Lake Forest has found a way to renovate its downtown train station with a minimal affect on the City’s taxpayers as grants provide the bulk of the funding. Each time non taxpayer money is found, something else gets done.
The roof has been repaired and hip dormers replaced with the first wave of funds, an $835,000 grant from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), according to Assistant City Manager Carina Walters.
Walters is also quick to give credit to the Lake Forest Historic Preservation Foundation for its help obtaining the grant. “We couldn’t have gotten the money without (them),” she said.
After the initial payment, Walters went to work obtaining a $1.2 million ITEP grant as well $250,000 from Metra and $150,000 from the city treasury. What’s next? “We’re going to see how far that will take us,” she said.
The City is currently getting bids for painting the exterior and tuck pointing. “If there is money left we’ll begin to look at the interior common area,” Walters said. She emphasized money is sought outside the Lake Forest treasury.
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