Campbell House set for wrecking ball

One of Kane County's better-known exhibiting spaces for local artists may soon see the wrecking ball as Kane County Forest Preserve Commissioners voted Tuesday to demolish the 39-year-old Campbell House.

The property, located next to Elfstrom Stadium in Geneva, has served as headquarters to the forest preserve district police in recent years. The space also is home to a pair of businesses, but is perhaps best known as a place where local artists can display their work.

Persistent flooding in the basement of the building and the creation of a new police headquarters at the Fox Valley Ice Arena have made it more of a liability than an asset. Forest preserve staff told commissioners that at least $94,000 in repairs are needed, and even that may not keep the water and mold out of the building. Taxpayers funded a $22,000 mold remediation only two years ago.

Staff will consider creating an art exhibition space at the Fox Valley Ice Arena once the Campbell House is demolished.

Also on the demolition list is the Seavey Road House at the Dick Young Forest Preserve. The district had kept the home as rental property, but the structure is now in need of $29,000 in repairs. Staff believe the spot may serve taxpayers better as a parking lot that will provide more access into the southern portion of the forest preserve.

Various structures at the recently acquired Brunner property also will be torn down. The forest preserve district made an agreement with the previous owners that the buildings on the property would never be used as residences. The district has no use for them for any other purpose.