After 13 months of construction, the Lester and Dellora Norris Family Memorial Plaza is complete and has been reopened to pedestrians. The main purpose of the $4 million project was to correct severe structural deficiencies that had developed in the wall that separates the Municipal Center from the Fox River. While rehabilitating the wall, the City elected to renovate the plaza and walkway areas and restore many of the original design features that were included when the building was constructed in 1940.  This restoration included the use of much of the original limestone from the wall.

 

An interesting story about the project – during the construction, the head of a hammer was discovered embedded in the wall from the original construction. The daugther of the construction worker who placed this artifact was located and was able to relate how it happened.

 

During the past few days, I have noticed an uptick in pedestrian traffic as residents and visitors “rediscover” this new space. I encourage all residents and employees to take a few minutes to review the new and improved plaza, with planter boxes, landscape materials, fountains, and patterned concrete. It is a very attractive amenity that will serve as a community asset for many, many years.