Glenview Considering $23M Purchase Of Former Signode Industrial Campus

GLENVIEW, IL — It has been three years since Signode closed its industrial operations in Glenview, leaving a 56-acre property vacant on West Lake Avenue. That all may change though as the Glenview Village Board will consider purchasing the property, using $23.75 million in available cash reserves to do it.

Described as "a significant step toward transforming one of Glenview's largest vacant properties into a vibrant, community-centered amenity," the Village of Glenview would partner with the Glenview Park District if things move forward. Through the partnership, the entities would explore opportunities with other taxing districts, including local school districts, to guide the site's redevelopment, long-term master plan and transformation into a recreation and open-space area, according to officials.

The potential purchase will be discussed at the next Glenview Village Board meeting, starting at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4, at Village Hall, 2500 East Lake Ave. Those who can't attend in person can watch the meeting live on Glenview Television (Channel 17 on Comcast) or stream it online at glenview.il.us.

If approved, the property could be closed on in February 2026, followed by demolition in the spring and site preparation in the fall.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape the future of a centrally located, underused property in a way that serves the entire community," Glenview Village President Michael Jenny said Friday. "By working together, we can turn an idle industrial site into something greener, more sustainable, and more accessible for everyone, all while ensuring that local tax dollars are used wisely and collaboratively."

While planning is in the preliminary stages, officials said initial concepts envision transforming the site into a multi-faceted recreation space, potentially including playgrounds, athletic fields, sports facilities, racquet sports, parks, trails, natural areas and open space.

The initial purchase would be funded by the Village, and at a later date, the costs would be reimbursed by the Park District and other potential partners.

The Village would initially fund the purchase, with costs reimbursed by the Park District and other potential partners as the project advances. Officials said because the project is being paid for using cash reserves, it would not create any new taxes or cuts to services.

Officials said there will be public engagement opportunities to "help shape the site's future."