After spending the past seven years leasing space in Clarendon Hills for its offices, Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary School District 181 has decided to purchase a Hinsdale building for a new home.
On June 26, the District 181 school board authorized the purchase of the building at 133 Ogden Ave. The district is expected to move in by June 30, 2025, the expiration date of its existing lease for space at 115 W. 55th St., according to district officials.
District spokesman Jeffrey Alstadt said, “133 Ogden was one of many properties the district has been investigating over the past several years. Throughout this process, it became apparent that 133 Ogden was the most appropriate choice for the district office.
“This location was within the district boundaries, had the proper zoning, was the appropriate size, provided adequate parking, needed the least amount of remodeling and had the lowest purchase price of any of the other properties being investigated.”
The rent is $23.33 per square foot for the current space. If the new space were available for rent, it would be approximately $18.61 per square foot for a total saving of $33,000 a year, Alstadt said, adding that owning its office space gives the district long-term stability and increased equity.
“As with owning a home, owning a property can serve as a stable asset for the district and ultimately the community over time,” he said.
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Alstadt said if no issues arise, a closing on the property could take place as soon as August.
The amount of space at the new building — 13,275 square feet over three floors — is more than the 12,000 square feet over two floors for the existing offices.
“The district would have more space to host districtwide meetings and improved safety protocols, since it will be the only organization in the building,” Alstadt said. “The building would also allow the district to improve internal collaboration, since multiple departments will now be able to share common areas and work in close proximity, as well as host larger staff meetings without disrupting the school environment.”
In its Clarendon Hills offices, the available space mandates that departments are located in different spaces, often making collaboration difficult, Alstadt said.
He said being in the desirable western suburbs has made it difficult to find a suitable and affordable property.
“(District 181) has specific requirements for its new office space,” he said. “The district needs to accommodate its staff and operations. It also requires space within our district boundaries. These requirements have made finding a property meeting all D181’s needs difficult.
“Despite these challenges, D181 continued to be committed to finding a new office. In an effort to ensure that we were thorough in our search, the district worked with a real estate firm to identify any other potential properties and ensure the best value for the district.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelancer.