Mundelein house to be demolished, replaced with neighborhood park

A vacant house in a quiet Mundelein neighborhood will be demolished and replaced with a small park.

The planned project for a corner lot on Goodwin Place at Holcomb Drive is the result of a collaboration between the village and the Mundelein Park and Recreation District.

"Our goal is no (park district) resident should have to cross a major street to get to a park," said Margaret Resnick, the district's executive director.

The tree-lined Holcomb neighborhood is just north of Route 176 and east of Route 45 near the village's central area and was described by Resnick as "a bit of an island" bordered by the two busy streets.

The village had been maintaining the property and imposed $70,000 in liens associated with unpaid fines, according to Village Administrator John Lobaito.

"This property is an extreme case where the property was more or less abandoned," he said. Lobaito said he was aware of the park district's interest in developing a park and contacted Resnick.

The collaborative effort that followed was honored last week by the Illinois Association of Park Districts with the top award for intergovernmental cooperation.

Mundelein acquired the property at a sheriff's sale this summer. Lake County subsequently waived the delinquent property taxes of about $30,000 - savings that will be used to pay for a portion of the demolition and the design and construction of a playground.

The village's bid also included the amount of the liens, which were written off. Altogether, actual village costs of about $10,000 related to the acquisition will be reimbursed by the park district.

During the process, the park district bought an adjoining strip of property at a reduced rate due to it being a partial donation, Resnick said.

The lot is small at about four-tenths of an acre. Resnick estimated the park district investment in the land at about $25,000 and depending on the amenities, from $150,000 to $250,000 for the park itself.

"It really is meant for the neighborhood to walk to from their homes," Resnick said. "We've got a couple of designs for the park to take to residents and see what they prefer," she added. A grand opening is planned for late summer 2018.

Chuck Moehling, who has lived across the street for 24 years, said it will be good to have the long-abandoned house replaced.

"I have a grandchild on the way, and when they (grandchildren) get older, it will be a nice place for them to play," he said.

Holcomb was the second village moniker after Mechanics Grove, and it was followed by Rockefeller, Area, and finally, Mundelein.