New Burr Ridge Village Hall Cost May Rise

BURR RIDGE, IL – Burr Ridge officials say the cost for a new Village Hall may rise above their previous estimate.

In November, officials said the new offices, which would be attached to the next-door police station, would cost $5.8 million.

At Monday's Village Board meeting, trustees were asked to approve a contract to sell the more than 40-year-old Village Hall to a preschool chain.

Trustee Russell Smith noted the village is making changes to the designs for the planned new village offices.

"We really don't know what that new price tag will be," Smith said. "But theoretically, if it comes in at $12 million, all of a sudden, trustees are like, 'Wait a minute, time out. That's too much. We've gone beyond our skis.'"

Mayor Gary Grasso said the village has stayed in contact with the architect and planned to get the new number as soon as possible to the trustees.

"We've been told we should be staying within the budget, but as you point out, anything can go crazy. But we don't see that right now," the mayor said.

The contract with the Goddard School chain is contingent on the village's zoning approval, which could take months.

About the expected new use, Grasso said he was glad a preschool was coming in.

"It's a little bit of a warm and fuzzy that it's going to be a daycare for children," he said. "And it's right next to a police department, which is going to give lots of moms, I think, a lot of comfort. What a great use for the site."

The trustees voted unanimously for the contract.

"Glad to see it's 6-0. It shows consensus," the mayor said. "Tonight is a big night."

The village plans to pay for the new Village Hall with the $2.7 million in sale proceeds and money in its bank accounts.

Burr Ridge is a rare town with no debt.

The goal is to start using the new Village Hall in May 2027. In the interim, employees plan to use the public works department's offices.