City of Batavia Approves Construction of River Street Plaza

BATAVIA, Ill. (March 3, 2026) — The City of Batavia approved a construction contract for construction of the River Street Plaza, a new public gathering space designed to enhance downtown activity and create a welcoming place for residents and visitors to connect. Located on the former Tin Shop site at 106 N. River Street, the plaza will support community events, the Batavia Farmers Market, and everyday use while strengthening the River Street corridor.

“The River Street Plaza is about creating a space where people want to spend time—whether they’re attending an event, visiting the Farmers Market, or simply enjoying downtown Batavia,” said the Batavia City Administrator Laura Newman. “This project reflects our commitment to investing in public spaces that improve quality of life, support local businesses, and help our downtown continue to thrive.”

The River Street Plaza emphasizes accessibility, comfort, and placemaking. Planned improvements include accessible paving, landscaping, lighting, and site furnishings, along with ample seating to encourage people to linger before and after downtown events or make a pit stop on a Fox River Trail ride. Additional features will include planter benches, bike racks, a bike repair station, public art elements, and native pollinator plantings. A limestone feature that also functions as a retaining wall will help define the space and protect adjacent properties. Decorative screening elements, including a punched metal fence and a trellis with climbing plants, will soften the plaza edges and allow flexibility as nearby properties redevelop over time.

A prefabricated, self-cleaning public restroom will also be installed as part of the plaza. The restroom unit was previously purchased by the City and is currently under construction at the manufacturer’s facility. Once the site is prepared, the unit will be installed on a concrete pad and connected to utilities. The restroom has an exterior bottle filler and water fountain.
 
“River Street Plaza is an investment in downtown vitality — giving our Farmers Market the public restrooms the community has long asked for, while creating a space that encourages visitors to stay longer, explore more, and spend locally,” said Batavia MainStreet Executive Director Beth Walker.

Construction will take place in phases, beginning with site preparation, followed by restroom installation and completion of plaza features. The City is coordinating work to open the plaza as early as possible this year.

To implement the project, the Batavia City Council approved a construction contract with Landmark Contractors, Inc. for plaza sitework in an amount not to exceed $618,000, including contingency. The project is funded through Batavia Tax Increment Financing District 3, and the combined costs for the plaza and restroom improvements remain within the City’s approved budget.

The River Street Plaza advances Batavia’s Downtown Plan and 2024–2028 Strategic Action Plan, supporting goals related to placemaking, economic vitality, and quality of life. By investing in this public space, the City is creating a vibrant downtown destination and helping build momentum for future redevelopment along River Street.