Wauconda, IL

Village Purchases Land for Future Village Hall Complex

The Village of Wauconda took a step toward a future combined municipal center with the purchase of a home located at 349 S. Main St, a vacant, abandoned home adjacent to the Wauconda Police Department. The Village also owns a small residential home at 339 S. Main, which was rented until December 2022. Both residences will be demolished.

The Village Board is planning for a long-term solution for Village facilities that would combine the departments of Administration, Community Development and Police under one roof on the site of the existing Police Department. By moving out of the commercial area in the downtown, the Village would free up additional land for commercial or mixed use development on Main St, which brings a higher value to the community. There are no immediate plans to construct a new building; however, without additional land currently occupied by the residences, there would not be enough space for the eventual combined facility.  

At the December 7, 2021 regular meeting, the Village Board passed an ordinance authorizing the use of eminent domain to acquire 349 S. Main, but was able to successfully negotiate with the heirs of the previous owner to avoid eminent domain proceedings. The purchase price was $247,500. The seller had presented an appraisal of $310,000 to the Village.  The transaction closed on July 21, 2023.