Proposed Downtown Recreation Center, Parking Structure and Retail Project

Preferred Development, a Chicago based development firm, has entered into a purchase contract for the shopping center at the NW corner of Wilson Street and Island Avenue and has asked the park district to come to the table with plans for an anchor facility that would promote commerce, satisfy recreational needs, support the city's vision and revitalize the heart of downtown Batavia.  The proposed concept includes the construction of a 62,000 sq ft new all-ages recreational facility, a new McDonald’s restaurant (replacing a 30+ year old facility), 5,000 sq ft retail building and multi-use parking structure with surplus parking for that area.  If approved the City would participate in the proposed project with the incorporation of a multi-level parking structure and retail building fronting Wilson St.

Important Documents/Links:

Proposed Site Plan	Proposed Redevelopment Project Fact Sheet
Proposed Recreation Center	Proposed Recreation Center Fact Sheet
Proposed parking structure & retail on Wilson	Batavia Park District
Traffic Study Results June 1, 2010

For updates on this project as they arise; sign up for Batavia's eNews and select the Business Development Updates to be alerted of meetings discussing this project.

Updates:

August 10, 2010:  CDC reviewed and discussed the findings of the recent traffic study of the area surrounding the proposed recreation center, parking structure, retail and McDonald’s development.  The findings of the study can be found here.  The study found a minimal impact to the traffic traveling on Wilson Street.  As follow a up to the study, CDC voted to take the study another step forward in closing down the northern most west bound lane on Wilson for a truer study of how the development could impact traffic.  Access to businesses along this corridor will remain open during this temporary lane closure.  This temporary closure will last approximately two weeks.  City Council will vote on the proposed temporary street closure on August 16, 2010.   If approved, the exact dates for the temporary street closure will be posted on the city’s website and notifications will be sent out to the local businesses.

July 27, 2010:  The Batavia Park District and River West Family Fitness Center are jointly announcing they have reached an oral agreement in principle for the fitness operations of the proposed recreational facility in downtown Batavia. They orally agreed to terms include current River West Family Fitness owner Chris Hylton managing the operations of the new facility. (Read on...)

July 27, 2010:  The Batavia Park District Board accepted the filed petitions to place the bond issuance to finance the recreation center development on the November 2, 2010 ballot.   

July 2, 2010:  The Batavia City Council and Batavia Park Board met on July 1st to discuss a proposed downtown redevelopment project and provide an opportunity for public input.  (Read on...)