I first mentioned this idea two years ago, and I thought since Judson College is now Judson University and the DC Cook building is no longer in imminent danger of being converted into some sort of residential development, I might put this idea out again and see what others think.

The idea is for a foot and bike bridge across the Fox River at a narrow point just north of the DC Cook building. The west side of the river, I think, is already owned by Judson University and is held as a reserve area for future expansion. The school already has a small south campus with footbridge over Tyler Creek connecting it to the main campus.

Since the bridge I’ve proposed is immediately north of the DC Cook building, it opens up the possibility of Judson University acquiring the DC Cook building and making that the focal point of an eastern campus that may be developed in the future. Since Sherman hospital is moving to Randall Road, I think the Northeast Neighborhood would benefit from a new institutional presence, and who in NENA would complain about a university?

Here you can see the proximity of DC Cook, Sherman Hospital and the south campus of Judson University:

Judson’s name change and its new construction on campus indicates that it may continue to expand in the future, and opening up a footprint on the east bank of the Fox River, would I think be a great way to connect Judson University with its significant community of students and instructors with the downtown. This way, we have a better chance of creating the sort of downtown that we are more accustomed to seeing in college towns–with good bookstores, a vibrant cafe culture, etc.

And it makes the Northeast Neighborhood a good residential option for Judson staff and professors. I think the neighborhood would really benefit from that. People who work or study at Judson would be able to dispense with the car and be able to bike or walk to work, which should please environmentalists…

The proposed site is a narrow section of the river, which should make the expense affordable, but unfortunately I don’t think it is narrow enough for a prefabricated bridge. So it will still be a significant investment, though one that I think is affordable and worthwhile.

The proposed location:

The bridge will put Judson University within biking and walking distance of downtown:

Preservations should be pleased that the DC Cook building can be preserved and remodeled for use as part of Judson University:

And lastly, cyclists, runners, rollerbladers and perhaps cross-country skiers will be happy that they don’t have to go all the way up to the I-90 bridge to cross the river. With a bridge at Judson/DC Cook, they’ll be connected to Tyler Creek Forest Preserve via a continuous trail. The Forest Preserve district should view this project as one that significantly enhances Tyler Creek FP.

In summary, the winners are:
- Downtown Elgin
- Judson University
- Northeast Neighborhood
- KC Forest Preserves
- cyclists, runners, etc. (trail users)
- environmentalists

I can’t think of anybody who loses. The only thing we’d be giving up here are the dollars needed to build the bridge.

Filed under: downtown, history.
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