'Crumbling' Hinsdale Showcase Needs Work: Official

HINSDALE, IL – The patio next to Hinsdale's Memorial Building is deteriorating and needs to be replaced, an official said this week.

At a Village Board meeting, Trustee Michelle Fisher said residents are planning a private fundraising campaign for an improved patio.

The building houses village offices and the library, among other things. Fisher said the patio was a "showcase" that people see as they come into town.

"If we all go outside to the patio, we can tell that it is definitely not in the best shape. It is crumbling. It is falling apart," Fisher said. "It's used by all. Think of Uniquely Thursdays. Think of the farmers market. Think of President (Tom) Cauley lighting the Christmas Tree."

"We're currently running extension cords to the Christmas tree," she said.

She said the fundraising campaign would be run in conjunction with the village's 150th anniversary, which was April 1.

The village has $100,000 budgeted for the project, but it is expected to cost more.

Village President Cauley said he favored improvements, but they would be expensive. He said the proposed bluestone would cost four times more than stamped concrete, reaching about $400,000.

"I'm going to resist putting bluestone in there if the village is going to pay for it," Cauley said.

He said the village needs to focus on replacing the Memorial Building's roof.

The village aims for the patio work to start in early spring next year.