St. Mary's Carmelite: Why Is Chain Link Fence Surrounding It?

JOLIET, IL — One of the strangest sites in downtown Joliet this summer has been the addition of a chain-link fence surrounding the perimeter of the empty St. Mary's Carmelite Church property at 113 North Ottawa St.

The church was built during the late 1870s, but the Diocese of Joliet closed the Catholic church in 1991.

So why the put up the fence?

City economic development specialist Derek Conley told Joliet Patch that a new owner, Brian Baetz, has bought the property. Baetz plans to tear down the Fiat House, the rectory next to the church, and the pending demolition was the reason for the fence.

The church building has been deemed structurally sound and it is not being torn down, Conley said. Before the demolition begins, Baetz needs to do an environmental study to make sure the property does not need remediation such as asbestos removal.

Conley also said the new owner wanted to install a new roof on the church before the end of the year. However, those plans were made prior to the new coronavirus outbreak, so city officials are not certain if the new roof will be installed before the year of 2020, Conley said.

"Given the COVID-19 world, we'll have to see. We know the roof is going to have to be replaced," Conley said this week.

The last property owner sat on the property for several years and was unable to obtain the proper financing to move forward with any major redevelopment plans.

Conley believes that Baetz is more serious about wanting to turn the old St. Mary's church into an asset for Joliet's downtown after years of obsolescence.

Joliet Patch asked Conley if Baetz has submitted any building design plans to City Hall this year.

"He has not," Conley said.

Conley said that Baetz may be contemplating opening "a banquet hall, restaurant, something of that nature."

Joliet Patch reached out to Baetz by email, but he did not respond.

Conley said it is his understanding that Baetz owns a Chicago suburban construction business.

So why would Baetz want to tear down the Fiat House next to the large limestone church?

"He thinks it can be a great outdoors area that will compliment the church building," Conley said.

"I think this person is very passionate and wants to see the building put to use."