Identified as a priority project in the Lake Zurich Downtown Master Plan, the Lakefront Promenade was the first such public improvement completed. As the project manager for Burnidge Cassell & Associates, Paul Bednar oversaw the design development and the production of construction documents necessary for the Promenade project. Completed in 2003, the Village has embraced this public space as a major attraction to the downtown.

The promenade design recalls the era when Lake Zurich was a summer resort town. The boardwalk extends over the lake edge in order to create more public space than was available. The design of the railing, center pavillion, pedestrian lighting and site furnishings all relate to one another as far as design is concerned.

Portal gateways at the north and south ends of the promenade are inviting. The pavillion structure in the center of the promenade provides a little shade for the seating area. Visually, it demarks the activity center, where small concerts can be staged on the waters edge.

Landscape buffers were created to separate the space from the road. The existence of this amenity has helped spur new residential and commercial development in the immediate area. 

Images include various shots of the promenade including: an overall shot of the south end from across the street; the main overhead structure and lower deck, used for gatherings; a view of the promenade, complete with all the elements; the landscape treatment along the road