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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jason Bauer, Acting Director of Public Works
DATE: March 17, 2025
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to execute a contract with Hitchcock Design Group to provide design services for Millennium Plaza in the amount of $218,300.
PURPOSE:
To develop a revised design for Millennium Plaza for construction in 2026.
BACKGROUND:
Millennium Plaza is located on the west side of Stolp Island between Downer and Galena. At about 25 years old, most of the features within the park are outdated and a major reconstruction project has been planned for several years, to make the small park more functional. As a first step, the city conducted a qualification-based selection process in 2023 for the design services associated with reconstructing Millennium Plaza, which is located on the west side of Stolp Avenue between Downer and Galena. Of the seven firms that responded, Hitchcock Design Group was selected as the most qualified firm. (R23-290)
Throughout 2024, Hitchcock worked with staff to develop ideas for a reenvisioned plaza that better suits the needs of the downtown. Various parties including neighboring businesses, special events staff, and the Aurora Downtown group were engaged with planning sessions to identify the needs of the new park. Among those ideas were the need to maintain a small stage for performances, make better use of the river front, include more seating, and to create an area that could be utilized by dog owners. Hitchcock incorporate those ideas into a number of preliminary concepts which were refined to obtain the final design vision, which is attached.
DISCUSSION:
The design is budgeted this year, with construction slated for 2026. Funding is available in account 355-4440-451.73-43 (CIP F066); the $218,300 in fees is in excess of what was budgeted, staff will initiate a transfer to increase the available funding accordingly.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
During construction, existing Millennium Plaza will be closed and Stolp Avenue may be closed periodically. Further, during the 2026 construction season, any functions that normally take place at Millennium Plaza will need to be relocated to a different locations.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request the proposed resolution be adopted.
cc: Infrastructure and Technology Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to execute a contract with Hitchcock Design Group to provide design services for Millennium Plaza in the amount of $218,300.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, Millennium Plaza is the only city owned park within the downtown core, located on Stolp Island between Downer and Galena; and
WHEREAS, the plaza is outdated and needs revisions to better utilize the space; and
WHEREAS, the reconstruction of the plaza has been identified for a number of years in the annual city budget; and
WHEREAS, the city selected conducted a qualification-based selection in 2023 and Hitchcock Design Group was identified as the most qualified firm of the seven that submitted (R23-290); and
WHEREAS, the design will be completed in 2025 with construction slated in 2026; after a budget transfer is completed, the $218,300 required for this design contract will be available in 355-4440-451.73-43 (CIP F066); and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the Director of Purchasing is hereby authorized to execute a contract with Hitchcock Design Group to provide design services for Millennium Plaza in the amount of $218,300.