Forest Park Begins Altenheim Demolition Project

Representatives from the Village of Forest Park gathered yesterday to celebrate the start of the Altenheim Demolition Project, signified by the removal of the spire from the chapel building.

“We’re excited to begin on this project that will give this land a more useful purpose for Forest Park residents,” said Mayor Rory Hoskins. “There are a number of great possibilities for this site that will help the continued development of the Village.”

While an exact plan for the site has not yet been developed, the Village has committed to preparing the site for a future mix-use that will consist of residential, commercial and green space.

The Altenheim site was built in the late 1800’s for the housing and care of elderly members of the German community. After more than a decade in operation, the Altenheim Board of Directors chose to shutter its nursing home buildings, ultimately selling the acres to the Village of Forest Park in 2002. These aged buildings fell into disrepair and, after an independent review by an architectural historian found that the property housed no buildings or structures of historical significance, the decision was made to demolish the buildings.

In January 2021, the Forest Park Village Council voted unanimously to accept a $750,000 repayment grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for the demolition project. The project is expected to be completed end of July 2021.