The City of St. Charles will begin Phase 2 planning for the future of the former Police Station site with a public workshop Wednesday, April 8, and short online survey. Residents, business owners and community members are invited to take the survey and attend the drop-in event from 4 to 6 p.m. at City Hall (Council Chambers), 2 E. Main St., St. Charles, to provide input on the leading development concepts for the prime riverfront site.
The second workshop will build on input gathered from a previous online survey and the community open house Feb. 19 that drew responses from hundreds of participants, who shared overwhelming support for programmed open space with community gathering opportunities. The next phase of engagement will focus on more detailed input, including potential amenities, programming, food and entertainment options, as well as future uses for the existing building — the former police station.
Attendees of the April 8 workshop will also have the opportunity to share feedback on the other development scenarios. To review a
summary of results from Phase 1, visit the City’s project page to see how it's shaping the next stage of planning.
"The second phase is a key step in moving ideas toward actionable plans," said Derek Conley, the City’s Economic Development Director. "The second workshop allows the community to help shape the future of our downtown riverfront and ensure the site reflects the vision of the people."
The April 8 Workshop will include interactive stations where participants can share preferences and provide input on priorities and trade-offs. Designed to be engaging and collaborative, the April 8 event is open to all ages. Visual materials and conceptual renderings of potential development scenarios also will be available for viewing.
Feedback from this workshop, together with input from the February open house and both online surveys, will be compiled into a comprehensive summary for the St. Charles City Council. Council members will use the information to guide the next steps in planning for the site.
No RSVP is required to attend. City Hall is wheelchair accessible, and parking is available on site.
About the Former Police Station Site The former police station site, just north of the Municipal Building, has been vacant since 2019. Its prominent location along the riverfront presents a rare opportunity to create a dynamic space that reflects the community’s vision and priorities for downtown St. Charles.
In September 2025, the City released a feasibility study that provides a detailed analysis of the property and identifies various site constraints that may affect redevelopment opportunities. The study also examines potential opportunities and challenges associated with each concept. Public input also was gathered through the Community Open House and Online Survey in February to ensure future decisions align with community priorities.