Riverwalk Panel Backs Two Bid Plans
Naperville's Riverwalk committee unanimously approved giving the city two construction bid options for the South Extension and Hillside Gateway project.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Home Renovation
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The Riverwalk Planning, Design, and Construction Committee unanimously approved a motion giving Naperville two bid plans for the South Extension and Hillside Gateway project. The full design is $6.8 million, and one plan reflects four elements already eliminated at a lower bid.
Why it matters
The project was first pitched in 2024 at $3 million, so the gap between that projection and the current design shapes how the city weighs cost against scope. The motion moves the project closer to construction and to a council decision on bids.
The full design costs $6.8 million, and removing the Hillside Gateway plaza and stairs, Washington Street sitting area, barrier wall, and Martin Avenue plaza would save over $1.5 million. Commissioners have not yet secured Riverwalk Commission approval for those reductions.
The players
Riverwalk Planning, Design, and Construction Committee
The city body that unanimously approved the motion to give Naperville two bid plans for the project.
Riverwalk Commission
The commission that will consider the motion at its November 10 meeting before bids go to the city council.
The details
Commissioners reviewed ten options with design consultants and agreed on four possible reductions: the north Hillside Gateway plaza and stairs, a sitting area and overlook beside Washington Street, a barrier wall between the walking path and Washington Street, and a plaza and seat wall at Washington Street and Martin Avenue. The four items could be added to the initial bid as deduct options pending Riverwalk Commission approval.
Timeline
2024: Project first pitched at a projected $3 million.
October 2026: Riverwalk Commission asked to consider three lower-cost options.
November 2, 2026: Committee unanimously approved the motion for two bid plans.
November 10, 2026: Riverwalk Commission to consider the motion before bids go to council.
End of 2026: Construction is slated to begin.
Big Picture
The project's 2024 pitch at $3 million has grown to a $6.8 million design, which the committee is now trying to bring down through phased deductions. Construction slated for the end of 2026 depends on how the Riverwalk Commission and council handle these options.
Residents who use the Riverwalk may see the Hillside Gateway plaza, stairs, and Washington Street features either built or removed depending on the final bid. The city's choice will determine which amenities are available along the path.
The takeaway
Projects often grow between early projections and final designs, so tracking cost estimates against scope changes helps explain what residents ultimately get. Watching the committee and commission votes shows which amenities survive the cuts.
What happens next
The Riverwalk Commission will consider the motion at its November 10, 2026 meeting, before design bids go to Naperville City Council, with construction slated to begin at the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more on local construction projects, browse Home Renovation coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NCTV17.
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