Business & Tech
Giesche Shoes Demolition Delayed Until Aug. 1
After several lawsuits and appeals from preservationists, the building will be demolished on August 1.
GLEN ELLYN, IL — Downtown Glen Ellyn is about to look different than it currently does. Despite protests from preservationists, the historic Giesche Shoe store building will be demolished on August 1 to make way for the five-story Apex 400 development, which includes a two-story parking garage, 107 luxury apartments, and 8,800 square feet of commercial space.
The building was initially set to be razed on July 23. At press time, no reason was given for the delay.
Village officials approved the $40 million project in April with sights set on starting construction in summer of 2019. As developers planned to move forward, though, Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation sought to designate the site as a landmark in an effort to stop the building from being razed.
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Per village code, the initial request to designate the building as a landmark would have required approval from its owners, GSP Development. Members of Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation posted on social media that the Glen Ellyn Historic Preservation Commission unanimously voted to designate the building as a landmark, but GSP Development, who are also the developers behind Apex 400, denied approval.
According to a news release, GSP Development submitted the necessary documents to verify whether the site was historically significant and was given the go-ahead to demolish the building by the Illinois Department of National Resources' Historic Preservation Division.
Find out what's happening in Glen Ellynfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Another motion filed by Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation on Friday, sought a temporary restraining order in an effort to postpone demolition. This motion was also denied by the court, which led to the immediate authorization of demolition.
On Monday, Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation shared a social media post stating that they have another hearing on July 25 and still seek to maintain the "overall mission of responsible development which includes a goal of stopping Apex."
How do you feel about the Giesche Shoe store being demolished? Let us know in the comments.
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