Yorkville prepares for banner year

By Linda Girardi
special to the Beacon News

YORKVILLE — Yorkville economic development officials expect the community's residential, commercial, office and industrial sectors to continue to grow this year.

"There is no doubt this area is very desirable," said Lynn Dubajic, executive director of the Yorkville Economic Development Corporation.

Located within the second fastest growing county in the nation, Yorkville is prepared for approximately 1,300 new homes to enter the market this year. With an estimated 21,000 housing units approved, there are 18,239 left to be built.

The housing market, drawing families and buyers looking for more value, has translated into a robust commercial sector in Yorkville. Combined with an estimated 75,000 vehicles traveling through the intersection of Route 34 and Route 47 each day, it has yielded a "recipe for success" in all sectors of growth.

There are plans for a 45-acre health-care campus on Route 34. Aurora-based Rush-Copley Medical Center plans to begin construction this summer and open the first phase in late 2007 or early 2008.

"Eventually, we see this campus becoming a full-service medical campus for all of Kendall County," Dubajic said.

Kendall County currently has no hospital.

"Having this commitment with Rush-Copley is phenomenal for this community. In my opinion, this will be the most important project I will see come through Yorkville in my lifetime. Health care is a quality of life issue that touches each of us at every level," she said.

Dubajic said she is working with commercial developers.

"We anticipate announcing a significant project along Route 34 in the very near future which will incorporate both large and mid-size national retailers, as well as restaurants."

Yorkville also is anticipating this spring's $26 million redevelopment of Countryside Center, with approximately 175,000 square feet of retail space. Wal-Mart is scheduled to begin construction later in 2006 in the intersection of Route 34 and Countryside Parkway, east of the soon-to-open U.S. Post Office.

"Within the year, you will have the opportunity to purchase anything you need without leaving this community," Dubajic said.

Additionally, preparations for infrastructure improvements are underway for a new 325-acre industrial park on Eldamain Road off Route 34, west of town. It is described as "unique" because of its location next to an existing rail spur and adjacent businesses.

Yorkville has the potential to grow this year to a population of 16,000 from 12,000 in 2005.

02/26/06