ULI Chicago headed west to experience the final bits of fall in Naperville in this installment of the (Re)discovering Chicagoland Neighborhoods Series, our continuing focus on what makes this region unique.  Winter has officially arrived, bringing new places to explore indoors and out. Share your findings with #rediscoverchicagoland.

Downtown Naperville, with its mix of independent businesses and chain retailers located in an attractive, pedestrian friendly environment, is a big draw for residents and visitors alike. One of its most distinguishing features is the Riverwalk – a beautiful tree-lined walkway that stretches for 1.75 miles along the DuPage River as it flows through the center of downtown Naperville. A nature retreat within the urban core, the Riverwalk is a highly valued and widely used amenity and has helped create a stronger development environment in downtown Naperville. The Water Street District mixed-use development, which will bring more than 40,000 sf of new retail and restaurant space, 14,000 sf of Class A office space and a 158-room hotel to downtown Naperville, is currently under construction along the south riverfront.

Like many communities across the country, Naperville is reaping the benefits of cleaning up and investing in its long-neglected waterfront. Be sure to check it out when you are in the neighborhood next, and share your favorite urban waterscapes with us via #rediscoverchicagoland.

FUN FACT: The Naperville Riverwalk was created in 1981 with the help of financial contributions and volunteer labor of the residents to celebrate the City’s 150^th anniversary.