Algonquin files suit aiming to demolish ‘unsafe’ downtown building

Algonquin is looking to demolish a 119-year-old building in the village’s downtown over concerns about the property’s structural integrity.

In January, the village filed a civil complaint in McHenry County court, seeking court approval to demolish the building at 200-202 S. Main St.

According to the complaint, the vacant building currently violates the property maintenance code, “causing this structure to be a safety hazard to village residents and the village community at large.”

A warrant-backed inspection conducted in September found the building to be “in unsafe condition and unfit for human occupancy,” according to the legal filing, which noted damage including water intrusion, mold, failing ceilings, a deteriorated and failing roof, rotten wood, rotted interior finishes, and rusted or damaged electrical materials.

Village community development staff, police and an Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District representative were present during the inspection, according to court records.

David Noland, an attorney representing the village, wrote in the complaint that the structure is dangerous because the roof “is likely to partially or completely collapse.”

The village is seeking court approval to demolish the building and to require the property owners to cover all costs.

According to court records, the village is having difficulty locating and serving the owners, who are listed as Lake Forest-based Stanley Productions, Inc.

The court approved a special order for the village to serve the owners by posting on the Algonquin property last week.

The building owners could not be reached for comment.

According to Algonquin Township records, the 200 S. Main St. building, built in 1907, was sold in 2018 for $342,400. The township estimated the property’s 2025 market value at $708,495.

Repairs necessary to make the building safe “would amount to a substantial reconstruction of this structure and the cost would be significant and substantial in relation to the value of the subject property,” Noland said in the complaint.

Village officials declined to comment on the litigation.