Will County’s Major Capital Projects Hit Key Milestones, VAC Buildout on “Aggressive Schedule”

Will County is making significant headway on several major capital improvement projects, with the new Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) & Support Center in Joliet on an “aggressive schedule” for a November completion, Facilities Director Bill Fern reported Tuesday.

During an update to the Will County Board’s Capital Improvements & IT Committee, Fern detailed progress across multiple county-owned properties, highlighting the extensive work at the former Silver Cross Hospital building at 1300 Copperfield Avenue, which will house the VAC.

“This is probably the biggest news we have at this point in time,” Fern said.

The VAC buildout has seen the full replacement of the front lobby glass and the installation of an advanced security camera system that issues audible warnings to trespassers and can automatically contact the police. The building’s roof is 95% finished, and crews have begun work on the interior space.

“We’re looking at getting them in there by November,” Fern told the committee. “Very aggressive schedule.”

In response to questions from board members, Fern confirmed the building will likely have “shared occupancy” with other county entities, though a full space needs analysis is still underway to determine the final tenants.

Other key projects are also moving toward completion:

• Land Use/Public Defender Renovations: Work at 58 E. Clinton Street is nearly finished. One floor’s renovation is complete, another is underway, and the final move-in and consolidation is expected by the end of August 2025.

• Court Annex/State’s Attorney Renovations: Following a bid opening on June 4, construction on interior modifications at 57 N. Ottawa Street is set to begin on July 17, with an anticipated completion in the fall of 2025.

• Will County Courthouse: The long-awaited replacement of exterior stone panels is expected within the next 30 days as the natural product is currently being manufactured. Fern noted that the large scaffolding currently in place for protection will be removed, and a swing stage will be used for the installation.

The committee also learned that the parking lot at the River Valley Justice Center has been fully restored, with new surfacing, striping, and signage installed by the county’s Division of Transportation, a move that saved “a considerable amount of money.”