Mundelein board OKs development deal

After months of discussions, a Lake County firm was hired Monday to redevelop an area of Mundelein’s downtown and build a new village hall.

Weston Solutions will handle the project, which includes street and infrastructure work in addition to building construction. The property is on the south side of Hawley Street east of Seymour Avenue, near the Metra commuter station.

Village officials have eyed the site for redevelopment for years. It’s been considered central to Mundelein’s downtown plans.

“I think this project is one of the most significant projects the village has considered,” Village Administrator John Lobaito said during the board’s meeting at the town’s main fire station.

As part of the deal, Weston will relocate a Vernon Hills office to the second floor of the proposed village hall.

The cost of the project has been estimated at $10 million. Revenue will come from a loan, money that’s been accumulating in a special tax fund for the area and from other sources, including rent from Weston for the 15,000 square feet of office space at village hall.

“We can’t do it without them,” Trustee Steve Lentz said.

A local property-tax increase will not be necessary, officials have said.

Trustees approved the redevelopment agreement and a design-and-build contract with the firm for infrastructure improvements at the site with a pair of votes. Neither had any opposition.

Trustee Terri Voss, who was part of the village’s negotiating team for the project and had been critical of the proposals in the past, thanked Weston officials Monday for their tenacity, patience and flexibility. Although once not sure a deal would be reached, she said she now looks forward “to the day we are christening a joint building.” Village officials aren’t done voting on aspects of the project yet.

On April 9, the board will be asked to approve a design-and-build contract with Weston for the new village hall, among other aspects of the plan, Lobaito said.