St. Mary Carmelite Church sold

St. Mary Carmelite Church has a new owner.

The downtown church is on its third private owner since it was sold by the Diocese of Joliet in 2012. It has yet to be put to a new use.

The city has been talking with the new owner about plans for the building, Joliet Economic Development Specialist Derek Conley said Monday.

"He's exploring a lot of options right now," Conley said.

Conley would not identify the owner other than to say the man owns a construction company and appreciates the church's historical value.

"Right now, he's focused on securing the building – making sure more damage is not done to it," Conley said. "He's focused on preserving the limestone structure."

The owner may convert the church into an entertainment venue, banquet facility or combination of uses, Conley said.

The 113 N. Ottawa St. church was built between 1877 and 1882 from Joliet limestone. It was designed by Patrick Charles Keely, a prolific church architect whose work includes Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago.

The Joliet Historic Preservation Commission tried to make the church a local landmark last year but the previous owner, Michael Feldman, objected and said it would foil his efforts to sell the building.

Feldman agreed to put a restrictive covenant on the building to prevent its demolition.

The City Council on Jan. 7 rejected the landmark status in lieu of the covenant.

The last mass at the church was in 1991, although the building continued to be used. The building no longer was in use when the diocese sold it.