🏘️ Proposed development would bring 150+ houses and townhomes to Batavia’s old Siemens site

Whenever we head past the property along McKee Street in Batavia that previously housed the Siemens campus, I’ve wondered how the site will ultimately be redeveloped.

Now, it appears, a concept is inching closer to reality.

Batavia is holding a public hearing on March 13 to discuss Pulte Homes’ planned development for 1000 McKee St, which will include land use and zoning map amendments and a design review.

The proposed project is large and complex, but it boils down to this:

• What it is: A mixed-use residential development called Ashton Ridge.

• Scope: 73 single-family residences and 89 townhome units.

• Style: The new houses would be designed to fit in with the character of surrounding neighborhoods.

• Residences: Homes would range from 2-4 bedrooms at roughly 1,500 to 3,200 square feet.

• Townhomes: Units would range from 1,883 square feet and 2,508 square feet.

A plan in progress

The redevelopment of the former Siemens site has been the subject of debate. In August, several officials and residents bristled at the size and price tags (more than $600K) of the homes proposed in the plan.

In its petition to the city, Pulte Homes argues that the development will diversify Batavia’s housing stock within one mile of downtown, attracting new residents with disposable income that will drive growth and inject vibrancy into the town.

According to the petition, 29 percent of homes within one mile of downtown Batavia sold for less than $300K between 2002 and 2023. For homes less than $400K, that number rises to 69 percent.

And they say only 14 percent of single-family homes in that vicinity sold for over $500K.

The site was once home to the Furnas Electric Co. factory, which Siemens acquired in 1996. Siemens shut down the facility in 2006, then demolished the massive building in 2009.

However, the property was contaminated with residue from foundry operations, which necessitated an environmental cleanup in 2017 before the property could be sold for redevelopment.

Worth noting

Pulte Homes is also the developer behind the Winding Creek subdivision currently being built out on the west side of Randall Road behind Kohl’s.

Here’s an interactive sitemap of Winding Creek for those interested.

📰 News to use

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☑️ Election prep: Before heading to the polls, you can use this online tool courtesy of the Kane County Clerk to get ready and review what’s on your ballot.

☑️ Suspicious activity: Batavia police are investigating an incident on Gosselin Circle from late last week that was originally reported as burglary but turned out to be an argument.

☑️ Utility enhancement: Geneva will conduct an underground electric replacement project on sections of Geneva Drive and South 3rd Street beginning in March. Temporary closures may be necessary.

🔒 Fox River health: St. Charles’ newly created Dam Task Force has appointed its first five members. Now for the hard part — analyzing the impact of dam removal and engaging the community.

🔒 Solutions prove elusive: As the suburbs continue to grapple with the influx of asylum seekers, Kane County has thus far avoided taking an official position on the migrant busing situation.

☑️ No need for alarm: For the next two weeks, Geneva police will be engaged in a violent threat simulation training exercise at a home on the 700 block of Fargo Boulevard.

🔒 Choosing sides: When it comes to the Republican primary for Kane County Board District 16, the differences between candidates Mike Kenyon and Eric Stare are readily apparent.

🔒 Election fairness: The Democratic candidates for Illinois’ 6th District differ on several policy positions, including whether or not to abolish the Electoral College.

🏘️ In the community

☑️ Prom dress giveaway: CHIP IN Batavia’s charitable initiative runs through March 8, so make sure to drop off dress and accessory donations at the Batavia Public Library by then. The big event will take place at the library on March 9.

*️⃣ Pieper report: The Batavia Alderman recapped the most recent council meeting, which included Fermilab updates, police/fire department hirings and an observed spike in mental health calls.

☑️ Development progress: A special Geneva City Council meeting tonight will focus on an annexation agreement with Bullock Holdings, LLC.

🔒 Sunken treasure: A Campton Hills resident lost her wallet in an Arizona river in 1995. Nearly 30 years later, a Phoenix dermatologist found it while diving with his family.

🔒 Hoops update: The Batavia girls defeated Geneva in Thursday’s sectional and will face Fremd in the supersectional tonight. The Batavia boys held off Proviso East in the regional championship — they’ll face York in the sectional on Wednesday.

🔒 Girls wrestling: Batavia senior Sydney Perry finished her high school career on Saturday with the 145-pound title and an undefeated season.

🎸 Live music 

*Below are “listed” start/end times — actual play times tend to vary. The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee. Links to band/event info are provided where available.

Monday (2/19) ⬇️

✔️ Ryan Worthy: Firewater BBQ | Geneva | 5-7PM | Musician info

Wednesday (2/21) ⬇️

✔️ Austin Hopkins: Flagship on the Fox | St. Charles | 6-9PM | Musician info

🎟️ Matt Keen: Moonlight Theatre | St. Charles | 7-9PM | Event info

Thursday (2/22) ⬇️

✔️ Pete Jive: Firewater BBQ | Geneva | 5-7PM | Musician info

✔️ Matt Keen: Flagship on the Fox | St. Charles | 5-8PM | Musician info

🏬 Local biz

🔒 Local collaboration: Did you realize Geneva had a coworking space? 25N Coworking is celebrating 10 years of serving small businesses and entrepreneurs at its location next to the State Street bridge.

🔒 Star struck: The coming weeks will see an impressive lineup of well-known talent performing at The Comedy Vault in Batavia, including David Koechner of “Anchorman” and “The Office” fame.

☑️ Audio center: Several local podcasts recently dropped new episodes:

• Area Code: Batavia: A discussion with Fernando Martinez of Fernando’s Street Kitchen.

• What’s Up St. Charles: A chat with Freddy Tobin, Assistant General Manager of Whiskey Bend.

• Up Close & Member-able: The STC Chamber speaks with Susi & Rob Brucato, owners of fragrance company Inluro.

🗓️ Events + things to do

🎟️ Wine & Dine | Tuesday, 7PM | Rock 'N Ravioli, STC | An engaging lesson on the art of winemaking in Tuscany and the world of wine and food pairing.

☑️ Leap Around Downtown Geneva | Thursday, all day | In celebration of this extra day, local businesses will stay open late and may even have special offers.

☑️ Spring Opening Reception | Friday, 6-8PM | Batavia Depot Museum | Get your first look at the museum's new exhibit: Market and Meals.

🗞️ Un-classifieds

☑️ Local home sales: Residential property sales for the week ending Feb. 17 included two in Batavia, four in Geneva and one in St. Charles.

☑️ Green thumbs: With spring bearing down on us, it’s time to think about landscaping — and you can find all kinds of local trees, ferns and shrubs through the Kane Native Plant Sale.

☑️ Conservation curious? From now through April 24, Batavia’s 12th Annual Rain Barrel Sale gives folks a chance to reduce their water bill and capture rainwater for myriad purposes.

🐢 Fun Illinois fact of the day

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌤️ Today: High 66F | Low 51F | Alarmingly nice

⛅ Tuesday: High 73F | Low 28F | 45-degree swing!?

🌨️ Wednesday: High 33F | Low 15F | From 70s to SNOW

☀️ Thursday: High 42F | Low 28F | Sunny for Leap Day

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