Will County details Core Annex work, veterans assistance fit‑out and parking upgrades

Will County facilities director Bill Frode reported progress on several county building projects during a Capital Improvements and IT Committee meeting, describing work at the Core Annex, a veterans assistance commission fit‑out in the former Silver Cross Hospital, parking-lot resurfacing at River Valley and a recent full‑building fire drill.

Frode told the committee that bids have been opened for interior modifications to the Core Annex and that construction “should be starting daily,” with the project targeted for completion in fall 2025. He said mechanical work is under way on multiple projects and that the county will provide photo updates as work progresses.

The meeting also addressed the planned veterans assistance commission (VAC) location in the former Silver Cross Hospital. Frode said the VAC will occupy portions of the building and that “there possibly, there will be shared shared occupancy.” When asked how many floors the VAC will take, he said “2 floors” and that layouts are being reconfigured as part of a space‑needs analysis. On the possibility of short‑term veteran accommodations in that building, Frode said, “Do not believe so,” adding that providing overnight accommodations would change permitting and the building’s mechanical needs.

Frode described safety and systems work at the VAC site: glazing and glass in the front lobby are complete, security equipment has been installed, and the mechanical contractor will begin repressurizing and testing domestic water systems that “have not been in use for roughly 12 years.” He said the outside camera system includes audible warnings and red‑and‑blue lights and “has the ability to actually call the police department” if required.

At River Valley, Frode said the parking lot resurfacing, signage replacement and related work are complete. He thanked the county’s Department of Transportation staff led by John Kearns, saying coordination on signage saved “a considerable amount of money.” He also said river‑valley signage and a fresh lot “really, really changes the face of the facility when you pull in.”

Frode reported a full fire drill for the administration building that met and beat the evacuation time standard: organizers expected about five minutes and completed the drill in three minutes and 40 seconds. He credited department safety monitors and cross‑department participation, including sheriff’s craftsmen who assisted trades work countywide.

Committee members pressed for additional visible upgrades to older county spaces. County board member Judy O'Gala questioned bathroom and cosmetic improvements and referenced earlier FEMA funding conversations; Frode said full restroom remodels can escalate quickly because of fixtures and original terrazzo floors, but that cosmetic work such as painting and changing ceiling tiles can be done in‑house. On scaffolding and exterior panels at the courthouse, Frode said replacement panels are being manufactured and are expected within “the next 30 days,” and added that large protective scaffolding will be removed once a swing stage is used to replace panels from above.

No formal votes were taken on any of the building items during the discussion. Frode described timelines as aggressive for some interiors (he said staff are “looking at getting them in there by November” for certain spaces) and asked for continued patience as the projects proceed. The director said he will provide photographs and further updates at future meetings.