Supreme Court case could affect its own building project

SPRINGFIELD — If the Illinois Supreme Court finds the state’s massive construction program unconstitutional in the coming months, its own building renovation is one of the billions of dollars worth of road, bridge and building projects that could be in jeopardy.

The $14.4 million renovation of the Supreme Court’s building in Springfield is a project the justices have asked for for years.

Chicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz has challenged the construction program in court, which is why Illinois’ top justices will have the final say. He argues the program, as well as the tax and fee increases lawmakers approved to pay for it, wasn’t crafted properly and is therefore unconstitutional. An increase in the liquor tax is part of the law, and Wirtz owns a liquor distributor in Schaumburg.

The Supreme Court justices last week agreed to hear arguments in the case, perhaps leaving the fate of their building’s rehab in their own hands.

The project is in the planning phase, so no money has been spent on construction yet, said Capital Development Board spokesman Dave Blanchette.

The rehab project would include electrical fixes, asbestos removal and restoration of the light fixtures, floors, walls, ceilings, windows and doors, he said.

Court spokesman Joe Tybor said he wouldn’t comment on whether the quirk in the case represented a conflict of interest for the court.

But Southern Illinois University School of Law professor Bill Schroeder said even if it did, it shouldn’t be considered a big deal.

“I’m not troubled by that,” Schroeder said. “I wouldn’t lose any sleep over it.”

Many state officials are losing sleep over the case, though. The huge construction plan creates jobs and could add important features to the state’s infrastructure. It was politically tricky for lawmakers and Gov. Pat Quinn to accomplish in 2009, and it could be hard to repeat.

Asked if officials were on pins and needles over the decision, Blanchette said it was more serious than that.

“We’re on drill bits and nails,” he said.

Arguments in the case could come later this year.