State Supreme Court temporarily moving to Chicago

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Supreme Court will hear cases in Chicago this September while renovations are under way at its building in Springfield.

Lee Enterprises reported Thursday that the work in the neoclassical Springfield building that houses the high court will take about a year to complete. Over the past few weeks employees have been packing offices. Paintings and artifacts have been going into storage. Sculptures and books in the library were being safeguarded. The renovation efforts will cost about $12 million. The building opened in 1908 and cost $450,000.

Court spokesman Joe Tybor says the work “really needs to be done.”

The court will hear cases in downtown Chicago’s Michael Bilandic building during renovations. The court clerk will remain in Springfield.