Will County Gazette

The Joliet City Council has approved the purchase of a historic downtown building to accommodate current and future city employees. The building, located at 63 W. Jefferson Street, spans approximately 7,100 square feet and is situated between Joliet Street and Ottawa Street.

Finance Director Kevin Sing estimates that the new property could house between 40-50 employees across its two floors. “We need additional space for our employees and this purchase will allow us to move employees from the Rialto Building into this space a short walk from City Hall,” Sing stated.

Sing highlighted that the move would result in significant cost savings for the city. “The savings from the rent at the Rialto location, which is $60,000 a year, to the 63 W. Jefferson location nets a cost savings of $30,000 annually for the city,” he said. Additionally, Sing noted that rental income from current tenants at the Jefferson location would cover the costs associated with purchasing and maintaining the building.

According to an appraisal of the property, it is believed to be around 100 years old and underwent extensive renovations in 1992 after being acquired by its current owner. Ongoing updates and maintenance have been carried out, with recent work completed in 2022.

Interim Corporation Counsel Chris Regis disclosed that the purchase price of $820,000 is “a midway point between two appraisals of the property.” Regis expects that closing on the property will occur within 60-90 days, with staff occupancy projected for sometime this fall.

The City of Joliet currently employs 920 people, up from 835 in 2015, and owns roughly six properties housing city staff. Given that City Hall cannot expand due to surrounding streets, Sing emphasized that this acquisition offers a practical solution for employee placement while also allowing Joliet to influence downtown redevelopment efforts positively.

“Until we can adequately plan for our long-term placement of current and future employees, this is a good option for us to house staff,” Sing added. “This also allows the city to play a key role in controlling property on a main thoroughfare and help shape our downtown redevelopment.”