The Naperville Public Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously Thursday, July 16, to endorse a $34 million parking deck that would replace the 130-space surface lot at Nichols Library with a 500-space garage, a net gain of 370 spots for downtown.

It is the first formal institutional endorsement the project has received since plans were drawn up in 2008 and then shelved during the recession. The board's letter, drafted by President Reginald Gardner, is addressed to Mayor Scott Wehrli and the City Council and asks that library officials remain part of all future discussions.

The vote followed an April presentation to trustees by Katie Wood, executive director of the Downtown Naperville Alliance; Steve Rubin, chair of the Downtown Advisory Commission; and Tom Castagnoli, a business owner who chairs the parking working group.

What the deck would look like

The proposed structure is a two-story garage at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Webster Street, built into the hillside toward the Riverwalk so the lower level sits partially underground, level with the height of Nichols Library.

The project carries an estimated price tag of $34 million to $36 million, according to city spokesperson Linda LaCloche. Downtown Naperville draws an estimated 9.5 million visitors per year and has roughly 3,500 parking spaces, according to the Downtown Naperville Alliance. The deck would increase that supply by about 10%.

If the City Council approves funding during fall 2026 budget hearings for the 2027 fiscal year, design drawings would be updated in 2027 and construction could begin in 2028, taking an estimated 12 to 18 months, according to Wood.

Why the board acted

Parking has been the top complaint at Nichols Library for years. In the 2026 Naperville Public Library Community Survey, 11% of respondents cited parking as their primary concern at the downtown branch, up from 9% in 2023. The library draws more than 1,500 visitors per day, making it one of the busiest destinations in downtown Naperville, according to Library Executive Director Dave Della Terza.

"I'm just excited to see the process moving forward because I've seen this come and go and come and go," Della Terza told the Naperville Sun after the vote. "I would love to see it get to a point where it's actually going to happen."

Trustee Mark Rice said ahead of the vote that he believes the deck is in the best interest of library patrons regardless of budget or neighborhood concerns. Trustee Erica Katz echoed that support, noting the library's responsibility to visitors who compete for parking with other downtown users.

Two trustees, Vice President Viral Shah and Dr. Mark Kolkman, were absent. The vote among those present was unanimous.

Building support across downtown

Della Terza and Gardner said the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Naperville Development Partnership have been briefed on the proposal and expressed support.

At the Riverwalk Commission's May 13 meeting, Councilman Ian Holzhauer urged designers to ensure the deck's Riverwalk-facing side features a row house facade rather than a plain brick wall. A Downtown Naperville Alliance representative acknowledged at that meeting that the flyover video shown was more than 20 years old and said updated drawings would address the Jackson Avenue frontage.

What's next

The City Council is expected to weigh the project during fall 2026 budget hearings. If construction proceeds, Nichols Library would remain open, though drop-off and curbside services would need temporary adjustments, Della Terza said.

No opposition from nearby residents or property owners has surfaced in public meeting records. Residents with concerns can submit public comment through the city's online portal at naperville.il.us ahead of budget hearings.