Batavia Looks To Redevelop 4 Downtown Properties Into Mixed-Use Space

BATAVIA, IL — Batavia officials are looking to redevelop four key city-owned downtown properties, including the site that houses the Boardwalk Shops, the former Larson-Becker sites and the former First Baptist Church location.

The ideal goal for the four sites, according to city officials, is to establish mixed-use properties that would include commercial uses on the first floor and up to three additional stories with residences above, "with possible consideration of a public parking component."

"Batavia's comprehensive plan goals for these properties include breathing new life into underperforming individual properties while supporting and enhancing our reputation for being a walkable, bikeable and thriving community with access to commerce, recreation, and the arts," Batavia City Administrator Laura Newman said in a statement.

In order to go forth with the plan, the Community and Economic Development Department is accepting sealed bids from qualified partners, officials announced. The properties, which fall within tax increment financing districts, include:

• The approximately 2.2-acre site on the corner of Wilson and Washington streets, formerly the site of the First Street Baptist Church, and the site of the withdrawn One Washington Place project.
• The approximately 1.6-acre site on the west side of North River Street, between State and Franklin streets, commonly known as the former site of the Larson-Becker factory, currently a parking lot.
• The approximately .68-acre site on the east side of North River Street, commonly known as the former Larson-Becker east property. An old tin shop building and a three-bay garage currently occupy the property.
• The approximately .64-acre site at the southeast corner of Washington (Rt. 25) and Wilson streets, commonly known as the Boardwalk Shops/Art Stop site.

Applicants looking to work on the properties with the city should "have demonstrated experience, strong financial backing, and a record of high-quality, economically viable development projects seen through from concept to completion."

"Batavia is interested in creating a partnership for imminent redevelopment, rather than selling the properties to a private entity that may hold them indefinitely," Batavia Economic Development Director Shannon Jarmusz said in a statement.

City officials are accepting sealed bids through noon on July 22.