The closing of the U.S. Bank branch on Oak Park Avenue provides a great alternative to the expensive options being explored for remodeling village hall.
The centrally located and historic building at 104 N. Oak Park Ave. could become the new village hall. The village could sign a long-term lease with GW Properties, which owns the building, and any needed renovations would be done in concert with that organization. The police department could then take over all of the existing village hall and do the renovations it needs, which would cost a fraction of the $80 to $150 million cost of the current proposals. Best of all, this centrally located building would not sit empty waiting for another large tenant.
Alternatively, the former U.S. Bank building could become the new home of the Oak Park Police Department, following the ideas listed above, and the village could do necessary renovations to the existing and architecturally significant village hall.
Yes, we’d probably need another study, but that would cost less than the insanely high price tag that seems to be the only way forward for the village and our police. Let’s use the buildings we have rather than committing to new construction!
I first heard this great idea from village resident Kevin Brubaker. Others may have floated this idea, and I am sorry that I cannot give them credit. Let’s pounce on this new idea.
Kris Hansen
Oak Park