Plainfield Township Plans Building Addition

is moving forward with a plan to build a 3,000-square-foot addition to the township building, 22525 W. Lockport St.

Township Supervisor John Argoudelis said the final architectural drawings have been completed, and the project will go out for bid on Sept. 6.

The project was initially envisioned as a senior citizens’ wing, but has since become a plan for a multi-use addition complete with additional meeting space for community groups, a kitchen and an office for joint Plainfield Township/Plainfield Park District Senior Coordinator Kathy Whalen.

“It all started with the old senior center,” Argoudelis said, referring to the park district’s River Edge Recreation Center, which has been closed for several years after being repeatedly flooded. “That got flooded out, and they had no home whatsoever,” Argoudelis said.

The township has hosted senior events, but found that its existing meeting space is inadequate for senior groups’ needs, he said. The existing township building was completed in 2005.

Argoudelis was reluctant to disclose the township’s budget for the new project, saying township officials are hoping to keep bids as low as possible and don’t want to tip their hand to potential contractors.

“We hope to come in under budget — shortly after Sept. 6 we’ll know for sure,” he said, adding the township’s portion of the funding will come from surplus budget dollars.

The remainder will be funded by a $100,000 state grant obtained by State Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and $150,000 from the park district. No bonds will be issued to fund the project, Argoudelis said.

“It’s kind of evolved into something useful for more than just seniors,” Argoudelis said, adding the township hopes the addition will serve community groups and private events such as baby showers. The kitchen will include a fridge, counter space and a stove to heat food.

“You wouldn’t be able to cook there, but you’d be able to have catered [food] brought in,” Argoudelis said. Township groups and residents would be given first priority when it comes to scheduling events, he added.

Depending on the bids that are received, construction could begin as soon as this fall. “We’re hoping to start this fall and have it ready by early next year,” Argoudelis said.