$25K Rent For Old Joliet Prison Haunted House: City

JOLIET, IL - The initial reaction to plans to open a haunted house attraction at the old Joliet Prison property was like the roar of the crowd at Wrigley Field when Kris Bryant belts one over the wall. But this week's response to Evil Intentions Haunted House is a lot like getting psyched about baseball in March. It's spring training. The real action has not taken place, yet. Next week, the real action takes place in front of the Joliet City Council. Joliet's elected officials will take up the issue at Monday's 5:30 p.m. pre-council meeting.

A memo signed by Joliet Corporation Counsel Marty Shanahan and City Manager David Hales urges the city council to approve the sublease agreement at the old Joliet Prison property with Elgin-based Evil Intentions Haunted House.

"Their haunted house was recently recognized as the haunted house of the year," the city memo notes. "It is their intention to operate a similar, but expanded, attraction in Joliet which would include a haunted house, ghost tours, escape rooms and festivals.

"Partnering with the company is the first step in the revitalization of this property."

RELATED: Old Joliet Prison To Become Evil Intentions

In October, Joliet crews did a major cleanup of the 1858-era prison grounds.

The council memo outlines the following key aspects of the city's tentative agreement with Evil Intentions:

1. Evil Intentions will mainly use the two-story limestone building at 401 Woodruff Ave., at the northeast corner of Collins Street and Woodruff Avenue. This property is commonly called the women's prison.
2. Evil Intentions, at its own expense, will restore and maintain essential services such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC.
3. Evil Intentions shall rent the property from Joliet for $25,000 for one year.
4. Evil Intentions is eligible to receive a tenant improvement credit up to $100,000 against any expenses it incurs during the restoration of the prison building.
5. Joliet will be responsible for upkeep of sidewalks and exterior grounds and water and sewer connections leading into and from the property.
6. The lease is good for one year, but there's a provision to renegotiate the deal after a year.

Meanwhile, Joliet city inspectors have toured the east-side prison property where Evil Intentions intends to open its Haunted House attractions this coming Fall.

The city memo reflects that, "The tenant will not receive an occupancy permit until certain safety criteria and other matters are addressed ... escape routes, exiting, fire suppression, lighting, washrooms, Class 1 flame-spread rating on interior walls and decorations, etc."

Images via John Ferak, Joliet Patch Editor