La Grange Historic Building Teardown Delayed Indefinitely

LA GRANGE, IL – A Cook County judge this week delayed the demolition of a historic building in La Grange indefinitely.

On Tuesday, Judge Renee Jackson also set an in-person hearing for July 30 on the developer's request to hike the opposing party's bond to $2.5 million, from $5,000.

The developer, Dan Spain, owner of La Grange's The Elm restaurant, said the request reflects what he says are the project's increased costs because of the delay. Patch wrote about Spain's arguments late last month.

The teardown had been slated to start May 18.

In April, next-door neighbor Jonathan Robinson sued the developer and the village, seeking a temporary restraining order to stop the demolition.

Spain plans to demolish the Jackson Square antique mall building at 112 E. Burlington Ave to make way for a 39-unit, four-story condo complex.

In his lawsuit, Robinson alleged the village's approval failed to adhere to minimal setbacks and loading space requirements.

He also contended the village failed to give him a "meaningful opportunity" to detail how the proposed 39-unit complex would pose hardships on his property.

In January, the Village Board voted unanimously for the teardown and condo complex. Many residents objected to demolishing the historic building.