Hoffman Estates village rehab costs double

Take a good look at the Hoffman Estates council chamber this year because come January, the insides will be gutted, with the project costing more than double what village officials originally estimated.

The village board Monday gave preliminary approval for renovations inside the room where its weekly meetings take place. The construction was to take place three months ago, but officials said they were struggling finding money for the project which is part of the larger remodeling of village hall. Officials had first blamed the delay on problems finding the correct benches. During the remodeling, board meetings will take place in the remodeled multipurpose room where the village hall cafeteria once stood. The board could return to the chamber by mid-March.

The price for the work is $577,300, compared to the $251,500 amount projected in February. Those costs include construction and design work from CMM Group Inc. of Alsip and Gilfillan Callahan Nelson Architects. of Rolling Meadows. Trustee Ray Kincaid cast the only opposing vote on Monday. The improved board room would have the necessary equipment to televise board meetings, as well as new seating and podium.

Village officials say the extra money will come from the bonds originally issued for the project, as some construction has cost less than anticipated. Those savings could then be applied to the chamber work. Money could also come for the village's water fund. Village officials originally said in February village hall work would cost $6.25 million.

Village Manager James Norris repeatedly said Monday that even though the money for the remodeling hadn't been appropriated in the initial estimate for the village hall work last December, the expense wasn't a surprise. Trustees did talk about the work in February, and expected costs to rise.

Trustees in September approved spending an additional $372,000 on the village hall project, as staff said unforeseen factors including code compliance had arisen. The increase also included a $25,000 fountain and $10,000 bronze dedication plaque.