Naperville, IL – The City of Naperville and the Naperville Riverwalk Commission have announced the start of construction on the Eagle Street Gateway Project, a key component of the Riverwalk 2031 Master Plan. The construction will be led by Naperville firm Baumgartner Construction. Construction fencing was erected last week, and the project is estimated to be completed in 180 days. During that time, visitors may access the Riverwalk at Eagle Street south of the bridge at Farmer’s Plaza.
The Eagle Street Gateway is one of several capital improvements recommended in the 2031 Master Plan, which was published in 2020 and endorsed by both the Park District and the City Council. Improvements included in the Eagle Street Gateway project are designed to increase visitor safety, accessibility and hospitality. The new, gently sloping section of the Riverwalk will provide barrier-free, ADA compliant access between the upper and lower levels for both able-bodied and mobility challenged pedestrians and provide uninterrupted connectivity between the segments east and west of Eagle Street. The terraced garden walkways also improve visitor hospitality, inviting visitors to sit along stone walls and wooden benches to enjoy a wonderful view of the river from the upper plaza and engaging visitors to explore the lower level.
A major highlight of this project is its ADA accessibility, ensuring that all residents and visitors—regardless of mobility—can fully experience the Riverwalk. Congressman Bill Foster has been a strong advocate for accessibility and has supported efforts to align the Eagle street Gateway project with federal ADA standards. He secured $900,000 in federal community project funds toward the Eagle Street Gateway project. The City of Naperville plans on funding the balance of the construction cost.
“The Riverwalk is one of Naperville’s most cherished community spaces, and these improvements will make it more inclusive and welcoming to all,” said Congressman Foster. “Investing in accessible infrastructure benefits everyone and strengthens the Riverwalk’s role as a gathering place for the entire community.”
Mayor Scott Wehrli concurred. “The Riverwalk was a gift to generations of Naperville residents to come,” he said. “Revitalizing this portion of the Riverwalk and increasing safety and accessibility is part of the City’s continued commitment to making sure Naperville remains the world-class destination to live, work, and visit for everyone to enjoy.”
“The Naperville Riverwalk Commission is working continuously to fulfill the 2031 Master Plan, which aims to expand, modernize, and enhance the Riverwalk in time for its 50th anniversary,” said Riverwalk Commission Chair Pam Bartlett “The Eagle Street Gateway Project is a critical step in realizing The Master Plan’s long-term vision of ensuring the Riverwalk remains a top destination to be enjoyed today and for future generations. We are grateful for the City’s commitment to partnering with us to make that possible.”
A group of community leaders has formed the Riverwalk 2031 Fund to raise community-based funding to help fulfill all the projects in the 2031 Master Plan. The 2031 Fund will be seeking naming rights for new improvements to help off-set some of those costs. “Our group will raise funds from corporations, organizations and individuals, in the same spirit in which the Riverwalk was built in the very beginning,” says Geoff Roehll, Chairman of the Riverwalk 2031 Fund.
For more information about the Riverwalk and the 2031 Master Plan, visit https://www.naperville.il.us/enjoy-naperville/naperville-riverwalk/riverwalk-master-plan/.
For information about the Riverwalk 2031 Fund, visit https://riverwalk2031fund.org
