After many years, former Mundelein hotel being renovated

Left decaying and dilapidated for decades, a historic building in downtown Mundelein is undergoing extensive repairs, village officials said.

The work at the former Central Hotel, 534 N. Seymour Ave., began in the fall, Village Administrator John Lobaito said. He called the improvements - including a new roof, new plumbing and electrical systems and repairs to a free-standing garage - "remarkable."

Exterior painting and interior improvements are scheduled to be done. The entire project could wrap up soon, depending on the weather, officials said.

"I couldn't be happier that the building is finally being restored to a point where you can be proud of the building and it can take its rightful spot as a historical building in the village," Lobaito said.

Built in 1886, the privately owned building is one of the oldest standing structures in Lake County. It's been used as a hotel, a livery and stables, a restaurant and apartments.

But it's also been a source of great frustration and consternation for village leaders. It fell into disrepair sometime after being sold in the 1970s. A lone tenant was evicted in 2003 because of building-code violations.

Village officials have wanted the building repaired or demolished, but they've sparred with the property's mysterious owners. A 2008 building-permit application and other documents list a Charles Pelfresne of Muskegon, Mich., as the property's trustee. Public records have listed Eleanor Schiessle and members of her family has the owners of the building. Court records from an unrelated case indicate the Pelfresnes and Schiessles are related.

The village sought court permission to demolish the building last year, but it was saved after an attorney stepped forward and said the structure would be repaired.

Ordered by a Lake County judge to settle the matter, Lobaito and other officials doubted the improvements actually would be completed.

Today, Lobaito is thrilled progress has been made. Building inspectors have confirmed the work is being done, he said.

"We have tried for 20 years to get them to do something," he said. "The village is very pleased with what we see happening there."

Pelfresne could not be reached for comment. Joe Morrison, a Waukegan attorney who's representing Pelfresne, said his client hopes the rehabilitation project will make it an asset to the community.

The newest permit request - for a new heating and cooling system - was delivered last week, Mundelein Building Director Pete Schubkegel said. He described the improvements as being close to 90-percent done.

"It's absolutely terrific," Schubkegel said. "It's been a long road."

Morrison said the owners plan to lease the building when the repairs are done. Schubkegel said the building still appears to be set up for use as apartments, but he hasn't heard what the owners want to do with the property.