Demolition of Laschen Center in Vernon Hills complete

The demolition of the Laschen Center in Vernon Hills is complete and workers are beginning the process of backfilling the site with clay and topsoil before establishing a lawn there, village officials say.

The Evergreen Drive building was named for Larry Laschen, who was hired as police chief in 1973 and retired in 1998 as village manager. It opened in the late 1950s as the clubhouse for the Tally Ho Country Club and subsequently was used as village hall, park district headquarters and a community meeting place.

Village officials permanently closed the building in 2018, after a study determined it would cost $250,000 a year to keep it open and operational.

The space and surrounding property, including four tennis courts adjoining the parking lot, are owned by the village, which is expected to transfer it to the Vernon Hills Park District. Three of the four tennis courts will be rebuilt, with an open pad left on the fourth space for a future playground.