Representatives for The Cornell redevelopment hope to have units available for rent in July

HUNTLEY — After hearing updates for the Coral Street Firehouse property, trustees at the June 8 Village Board meeting, also heard updates from the developers of The Cornell redevelopment (formally known as the Catty property), located at 11117 South Church Street.

George Ieremciuc, president of True North Properties, Inc., explained that the developers had run into some hurdles due to sprinkler head supply issues, which resulted in not being able to pass the building inspection.

Additionally, some walls within the building were not able to be entirely closed off. Despite the setbacks, Ieremciuc was pleased to tell the board that the building was able to pass its sprinkler test back on June 2 and at that time, also had about 80% of its walls completed.

While hopeful that The Cornell will be fully open for business by the end of July, Ieremciuc informed the board that he would likely be asking for an opening date extension until at least September to accommodate any potential issues that might arise as construction nears completion.

The exterior of the building also needed to be redone, according to Ieremciuc, due to the chemical compound used to clean the building’s brick not being entirely washed off, which resulted in the coating of whitewash peeling off in some areas.

“I happen to [have] been through that building when it was just the building and the transformation that I [saw] last week was just utterly amazing,” Trustee John Piwko told Ieremciuc after his update to the board. “I know it’s a lot of work so I commend you guys for doing that.”

The other trustees seemed understanding of the delays, with Trustee Ronda Goldman adding that she was especially excited that the building’s “historical purity” was kept intact.

“That means a lot and I have discussed with Mr. (Dave) Johnson [about] getting a plaque by the Historical Society. I think it’s very important because we have houses in that street that [have plaques] and your reputation is outstanding,” she said.

At the upcoming June 22 Village Board meeting, trustees will be presented with a resolution to extend the construction period deadline of The Cornell from July 30 to Sept. 30.