Warren Township's Landmark Silo to be Demolished

Warren Township is about to loose a 100 plus year-old landmark. On Thursday morning, June 6, demolition will begin on the 35' tall silo that has been an icon of the Warren Township Center since the early 1970s and of the working farm on the same site for many decades before.

In 1975, Warren Township connected the old dairy barn, tool shed and silo on the farm it had purchased a few years earlier. The remodeled space became the Township's Community Center. The structure currently serves as Township's Gurnee Teen Center, with the silo used as a storage space.

Approximately one month ago, during a routine inspection, cracking was detected on the decorative gunite exterior of the silo. Experts from JJ Henderson and Sons were called in and further testing determined that the concrete below the gunite surfaced has failed and that the silo in is danger of collapsing.

“It is an unfortunate demolition because the silo is part of local history. However, it is a life safety issue for me and the Town Board. We have no doubt that it must come down,” said Supervisor Suzanne Simpson.

The silo will be demolished by American Demolition Corporation at a cost of $28,000.

The Township's Gurnee Teen Center and Skate Park will be closed until June 9 due to the demolition.