Welcome to the website for the Village of Algonquin’s Old Town Project!
Downtown Streetscape - Washington Street and Harrison Street
Stage 3 of the Downtown Streetscape Project is underway! The completion of the Riverwalk and the Harrison Street Bridge in the spring of 2023 has sparked the third phase of the planned initiatives to revitalize Old Town Algonquin through the transformation of adjacent downtown block, Washington Street and Harrison Street. The goal of this project is to extend streetscape improvements from Main Street onto Washington and Harrison streets as part of the Village’s overall redevelopment Downtown Streetscape Master Plan. Features of this project will preserve the character and history of the area through enhanced streetscape features, pedestrian and driver safety enhancements, a new Riverwalk path as well as infrastructure improvements.
Starting in mid-November, 2023, underground conduit and surface infrastructure for private utilities began. This work will include installation of the underground conduits via trenching and directional bore to house private utility cables. This has allowed the overhead utility lines along Harrison Street, Washington Street, and in the existing parking lots to be removed in advance of the Downtown Streetscape. The utility undergrounding will provide better aesthetics for the downtown and location businesses. This work is expected to continue through the spring 2024.
Starting in mid-November, 2023, underground conduit and surface infrastructure for private utilities began. This work will include installation of the underground conduits via trenching and directional bore to house private utility cables. This has allowed the overhead utility lines along Harrison Street, Washington Street, and in the existing parking lots to be removed in advance of the Downtown Streetscape. The utility undergrounding will provide better aesthetics for the downtown and location businesses. This work is expected to continue through the spring 2024.
Old Town Algonquin Project History
The Downtown Revitalization Plan was completed in 2000 and provided a guide for physical improvement and development within Old Town Algonquin. The plan created a vision to accommodate continued development while maintaining and enhancing the characteristics of the area.
The construction of the IL Route 31 Bypass provided new improvement and enhancement opportunities, via the reduction of pass-through traffic, particularly trucks, within the Old Town District. Given this opportunity, the Village of Algonquin completed a Downtown Planning Study and Downtown Streetscape Master Plan. This new plan will protect the existing historic character of Old Town while creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment to support local business. The plan promotes the expansion of Downtown streetscape improvements to adjacent blocks, while integrating pedestrian-friendly amenities along Main Street in order to capitalize on a desired transformation from an automobile dependent district to pedestrian-oriented environment. In February of 2018, construction began transforming Main Street into a beautiful, pedestrian friendly environment while helping to preserve the character and history of the area. |
Redevelopment Documents
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Completed Projects
Around and About Main Street – An extension of the Old Town Algonquin project, Around and About Main Street will improve traffic flow and safety for road users of North Main Street.
Learn more. Riverwalk and Streetscape Project – As the second phase of the Old Town Revitalization Project, Riverwalk and Streetscape implemented streetscape enhancements and infrastructure improvements along Harrison/Washington Streets and created a new Riverwalk path.
Learn more. Old Town Revitalization Project / Main Street – The first phase, which included the revitalization of Main Street, is complete!
Learn more. |
Stage 2 / Harrison Street Water and Storm Sewer Improvement Project – This project, which included improving critical underground infrastructure on Harrison Street, is complete!
Learn more. |
Old Town Prairie Trail Project – The Village of Algonquin in partnership with the McHenry County Conservation District improved the Prairie Path trail from approximately South Main Street to La Fox Drive.
Learn more. |
Stage 3 / Downtown Streetscape: Harrison, Washington, La Fox Sanitary and Water Improvements Project –This project, which began in spring 2020, includes significant infrastructure investments to improve sanitary sewer and water systems.
Learn more. |