Capital Imp Committee: Veterans Assistance Commission Set to Move into New Facility

Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | Jan. 6, 2026

Article Summary: The Will County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) is scheduled to move into its new headquarters at 1300 Copperfield Ave. on Feb. 25, 2026. The renovation project is nearing completion, allowing the county to exit its current lease by March 1.

VAC Facility Key Points:

• Move-In Date: Operations will transfer to the new facility on Feb. 25, 2026.

• Project Status: Roof and glass replacements are complete; interior renovations are in the final stages.

• Cost Savings: The timing allows the county to avoid paying March rent at the VAC’s current leased location on Glenwood Avenue.

• Ribbon Cutting: A public opening ceremony will be scheduled after the agency settles in.

JOLIET — The Will County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) will relocate to its newly renovated permanent home late next month, Facilities Director William Fern announced during the Capital Improvements and IT Committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026.

Fern confirmed that the VAC is targeting a Feb. 25 move-in date for the facility located at 1300 Copperfield Ave.

“The roof replacement is complete, the glass is complete, interior spaces are still underway,” Fern told the committee. He noted that while there are still items on the punch list, the facility should be ready for operations by the end of February.

The timeline is critical for the county’s budget. By completing the move in February, the county will cease tenant payments at the VAC’s current leased space on Glenwood Avenue before March 1.

“That was our goal,” Fern said regarding the lease expiration.

Committee members reacted positively to the update. Chair Mica Freeman (D-Plainfield) visited the site recently and praised the progress.

“It looks great,” Freeman said.

Fern presented photos of the renovations, showing new carpeting and updated office spaces. He noted that the project stayed on budget by refurbishing existing elements where possible, such as cleaning existing wallpaper rather than replacing drywall.

While operations will begin in late February, Fern stated that a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for the public will be coordinated with the VAC and Workforce Services after the agencies have fully settled into the new space.