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Representatives of the Downers Grove Heritage Preservation Corp. said they are ready to start moving the Blodgett House as soon as they receive village permits.
The Downers Grove Park Board will vote Thursday, Feb. 21, on how much credit DGHPC must have as backing to ensure the district will not be left footing the bill if the group does not meet the funding requirements to move the house to the Park District Museum property.
| On the Web For more information on the Blodgett House, visit 1846blodgetthouse.org. |
Park Board members said they would ensure $25,000 remains available to demolish the house and restore the museum site if necessary. The first part of the three-phase project is expected to cost $200,000. The Park District’s attorney initially said officials wanted the full amount put forward by DGHPC but discussed a compromise at the Feb. 7 Park District meeting where the group would prove credit for $50,000.
“The 200,000 will not happen,” DGHPC group member Gordon Goodman said. “We don’t have the resources to achieve that. If that’s what the board decides, we don’t know what we will do with the house.”
Member Art Jaros said he was concerned about the transfer of control to the Park District, which is slated to take place when all the improvements are complete.
“Until the very last exhibit is done — and who knows when that will be — we don’t know when we’re going to get ownership,” he said. “I’m a little uncomfortable with that arrangement.”
Goodman said he would be comfortable with the Park District taking control of the project once the home has been moved and renovations begin, even if it would mean his own group was shut out of the process. He did note once the Park District takes over, park officials should not expect further commitment from DGHPC.
“We just are focused on finishing a really nice addition to the Park District property,” Goodman said. “As far as operating it, that’s farther than we’ve thought.”
Park District Administrator Dan Cermak suggested the board vote to approve the plan Feb. 7 so the group could work toward beginning work in March. Goodman said the frozen ground will make moving the house easier.
However, Park Board President Robert Gelwicks said he wanted to see the plan fully in writing before voting. Gelwicks noted an understanding exists between both parties, but those in charge could change before the project is scheduled for completion in 2011.
Representatives of the Downers Grove Heritage Preservation Corp. said they are ready to start moving the Blodgett House as soon as they receive village permits.
The Downers Grove Park Board will vote Thursday, Feb. 21, on how much credit DGHPC must have as backing to ensure the district will not be left footing the bill if the group does not meet the funding requirements to move the house to the Park District Museum property.
| On the Web For more information on the Blodgett House, visit 1846blodgetthouse.org. |
Park Board members said they would ensure $25,000 remains available to demolish the house and restore the museum site if necessary. The first part of the three-phase project is expected to cost $200,000. The Park District’s attorney initially said officials wanted the full amount put forward by DGHPC but discussed a compromise at the Feb. 7 Park District meeting where the group would prove credit for $50,000.
“The 200,000 will not happen,” DGHPC group member Gordon Goodman said. “We don’t have the resources to achieve that. If that’s what the board decides, we don’t know what we will do with the house.”
Member Art Jaros said he was concerned about the transfer of control to the Park District, which is slated to take place when all the improvements are complete.
“Until the very last exhibit is done — and who knows when that will be — we don’t know when we’re going to get ownership,” he said. “I’m a little uncomfortable with that arrangement.”
Goodman said he would be comfortable with the Park District taking control of the project once the home has been moved and renovations begin, even if it would mean his own group was shut out of the process. He did note once the Park District takes over, park officials should not expect further commitment from DGHPC.
“We just are focused on finishing a really nice addition to the Park District property,” Goodman said. “As far as operating it, that’s farther than we’ve thought.”
Park District Administrator Dan Cermak suggested the board vote to approve the plan Feb. 7 so the group could work toward beginning work in March. Goodman said the frozen ground will make moving the house easier.
However, Park Board President Robert Gelwicks said he wanted to see the plan fully in writing before voting. Gelwicks noted an understanding exists between both parties, but those in charge could change before the project is scheduled for completion in 2011.
