ELGIN (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Despite the efforts of a neighborhood group and preservationists, it looks as if a more-than-century old Elgin office building will be demolished.
The David C. Cook Office Building, located at 850 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin, is 120 years old, but has been vacant for years.
According to the Daily Herald, the David C. Cook religious publishing company said it has been trying for 15 years to sell the building, but no one wants it. The reason is because of the inside of the building. After a water main break in 2017, the building fell into major disrepair.
"It became clear our only way forward was to initiate demolition of the office building," said David C. Cook interim CEO Scott Miller. "Removing the office will open a number of possibilities for use of the campus in a way that can enhance the surrounding community. While we remember our former headquarters with fondness, we are optimistic about the opportunities the cleared land will provide for the community of Elgin."
City Council member Steve Thoren called the building an "icon", and said "I hate to have part of our history fade away."
According to the company, the warehouse and distribution center on the back end of the property will remain in operation.
In October, it was estimated the demolition will cost $2.4 million.
Elgin has issued a demolition permit, but no demo date has been scheduled.
Elgin’s mayor and others hope a park is put on the site, but the decision is ultimately up to the David C. Cook company, as they will still own the property after demolition.
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