA BL

WAUBONSEE COMMUNITY GALENA BL COLLEGE VD.

RIVER STREET STOLP ISLAND

DOWNER PLACE

BENTON ST SWIMMING REET G STONES PLAZA

N 38 D PHASE II FOXWALK IMPROVEMENTS NEW YORK STREET 2007 PHASE II FOXWALK IMPROVEMENTS  PERMIT SUBMITTAL

The Phase II FoxWalk Plan permit submittal covers a speciﬁ c geographic area of FoxWalk OR K STREET construction. This permit submittal prioritizes connectivity, concentrating on the west bank of the west channel, including the Aurora Fox River Trail Gap. The permit application was submitted in October, 2007 to state and federal regulatory agencies. The plan includes permanent improvements along the west bank of the west channel, from New York Street to Downer Place, with a temporary, on-street alternate bicycle route from Downer Place to Benton Street. The goal

VD of the submitted plan is not only to maximize connections where feasible, but also to choose . elements which can be constructed within the allowed ﬁ ve-year permit approval timeframe.

2007 PHASE II: FOXWALK IMPROVEMENTS D 39 40 41 42 APPENDIX FOXWALK MASTER PLAN PHASE II: FOXWALK MASTER PLAN

This strategy was discussed with the regulatory agencies and was appreciated for its realistic approach to the development of the City’s river edge work.

APPENDIX 43 ACOE AND IDNR STRATEGY • Contract C - Foxwalk Phase 2 • Submitted Floodway Construction Permit Application Aurora FoxWalk Draft Permitting Strategy for U.S. Army 10/1/07. Corps of Engineers, Section 404 and Section 10 Permits. The • Grading in permit plans has more cut than fi ll, downtown FoxWalk was previously permitted by the U.S. Army therefore compensatory storage met for IDNR Corps of Engineers for a period of seven years. The permit requirements. was extended twice to allow the City of Aurora completion of • Will need to coordinate with IDNR-OWR for any the FoxWalk project. The existence of the partially completed review comments and changes from development of FoxWalk system, changes to the 404 and Section 10 rules, construction drawings. and enforcement actions related to waterborne activities in • Kane County Stormwater Ordinance requires 1.5:1 downtown Aurora all play a role in permitting the completion compensatory storage ratio; IDNR-OWR requires 1:1. of the FoxWalk, Phase II. Current plans do not meet 1.5:1. The additional storage will be provided by utilizing credit from North Avenue Dam removal. This will be coordinated in stormwater REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERRED ALTERNATIVES permit through City. FOR REGIONAL PERMIT #2 CITY OF AURORA The ACOE will require the following conditions under a Regional • Will need to complete stormwater permit application Permit #2: under Kane County Stormwater Ordinance • Detention storage provided by fee-in-lieu Waters of the U.S. will need to be buff ered with native vegetation in those areas adjacent to the river that do not FEMA have an active recreation impact or are currently developed. • No permitting through FEMA is anticipated Any impacts from the project will require mitigation. The mitigation will be provided through enhancements of the wetland that makes up Blues Island (Island 140) and riverine plantings along the disturbed area. The trails shall be set back a minimum distance of 5 feet from the Ordinary High Water mark of the River except where the trail will impact the river. The overall project, as a master plan, could be permitted under one Category 2, RP2 with fi nal engineering design requiring approval of the Army Corps of Engineers at the time of submittal.

PERMITTING STRATEGY The strategy for obtaining a new 404 Permit for the FoxWalk project will be based upon negotiating with the Army Corps of Engineers to permit conditions desired by the City of Aurora as part of the FoxWalk. The City has already established by ordinance a two-tiered walk system. The strategy will be focused upon this ordinance language. The design of the remaining sections of the FoxWalk will need to be done on a site-by-site basis for ﬁ nal design review. The permit strategy will include a proposal to mitigate for additional impacts outside of the downtown area, while receiving credit for the many improvements that are being undertaken in downtown Aurora, including removal of the North Avenue Dam, de-combination of storm and sanitary sewer systems that enter the Fox River in the downtown area, credit for additional plantings of native aquatic plants within the Fox River, and establishment of native buﬀ ers where possible. The strategy will include the use of permeable surfaces, boardwalks, reduced angled slopes, and potentially the lowering of the New York Street dam. STORMWATER PERMITTING STRATEGY IDNR-OWR

44 APPENDIX PLAN AND PERMIT SUBMISSION IMPLEMENTATION TIMEFRAME AND STRATEGY The Park Collaborative prepared a “Permitting Strategy” The implementation timeframe will be determined by the that would be the basis of the permit submittal for the City or in cooperation with development as it may occur project. Preliminary engineering plans for the portion of within the limit of the Phase II area. We anticipate that the the master plan that could be constructed in a 3 to 5 year review and approval time required for the permit submittal time frame were prepared and submitted to the regulatory will be between 18 and 24 months. The duration of the agencies to begin the permit process. A detailed description review will depend on the workload imposed upon the of the work included in the 3 to 5 year plan (Phase II Plan) regulatory agencies involved. The City will have between is described in this master plan. A detailed explanation is 3 and 5 years to implement the improvements included in provided in the “IDNR and ACOE Permit Strategy”portion the application. The strategy should primarily consist of the of this master plan. Applications were submitted to the City either undertaking a portion or portions on their own, IDNR and the ACOE for the project on October 1, 2007. or working with the development community to implement The applications were received and will be placed in the the improvements as part of development agreements. current queue for review by both agencies. The City can also pursue diﬀ erent funding strategies as part of TIF implementation of grant applications.

FLOW CHART FOR PROJECTS LOCATED IN FOXWALK OVERLAY DISTRICT DC/DF ZONING

APPENDIX 45 CREDITS

City of Aurora Departments Community Development Public Properties Public Works

RiverWalk Commission FoxWalk Overlay District Design Review Committee Seize the Future R.S.V.P. - River Shore Vision Plan citizens’ environmental action initiative Fox Valley Park District League of Illinois Bicyclists

This report was prepared for the City of Aurora by the Aurora River Edge Collaborative, a multi disciplinary team of professionals formed for the speciﬁ c task of designing the new River Edge Park described in this master plan. The Collaborative is: Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. Engineers Terry Guen Associates, Inc, Landscape Architecture Muller&Muller, Ltd Architects Edward K. Uhlir Park Design and Management Consulting Land and Water Resources, Inc Wetland Design and Management Lenet Crestani design Group, LLC Landscape Design Piet Oudolph & Roy Diblik Botanic Design Specialists Talaske Sound Thinking Sound Engineering M. Benjamin & Associates forestry Specialists Schuler Shook Lighting and Theater Design S.B. Friedman & Company Financial Consultants

46 CREDITS PLUM ST

WEST PARK AVE New Green Space MCCULLOUGH Existing & Future Green Space LAKE STREET (IL ROUTE 31)PARK

SPRUCE ST CEDAR ST CEDAR

VINE ST Significant Future Development ILLINOIS AVE Existing Buildings

Landmark Buildings ST BENTON

1] Aurora Public Library PL DOWNER

2] SciTech Museum GALENA BLVD

NEW YORK ST 3] Aurora City Hall AVE NORTH VETERANS 4] Paramount Theatre RIVER ST ISLAND 5] Fox Island Place 6] Casino 7] Aurora Regional Fire Museum 8] ATC & Roundhouse 9] Fox Metro Reclamation Bldg. 10] U.S. Post Office 2

1 STOLP AVE FOX RIVER 5 STOLP ISLAND

BROADWAY (IL ROUTE 25) BLUES ISLAND 4 6 9

INDIAN CREEK

10 PIERCE ST

7 SPRING ST SPRING

N CITY OF AURORA • 44 EAST DOWNER PLACE • AURORA, IL 60505 • WWW.AURORA-IL.ORG FOXWALK MASTER PLAN RIVER EDGE PARK MASTER PLAN RIVER EDGE PARK MASTER PLAN SCALE 1” = 300’