Plainfield Township Seeking Plans for New Senior Wing

officials are keeping mum on the identities of the architects they've asked to submit design plans for a new senior addition.

Three architectural firms has been asked to submit design proposals for the planned for the north side of the township building. The addition is expected to cost $500,000, the bulk of which will be shared by the and Plainfield Township.

The township has preliminary sketches from Plainfield architect showing a recreation area, a "living-room-like" lounge and a loft office for senior service administrators. Lambert designed the current township hall, built in 2005.

State law allows township governments to bypass the bidding process for some contracts, including architects. But they can also call for “letters of interest” from firms, review no less than three proposals, and evaluate them on qualifications and past performance. Choosing the low bid is not required.

“It’s not fair just to pick one architect and pay whatever they tell us,” township Supervisor John Argoudelis said. “Let the chips fall where they may.”

Said Trustee Tony Fremarek: “I think it’s fair. ... It’s the right thing to do.”

However, the township won't release the names of the architects from whom they're expecting design proposals until next month, he said.

Funding for the new wing will come from three sources: $250,000 from the township, $150,000 from the park district and $100,000 in state funds obtained by state Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego). The park district and township will share the costs for permits, architectural services and furnishings, officials said.

Ground was to be broken this spring, but plans were delayed because of the uncertainty surrounding the state's capital bill, the funding source for the grant, and detail discussions with the park district, Argoudelis said. It's still not certain the grant will go through, he said.

“The extra year allowed the township to save more money so we really don't need the grant to do this, although we may still get the grant,” he said.

The township and park boards recently signed an agreement that gives the township final word on issuing contracts.

“We will do everything we can to agree, but if we can’t, the township will have the final say,” Argoudelis said at the township board meeting this week.

ARGOUDELIS WATCH: 255 days since Election Day 2010 and still no statement from Plainfield Township Supervisor John Argoudelis on whether he intends to be both township supervisor and a Will County Board member.