Saturday, July 23, 2005

Saturday Night at the Movies, Episode II

The first movie night last month was great. Cool weather, no bugs and a movie from the days when special effects didn't overshadow key elements of movie making such as acting, directing and writing. Join the crowd on the south lawn of the Hemmens Cultural Center on Saturday, July 30th. The City of Elgin and the Cultural Arts Commission is presenting the 1959 classic, "North by Northwest", staring Cary Grant and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. View the trailer. The movie starts at 8 pm. So bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy a free movie by the riverfront. DNA will be selling popcorn and other goodies

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Downtown Parking Lot Closures Update 7/20/05

With the demolition of the Crocker Theatre at 96 South Grove Avenue now complete, soil remediation of the site is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 25. Parking in the adjoining parking lot will continue to be available, however on a more limited basis. An additional 12 spaces will be removed to accommodate the soil remediation process. Previously, it was anticipated that the entire lot would be closed as of mid-July, but it was possible to make adjustments to preserve approximately 48 parking spots until construction begins on the River Park Place Condominiums later in the season.

Prior to demolition of the building, the northernmost section of the city-owned parking lot south of the building was closed to the public beginning May 30th. At that time, approximately 12 spaces facing the wall of the Crocker building were removed and it was announced that the remaining approximately 60 spaces would close in Mid July. While the public can continue to park in the remaining lot area during this time, please be advised that considerable dust and dirt may be encountered. Vehicle owners will park at their own risk. Other parking alternatives are available, including angled parking spaces recently created along South Grove Street and Prairie Street or in other off-street lots throughout the Center City area. City of Elgin monthly parking permits will be honored at these alternative sites.

Effective May 4, the city parking lot on Prairie Street, across the street from the Prairie Rock Brewery, was permanently closed to the public and construction of Phase II of River Park Place Townhomes is underway. A new City-owned parking deck is currently under construction on Fulton Street, between Spring and Villa, which will accommodate over 550 parking spaces. Construction is on schedule and is expected to be completed in November 2005.

We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. For additional information and a map of all downtown city-owned parking facilities please check the City of Elgin website at www.cityofelgin.org or call RuthAnne Hall, at 847-931-6104.

This update was provided via the Downtown Development Update feature on the City of Elgin web site. To stay informed on the latest developments, go to the link on the City of Elgin web site and sign up. You can also be notified about Hemmens events, Parks and Rec information, bid postings and job postings.

Monday, July 18, 2005

Dinosaur sighted in Elgin


The first dinosaur from Dinos on Parade has been sighted in front of Elgin's city hall. Titled "Leonardo", it is sponsored by Provena St. Joseph Hospital and created by artist David Powers.

Dinos on Parade is promoting the Gail Borden Library GIANTS: African Dinosaurs exhibit. The exhibit runs September through December 2005. The Dinos on Parade will be located throughout the library district.

Please add a comment with other sightings and include the location.

New Mural in the Hemmens Courtyard


View from Civic Center Plaza

From the Daily Herald.
"Under the direction of David Powers, students Maria Sierra, Natalie Doolittle and Christen Leitza painted a 32- by 10-foot mural along the Hemmens’ lower courtyard."

"The city’s cultural arts commission, along with local businesses, paid for the $13,000 project titled “Fei Fei’s Dream.” Powers derived the inspiration for the mural from a Chinese playwright who asked him to put her in the mural."

“It was my imagining of how a girl now teaching English in the provinces of China would imagine a parade in Elgin.”
Read the article.



I'll get a shot without the shadow soon. Maybe The Elginite will have a better pic.
UPDATE: The Elginite came through with the shot.
Read The Elginite post on the mural.

Design Committee Neighborhood Walks

The DNA Design Committee is conducting neighborhood walks every Tuesday from 12 to 1 pm. Meet at the DNA office, 2 Douglas, before 12 noon. The purpose of the walk is to note any areas that require attention. The list will be forwarded to the city and reviewed by the committee.

The first walk will be on Tuesday, July 19th and will cover State St. and Grove, between Highland and Chicago, if time permits. The walks will continue until the entire downtown is covered.
Call (847)488-1456 or email for more information.

Congressman J. Dennis Hastert 2005 Mobile Office in Downtown Elgin

Speaker Hastert's mobile office will be in downtown Elgin on July 20th.
His staff will be in the lobby of City Hall. They will offer residents an opportunity to ask questions and provide them with opinions on issues.

Date: Wednesday, July 20th, 2005
Address: 150 Dexter Court Elgin , IL 60120
Hours: 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Contact: 630-406-1114