Lisle trustees back advancing Main Street streetscape design; staff to seek amendment to add trees and finalize fireplace plans

Lisle — At the Oct. 20 Committee of the Whole meeting, village staff and consultant Civiltech Engineering presented a design update for the Main Street streetscape rehabilitation planned for 2026, and trustees gave direction to advance design work on three items: coordination with a potential Family Square redevelopment, placement of a public fireplace requiring an easement with Mark on Main, and options to restore street-tree canopy using soil-cell technology.

Director Elias introduced the project and the three focal topics, saying, “Tonight we're gonna talk about, for another time, our streetscape rehabilitation plan that we've got planned for, next construction next year.” Elias told trustees that feedback from the meeting would shape a scope amendment to Civiltech and that updated plans would likely be presented at the Village Board meeting on Nov. 3.

Why it matters: The streetscape project will change downtown Main Street’s sidewalks, pavers and plantings, and staff said the choices will affect downtown identity, pedestrian amenities and the project budget. Civiltech estimated the current construction cost would rise from roughly $2.5 million to closer to $3 million if the village adds soil-cell-treated trees and makes other design modifications.

Family Square coordination: Staff recommended including design work to anticipate a relocated driveway tied to a potential Family Square redevelopment so the village retains control over right-of-way improvements rather than leaving portions to a future developer. Elias explained staff wants to avoid a situation where “we don't want to do this project and only have 3 quarters of the streetscape done.” He identified buried controls tied to a streetlight controller as one of the underground elements that would need redesign if the driveway moves.

Fireplace and easement: Civiltech and staff proposed placing a fireplace adjacent to the Mark on Main plaza by removing part of an existing wall to create public seating and visual access. Elias said the site offers “a much more welcoming space” than a location close to traffic and that the fireplace would be multifunctional, serving both plaza users and passersby. Staff said an easement or license agreement with Mark on Main’s ownership will be required; Civiltech described Mark on Main as “open to the idea” but seeking flexibility for uses of its private space. Trustee Lesniak praised the approach: “I just really wanna thank you guys for your thought process when it came to the fireplace,” he said.

Trees and soil cells: Staff showed that many existing street trees occupy narrow planters that have bowed or limited root space. Civiltech proposed replacing some existing trees and adding up to 18 trees using soil cells — structural soil boxes installed beneath pavers that provide un-compacted soil volume for roots to grow. Phil Hutchinson, landscape architect with Civiltech Engineering, described the maintenance and replacement process, saying, “To replace the trees in the soil cell system is very similar to replacing a tree in a tree pit that you have now.”

Cost and alternatives: Civiltech estimated the soil-cell approach at about $23,000 per tree and roughly $420,000 to add 18 trees; staff said that combination of changes would bring the project closer to $3 million. Director Elias and trustees noted the expense but also the long-term benefits, with Trustee Grau saying trees help create downtown shade and character. Several trustees expressed concerns about potential sight-line impacts for storefronts and urged outreach to business owners and careful species selection; staff said proper pruning, canopy management and projecting pedestrian-level signage can reduce visibility problems.

Schedule and next steps: Staff outlined a schedule to complete final plans and cost estimates in March 2026, advertise bids in April–May, and seek construction award in June 2026 with construction in the latter half of the year. To incorporate the additional design work (soil-cell engineering, fireplace details and driveway coordination), staff said it would bring a contract amendment request to Civiltech of about $37,000 for board consideration at a future meeting. Elias told trustees that if the board gives direction now, staff can include the soil-cell option in the design amendment and still delay final contract award if bids exceed estimates.

Decision and follow-up: Trustees voiced general concurrence with moving forward on coordination with Family Square and the fireplace location, and several trustees agreed to proceed with up to 18 soil-cell trees being incorporated into the design pending final cost verification and targeted outreach to downtown businesses and the Public Art and Special Events Committee. Staff will prepare the Civiltech contract amendment and provide updated plans and cost estimates to the Village Board. No final construction contract was awarded at the Oct. 20 meeting.

What’s next: Staff said it will bring the design amendment to Civiltech to the next Village Board meeting and incorporate trustee feedback on public-art locations and business-owner outreach into the design process.