Villa Park approves donation of 1914 Chicago, Aurora & Elgin rail car for Prairie Path display
Loading...
Summary
The Village of Villa Park Board of Trustees voted to accept a donated 1914 Chicago, Aurora & Elgin rail car for display along the Prairie Path, approving a memorandum of understanding with the Illinois Railway Museum after a public presentation and discussion of sites, permits and phased restoration.
The Village of Villa Park Board of Trustees voted to approve a memorandum of understanding with the Illinois Railway Museum to accept a donated 1914 Chicago, Aurora & Elgin rail car for historical preservation and public display.
Ralph Defibo, a member of the Illinois Prairie Path Commission, told trustees the car — number 321, a 55-foot wooden car built in 1914 — was offered by the museum and that several local partners have agreed to help with transport, exterior restoration and site work. Defibo said potential locations near the Ardmore station and the Chamber of Commerce were under consideration and warned that utilities, underground infrastructure and overhead lines would constrain siting choices.
Defibo and other presenters outlined a phased approach: confirm a site and obtain permits (including any DuPage County approvals if the site is on county property); coordinate rail ties, track and a protective shelter; transport the car from its current location; and perform exterior restoration followed by decisions about interior use. Multiple nonprofits and trade organizations offered material or labor donations, and the Fox River Trolley Museum offered expertise and coordination for moving the car.
Trustees discussed costs, historic preservation oversight and project governance. Trustee comments emphasized the volunteer and donor support already committed; several trustees urged creation of a clear scope of work and coordination with the Village’s historical society and the historical preservation commission. Trustee Kumar requested a scope-of-work discussion and suggested a citizen/staff working group to plan interior use, programming and fundraising.
The board approved the resolution by roll call vote. Staff and volunteers said the project will be executed in phases and that the earliest substantial site work could begin in the spring after final site selection and permitting.
Trustees and project supporters said they plan to document the transport and restoration and to use the car as an educational and recreational amenity once it is placed on a prepared track and platform.
