DuPage County Forest Preserve President: Find 'A Concrete Use' For The Building

The historically significant McKee House in Glen Ellyn could be spared through grassroots efforts and outside help.

Joseph Cantore, President of the DuPage County Forest Preserve, commented on Tuesday after officials postponed a forest preserve commission discussion about the fate of the structure three weeks ago, according to a Daily Herald report.

"I would love to have the McKee House on our landscape," Cantore said, in the story. "But it's got to have a use. I think it can have a use if the proper organizations get involved. The involvement has to be there, and the money has to be there."

District staff are in favor of demolishing the building after an architectural and engineering firm evaluated the home. Costs to repair the structure would cost more than $450,000 for repairs, reports The Daily Herald, and up to $1.5 million to ensure occupancy and safety codes.

The fate of the landmark along St. Charles Road will be determined by commissioners on whether or not they want to knock it down.

"I want to work with Commissioner Whelan on giving them the time they need to find a group or groups that can come in with a use and the funding to make something happen," Cantore said.

More via Daily Herald

READ MORE: Sierra Club Rep: Decision is 'Clear,' Destroy McKee House

Photo via McKee House Renovation Facebook page