Demolition of old buildings clears way for new future at Lakewood preserve
With a long-awaited master plan as a guide, work has begun to clear the way for the future of the largest forest preserve in Lake County.
Heavy equipment on Monday began dismantling the building that once housed the world renowned Curt Teich Postcard Archives, the first of two planned demolitions this year of former farm buildings at the Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda.
A master plan detailing $5.1 million in public improvements at Lakewood was approved by the Lake County Forest Preserve in January.
But getting to that point took more than 15 years. And while other forest preserves have been upgraded and retooled, Lakewood has endured more than thrived.
"It's kind of worn out," said Jeff Sloot, the district's planning manager.
"What to do with the buildings really was the main obstacle of what we could do there," he added.
Clearing the buildings is key to turning the page on a new era. Though the historic value of the buildings at times was questioned, renovation costs were determined to be excessive and no partnerships to operate them surfaced.
"It's always sad to see old buildings go, but staff tried to preserve them and it just wasn't feasible, except for the barn, which I'm happy to say will remain," said Jessica Vealitzek, a forest preserve commissioner whose district includes Lakewood.
Every aspect of how the Lakewood is used has been studied and the pending plans will increase efficiency and conservation while reducing operating costs, she added.
"This has been a long time coming," Vealitzek said. "I'm excited to see the process get underway."
Sloot said the complex of buildings south of Route 176 and west of Fairfield Road were part of the initial purchase and remain the heart of Lakewood.
The forest preserve in 1968 bought the 1,020-acre Lakewood Farms and associated buildings. Through 51 subsequent transactions, the former "gentleman's farm" has expanded to 2,835 acres.
The next structure to be torn down encompasses three connected buildings, including a bull barn, that was converted in the mid-1970s to the Lake County Discovery Museum.
The facility closed in September 2016. It was relocated to the district's headquarters in Libertyville and reopened in 2018 as the Dunn Museum.
Elsewhere at Lakewood, a former granary where the grounds crew is located eventually will be taken down and replaced. The large dairy barn and twin silos are in good shape and will remain as landmarks of the past, Sloot said.
"I grew up in Mundelein and when I was a kid this is where we went," he said. "It's hard to see them (buildings) go but basic facts and reality says its something that needs to happen."
One surprise already has surfaced - framing of a likely 1870s structure within the envelope of the archives building. That will be carefully exposed and studied, Sloot said.
The forest board on Tuesday will consider contracts totaling $396,400 for architectural and engineering work associated with the master plan.
Construction of various elements, including a three-season shelter on nearby Taylor Lake, is expected in 2021 and 2022.