Lake Villa Officials Plan Revitalization of Historic School Site

A vacant school building in Lake Villa, Illinois, is set to be demolished, with local officials aiming for its redevelopment to enhance the local economy. The Joseph J. Pleviak Elementary School, built in 1910, has been transferred to the village from the Lake Villa School District 41. This move is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the area surrounding the northwest corner of Milwaukee and Grand Avenue.

Village Administrator Michael Strong emphasized that the village will market the site to ensure that any potential developers align with its long-term comprehensive plan. With the acquisition of the properties at 304 E. Grand Avenue, officials envision a more walkable community that could lead to significant projects revitalizing the downtown core business district. Plans under consideration include mixed-use developments that combine commercial and residential spaces. Notably, proposals for a gas station and entirely residential projects have been ruled out.

At a recent farewell event for the school, Lake Villa Mayor James McDonald remarked on the importance of this collaborative effort. “This partnership is a great example of how intergovernmental cooperation can lead to better outcomes for our residents,” he stated. He added that it reflects a shared commitment to building a stronger future for Lake Villa. The aim is to turn the dormant site into a vibrant area that bolsters the local economy and improves amenities for residents.

The school, originally named Central School, was renamed Joseph J. Pleviak in 1973 in honor of a former teacher. According to records from the Lake Villa Historical Society, the building was a two-story brick structure containing a library and four classrooms. In 2014, the school closed due to declining enrollment, later being leased to Round Lake Unit District 116 for a kindergarten program, which concluded in the 2023-24 school year.

The village plans to allocate 80% of the revenue generated from the sale to the school district, while 20% will be retained by the village to cover redevelopment expenses, including environmental studies and planning efforts. School board President Michael Conway expressed that the collaboration aims for the best possible outcome for the community, stating, “The goal is to get the best possible outcome for the benefit of our community as a whole.”

Village officials encourage community engagement and invite residents to visit lakevilla.org for updates and opportunities to contribute ideas for shaping their downtown area once a developer is identified. The site has long been viewed as significant, situated at the intersection of Routes 83 and 132, considered the gateway to the downtown district.

As plans move forward, village leaders have assured that any new development will include some form of recognition of the historic school, honoring its legacy within the community.