Following the purchase of additional land adjacent to the downtown Metra station, the City of Naperville is soliciting proposals to develop the eight acres the city now owns in that area. We are pleased to see that those who put forward the plans for the Omnia Performing Arts Center eight years ago will be among those submitting proposals.
Because it is very early in the process, we do not know how similar their new proposal will be to the one submitted in 2009, but we anticipate it will contain many of the same features. It is likely, for example, there will be a parking garage. Whatever plan is adopted, we would like to see something that increases the number of available commuter spaces to reduce the waiting list for parking.
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It appears likely the plan could include affordable housing and space for a few small businesses that will serve area residents. Previously, these were organized into a miniature town center, although the new configuration may be quite different since much about the site has changed.
What is certain to be in Omnia’s proposal is an arts center with space for performances and cultural activities. In the original proposal, there were two large theaters, one with 2,700 seats and one with 950 seats.
Both large theaters would have a fly tower and an orchestra pit, and would allow Naperville to host the kinds of performances for which there currently is no appropriate local venue. Omnia originally also included a 200-seat studio space for community theater, film festivals and meeting space. We recognize the need for these kinds of facilities.
The situation now is quite different from what it was eight years ago. Then, it was not clear that the area would ever be developed, and local residents were understandably wary of the increased population and traffic.
Development now seems inevitable. The question is no longer if something will be built but what should that something be. The area is going to change, and we believe it is important to make certain those changes benefit not only the developer but the needs of the entire community.
The financial climate is also different from what it was in 2009. The economy is recovering, and financial regulations have made it less likely that another crisis will occur.
After its experience with the Water Street development, Naperville’s City Council is probably more comfortable with large expensive projects than it was eight years ago. However, performing arts centers and affordable housing projects have different business plans and revenue potential than a hotel and retail center.
We urge Naperville city officials to analyze every proposal with a critical eye, only backing a plan with full confidence that it can remain financially viable and even survive an economic downturn. While some plans for arts centers around the suburbs have succeeded, we have also watched as others have become financial burdens to the community as a whole.