Downtown Demo Contract Up For Joliet Council Vote

JOLIET, IL - These days, one of the most stable lines of work in Joliet has become the demolition trade. Cranes with wrecking balls are knocking down the old First Midwest Bank at Jefferson and Ottawa Streets. A couple miles up the road, crews are tearing down the old Silver Cross Hospital. Now, the city of Joliet is about to get started on another demolition project, a downtown building across from the Rialto Square Theatre.

On Tuesday night, the Joliet City Council will vote whether to award a demolition contract to Alliance Demolition Services for $135,930. This will get rid of the former government office building at 121 N. Chicago St., and the project is tied to the Chicago Street reconfiguration and streetscape enhancement project.

The city received two sealed bids. The more expensive bid came from Gould Brothers at $417,822, a city memo showed. According to Joliet officials, Will County government will reimburse Joliet for the demolition costs, excluding the cost of asbestos abatement, lead and other hazardous materials identified in the county's abatement plan.

"These items are being undertaken by the county," a city council memo states.

At Monday's pre-council meeting, city manager David Hales said the city wants to have the building razed during the month of April. Joliet wants to have the site cleared in time for this summer's downtown festivals.

RELATED: 'Joliet's Been Thriving'

RELATED: New Photos First Midwest Demolition

Images via John Ferak, Joliet Patch Editor