Client:

City of Elgin

Architect:

PHN Architects

Engineers:

TranSystems, Patrick Engineering, Fountain Technologies

Contractors:

MIC Construction, Martam Construction, Schaefges Brothers, Inc.

Consultants:

Hey & Associates, Inc., TJ Emmerich Associates

Category:

Public Design

Working from an ambitious master plan to rejuvenate its riverfront and revitalize its downtown, the once deteriorating Elgin Riverfront is now providing river access and casual recreation to residents and visitors alike.

The Elgin Riverfront has become a centerpiece of a downtown revitalized. With a master plan including a Civic and Cultural Campus, Festival Park and Riverfront Promenade, the riverfront has become a setting for year-round festivals, recreation and the rebirth of a commercial district. The Civic Riverfront, the first phase of the Elgin Riverfront Master Plan, provides environmental, recreational, cultural and transportation enhancements. The space includes a pathway system, overlooks, two prominent sculptures, pedestrian bridges to Walton Island, a custom pavilion, and a curvilinear trellis. Native plantings, stone veneered walls and custom metal railings throughout the site provide a sense of place and continuous character. Just south of the Civic Riverfront, Festival Park creates the setting for year-round community celebrations, events and casual recreation. An interactive fountain and unique children’s play environment enhances creativity and educational play experiences by using nontraditional equipment that ties into the festival theme of the park. The community now has urban spaces to gather, play and celebrate the history and future of Elgin as a 24-hour live-work-shop-play environment.