Rogina Outlines Vision for St. Charles Central Business District Renewal

Third Ward Alderman Ray Rogina on Saturday laid out his vision for renewal of the central business district in which he sees downtown St. Charles expanding from primarily an entertainment area to an area that includes an emphasis on the arts and as a zone that centers on the historic Arcada Theatre.

If elected, Rogina said, he would appoint a blue-ribbon committee of civic, business and cultural leaders to develop the most efficient strategy to accomplish that goal.

According to the alderman, the , generates $2 million annually in economic development. The Arcada’s past success can be be used to expand its offerings for residents and help spark more downtown development, Rogina said.

“In conversation with mayors around the country, I have learned that cultural and entertainment attractions, as well as sensible residential developments, will attract people downtown and create an environment that will help businesses thrive,” he said.

The city government can play a more active role, Rogina said, in turning the area into a hub of entertainment, cultural and retail attractions that make it a destination point throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.

Let Patch save you time. Have local stories delivered directly to your inbox with our free newsletter. Fast signup here.

Then like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at @StCharlsILPatch.