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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jason Bauer, Assistant Director of Public Works/Assistant City Engineer
DATE: September 1, 2023
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to execute an agreement with Ratio Architects, Chicago, IL in the amount of $946,850.00 for design services at RiverEdge Park in Ward 1.
PURPOSE:
The 2023 budget includes various upgrades and modifications to RiverEdge Park, a premiere outdoor music and event venue located on IL Route 25 in Ward 1. Many items are already underway at the park, with the largest investment being the construction of various new facilities, this agreement will secure the services of Ratio Architects to develop various design alternatives and ultimately the construction documents for those facilities.
BACKGROUND:
RiverEdge Park, which is owned by the City of Aurora and managed by the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA) is home to numerous events throughout the year. To ensure that it continues to be a premiere destination for performers and other events, the City has continually been working with ACCA to identify and implement upgrades and improvements to the park. Since the original development of the park, ACCA and City staff have noted the comments from patrons and performers as to what improvements need to be implemented into the next phase of construction. Generally, those are considered "front of house" improvements to enhance the experience for patrons and "back of house" improvements to enhance the experience for performers. Completing the improvements will allow for attraction of more performers while also increasing the number of patrons that the park can accommodate without compromising the services they are provided. These improvements generally consist of a new dressing room facility, improved and expanded seating/viewing areas, additional restrooms, entry gate enhancements, improved storage and improved access to purchase refreshments.
The design of the park expan...
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