Kane County Reporter

The City of St. Charles has announced it is seeking proposals from developers for the last available lot in the downtown First Street Redevelopment Project. The site, located at the northeast corner of Illinois Street and 2nd Street/IL Route 31, represents the final phase of a project that has shaped the area’s recent growth.

City officials are encouraging developers to submit ideas that fit with the existing character of downtown but also introduce new concepts, particularly those that add more residential units to balance the current mix in the First Street area. While the original 2006 plans called for three- to four-story buildings with commercial space on the ground floor and offices or residences above, the city is open to alternative proposals that align with downtown’s future direction.

Developers must submit their proposals by February 6, 2026. Questions about the process can be sent to procurement@stcharlesil.gov by December 1, 2025, with answers to be posted on the city’s website by December 9, 2025. The city expects to select a developer in February 2026, with construction anticipated to begin in summer 2026 or 2027.

“We are looking for an innovative developer who can bring a creative vision to life in a way that complements and enhances our downtown,” said City Administrator Heather McGuire. “As the final component of the highly successful First Street Development, it is important that the concept captures the personality, energy, and engaging elements that characterize the project.”

Further details and proposal submission guidelines are available at https://bit.ly/48jLAET.