Joliet Housing Authority To Occupy Former AT&T Building Near River

JOLIET, IL— One of the great unknowns for downtown Joliet's revitalization efforts — the fate of 65 Riverfront Plaza — has been determined thanks to the purchase of the empty 97,000-square-foot former AT&T building overlooking the Des Plaines River canal near the Jackson Street Bridge.

Joliet Patch has learned that the Joliet Housing Authority, led by long-time chief executive officer, Michael Simelton, have lofty plans for the property. The Joliet Housing Authority's non-profit affiliate, Hope Bound Development Corporation, has purchased the building for approximately $1.5 million.

"The Joliet Economic Development community's passion for investment in its future continue to amaze and inspire me. So, this project is made possible, in part, by our unwavering commitment to providing the quality affordable homes and the creation of communities of choice for the clients we serve," Simelton informed Joliet Patch's editor on Thursday.

The Chicago-based development company trying to sell it was calling it 65 Riverfront Plaza. The address of the property, 65 West Webster Street, is more appealing to Simelton as its name.

"I like the sound of 65 West Webster," Simelton remarked.

The Joliet Housing Authority plans to relocate from its long-time offices along Broadway and Marion Streets, once the remodeling work is finished. Simelton told Joliet Patch he's hoping the building renovations begin in September or October, with the hope of having the new Joliet Housing Authority headquarters open for staff and clients by early 2026.

According to Simelton, the Joliet Housing Authority plans include:

• The addition of retail storefront space on the first floor.
• The second floor would be used for the creation of 20 to 25 one-bedroom efficiency apartment units geared toward Joliet's young working professionals.

• Also on the second floor, at the far northern end of the property, an attached two-story building could be turned into a fitness center.
• Simelton and the rest of the Joliet Housing Authority staff, roughly 30 employees, would have their new offices on the third and fourth floors of the building.

Simelton said the Joliet Housing Authority Board unanimously approved the project, which he believes will be a great addition to downtown Joliet. "We want this to become a multipurpose building," Simelton told Joliet Patch.

Joliet Housing Authority Treasurer/Commissioner Garland Mays told Joliet Patch, "I'm very happy that the housing authority was able to purchase this property in the heart of downtown Joliet. This building will serve for future needs for the housing authority and the residents here in the city of Joliet.

"It's a multipurpose building that fits in great with the city and the county and also provides economic growth," Mays insisted.

Housing Authority Board Chairwoman Glenda Wright-McCullum said she fully supports the Joliet Housing Authority's upcoming relocation to downtown Joliet as well.

"We're very excited about it," she said. "We want to bring transformation to the city's downtown ... it will only enhance the city of Joliet and change the landscape with the mixed commercial use."

Many years ago, McCullum said she used to work inside the former AT&T building. Before it was AT&T, Illinois Bell telephone was there.

"That building is a landmark," she said. "We are looking at a 14-month journey from when we begin the project to help with the improvement of downtown's revitalization. It's an awesome opportunity."

Simelton said he has worked at the Joliet Housing Authority since 1989 and the housing authority has always been on South Broadway Street during his tenure. At this point, no decisions have been reached about the future of the South Broadway property.

Previous Joliet Patch coverage:

Joliet's Riverfront Plaza, Now Up For Public Auction

Joliet AT&T Building: New Owner Gets To Work