Joliet OKs architect for Riverwalk Homes redevelopment

Joliet has moved ahead with redevelopment plans for Riverwalk Homes after the hiring of an architect was delayed for two weeks over questions of liability.

The Joliet City Council on Tuesday approved the hiring of Harley Ellis Devereaux for the redevelopment project that will include the demolition of about half of the 356 apartments at the complex.

The project is expected to start at the end of 2021 dependent on financing.

The council two weeks ago tabled a vote on the architect when Mayor Bob O'Dekirk and council member Larry Hug questioned whether the city was exposing itself to liability at the subsidized housing complex by approving contracts.

Joliet is not a direct owner but is a partner with Holsten Real Estate Development Corp. in Riverwalk Homes LLC, which was created when Joliet took over the property from a private owner in 2017 after a lengthy eminent domain lawsuit.

Holsten manages the complex.

The council voted, 7-0, on Tuesday to concur with the hiring of Harley Ellis Devereaux.

It was not unanimous.

Hug, who had walked out of a meeting of the Public Service Committee that he chairs when the matter was discussed two weeks earlier, declared himself "present offering no vote" on the Harley Ellis Devereaux contract.

O'Dekirk, who typically only votes to break ties, did not vote.

City attorney Marty Shanahan, commenting on Joliet's exposure to liability, said he did not think the city was increasing its exposure by approving major contracts at the complex.

A staff memo on the architect selection noted that the city's agreement with Holsten, which manages the complex, requires that Holsten get city consent before undertaking any "major actions."

The selection of an architect for redevelopment "falls into the definition of a major action and thus the city must consent to the selection," according to the memo.

Holsten has estimated that redevelopment will begin in late 2021.

Joliet Budget Officer Ken Mihelich said the schedule still could depend on when the Illinois Housing Development Authority approves financing for the project.