Sterling’s Northwestern Steel and Wire Park will remain behind schedule, as city officials now anticipate a full opening no earlier than spring. Delays have mounted due to extended masonry work and outstanding utility installations. The main hurdle involves Stratus Networks’ incomplete fiber optic installation, critical for remote building controls.
While ComEd’s transformer work has finished and Nicor expects to wrap up gas service soon, City Manager Scott Shumard says an opening date remains uncertain. Principal landscape architect Blake Theisen reports steady progress, with the playground complete and the ice ribbon underway. A soft opening for the ice ribbon is tentatively eyed for New Year’s Eve.