Dream Hall CEO Kevin Echevarria is glad to see DuPage Court’s transformation almost complete.
“It’s always a challenge with a renovation project, but the end result is amazing,” said Echevarria, whose business — a culinary and industry incubator for entrepreneurs — has an entrance off the courtyard.
DuPage Court is located between Spring Street and South Grove Avenue in the heart of downtown Elgin. It’s been undergoing a $3 million renovation this year.
The southern half is complete and open, said Amanda Harris, director of cultural arts and special events. “The remaining work on the north half is underway now and is scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks,” she said.
Echevarria’s customers are looking forward to having a space to eat outdoors, he said. Dream Hall is planning to create a new patio space on the court once it’s completed, he said.
What he’s anticipating are more events scheduled to be held on DuPage Court, Echevarria said. Under Harris’ leadership, the city has been holding a lot of special events that help draw people downtown, he said, and the revitalized courtyard space will create the perfect location for even more.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, including new sewer, sanitary and water lines, the enhancements include new paving bricks, benches, a stage area with electrical capacity for live music and other entertainment, and movable tables and chairs.
Funding for the work came from the city’s Central Area Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. State Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, helped the city obtain a $1 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
“Having a space like that refreshed and renovated and opening up to the public builds a lot of excitement,” said Jennifer Fukala, executive director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin.
The space has been “really well received,” especially the outdoor space next to Al’s Café, Fukala said. “They’ve shared that they have had tremendous business.”
When Elgin officials decided to renovate the courtyard, they not only planned to fix problematic features like uneven pavers, but to add new amenities that would allow them to build on the courtyard’s role as a fixture in the downtown district.
“DuPage Court is a centrally located open space in the city’s downtown with neighboring food and beverage businesses that can use the area for outdoor seating,” Harris said. “DuPage Court’s unique footprint provides an inviting area for entertainment and relaxation, framed by historic buildings.”
The city has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from businesses and residents about the revitalized space and its potential to enhance the community, she said.
Fukala said she’s also been delighted by the changes and seeing people sitting on the benches, checking out the planters and enjoying outdoor dining at Al’s.
“A lot of people are clearly enjoying the space,” she said.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
