Downers Grove Proposes Shared Facility With District 58

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — The village of Downers Grove and Downers Grove Grade School District 58 hope to move their facilities into a shared space at the current Civic Center Property, Deputy Village Manager Mike Baker announced at Tuesday's village council meeting. Baker presented a first reading of the proposal to village commissioners Tuesday evening.

The Village of Downers Grove aims to relocate its police station and village facilities into a new space that would be shared with District 58, which has been looking to move out of the 93-year-old Longfellow Center.

“The village plans on replacing the 42-year-old police station and 92-year-old village hall with a combined new building," Baker said.

The village, which would design, build and own the building, is proposing a 50-year lease to District 58. Each entity would occupy their own space, along with shared spaces that would include conference rooms and council chambers.

The development would include an 85-unit apartment building, the property taxes for which will help pay off construction costs, which are estimated at up to $53.8 million. Additional funds are expected to come from a new tax increment financing district that will be created by the village.

By combining facilities, village and district officials hope to address each organization's current needs, while maximizing value and minimizing cost to taxpayers, Baker explained. "Both governmental entities save nearly the same taxpayers and residents," he added.

These potential benefits resonated with most village commissioners at Tuesday's meeting.

Commissioner Chris Gilmartin said the timing couldn't be better for such a project. “This is something doesn’t always line up like this… District 58 looking for space, us looking for space … so the opportunity here is at a perfect time," Gilmartin said.

“This maximizes value and minimizes cost to taxpayers," Commissioner Nicole Walus said, repeating herself for added emphasis.

Commissioner Leslie Sadowski-Fugitt also praised the sustainability of the concept, saying she'd be "happy to be consolidating space in that way." Sadowski-Fugitt added, "It’s a big benefit."

To move forward with the shared facilities concept, the Village of Downers Grove will review and vote on key terms at its next council meeting Downers Grove District 58 will weigh in on the project's key terms at its September meeting.

If key terms are approved, both parties will meet to draft an intergovernmental agreement as design continues.

What do you think of the proposal to combine Village of Downers Grove and Grade School District 58 facilities? Let us know in the comments.