Will County moves forward with renovation project - Thursday, September 18, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 15, 2014

For more information, contact 
Anastasia Tuskey (815) 530-2372

Will County moves forward with renovation project that will save $250,000 annually 

Construction has begun to remodel the former Social Security building, located at 158 N. Scott Street in downtown Joliet, to accommodate two Will County government offices. Plans to relocate the Will County Recorder of Deeds and the Coroner’s offices into this building are part of the larger Master Plan to improve and consolidate county services.

“This move will result in a cost savings of $250,000 annually in rental payments,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. “In addition to saving taxpayer dollars, we are also reusing an existing structure and honoring our commitment to downtown Joliet.”

According to Denise Winfrey, chairman of the Capital Improvements Committee of the Will County Board, the renovations will follow the green policy adopted by the County Board. The project is being funded partially from proceeds generated from the gas-to-energy plant which operates at the county-owned Prairie View Landfill. 

"The rehabilitation and reuse of this building for the Recorder of Deeds’ and Coroner's Offices is a critical component of Will County's Master Plan," said Denise Winfrey (D-Joliet). "In cooperation with the City of Joliet, the Board is moving forward with a strategy to help revitalize the county seat by creating a county government complex that consolidates office space, reduces expenses, and makes departments more accessible to the public." 

The 42 space parking lot will be renovated and the surrounding wrought iron fence will be reconfigured to a more aesthetically pleasing fence. New exterior building signage and planters will be added. The new 11,500 square foot interior will be completely renovated and redesigned, and has strategically reutilized existing toilet rooms, mechanical, electrical and data rooms. The interior design of the space utilizes a shared Public Lobby, Conference Room and Break Room and has allowed for a much more efficient layout. The new space design has resulted in a 22% savings in square footage from the existing leased space that the Recorder and Coroner are currently utilizing, resulting in additional rent savings to the County. The design has also included numerous sustainable and energy efficient features such as a new high efficiency HVAC system, LED lighting on the interior and exterior, reflective roof coating, low-flow plumbing fixtures, high recycled content carpeting, flooring and ceiling tiles, low VOC paints and adhesives and sustainable construction practices. The resulting sustainable and energy efficient features are worth approximately 50% of the total construction value of the project.

County Board Speaker Brooks acknowledged this project is reflective of Will County’s master plan of maximizing efficiency for county operations. "Modernizing Will County is a priority of this Board, and today represents a great step in that direction," said Speaker Herbert Brooks, Jr. "This is a comprehensive process that has required careful planning and will ultimately result in better and more efficient services for our residents."

Outside vendor Cordogan Clark designed the remodeled space for Will County and will assist with oversight of the construction on the project. The construction is anticipated to be finished by the end of the year. 

Cutline: SS bldg – Will County Executive Larry Walsh (right) joined Denise Winfrey, chairman of the Capital Improvements Committee of the Will County Board, and other county board members and elected officials to celebrate the beginning of the renovation project for the former Social Security building in downtown Joliet. The building is being remodeled using green practices and will house the Will County Coroner and Recorder of Deeds offices. (Photo courtesy of the Will County Executive Office)

SS bldg 2 – Will County Recorder of Deeds Karen Stukel and Will County Coroner Pat O’Neil were on hand to celebrate the beginning of the renovation project on the former Social Security building in downtown Joliet. When renovations are complete, the building will be home to their respective offices. (Photo courtesy of the Will County Executive Office)