Proposals sought for former East Dundee lumberyard site to include new arts center

Chicago Tribune

20-03-2025

East Dundee is inviting developers to submit redevelopment proposals for the former Doederlein Lumber Co. property that are to include a new performing arts venue for the Raue Center for the Arts.
The village purchased the lumberyard in December 2023 from DeLoris Doederlein. It's located on a little more than three-quarters of an acre at 110 Railroad St. in the heart of the downtown district.
Now ready to proceed with its redevelopment, village officials this week released a Request for Proposal, known as an RFP, that outlines East Dundee's vision for the property, which is to be sold to the developer for $10.
They're seeking a mix of commercial and residential development in addition to a performing arts center and commercial storefront spaces being built on what will become an extension of Meier Street.
Under the village's requirements, the developer must agree to a public/private partnership for the Williams Street Repertory/Raue Center, which is being purchased as a lease-to-own building. The RFP stipulates that East Dundee would not own the performing arts venue.
'We've made significant progress with the performing arts center to know it's moving forward,' Village Administrator Erika Storlie said at this week's East Dundee Village Board meeting.
According to the RFP specifications, the center is to have a 4,000-square-foot lobby, 6,000-square-foot stage, sound booth, production and paint shop, loading dock, dressing rooms and administrative office space.
Raue would lease the building and then own it after a 20- to 25-year period. 'This model will set them up for success so they have skin in the game,' Storlie said.
A public/private partnership is necessary because 'there is a great need for performance venue space and there is a great desire to have this performance art center for the community,' she said.
It also will help boost business for downtown restaurants and stores, she said.
'There was a compelling interest in the village acquiring this property to see this development happen and make the performing arts center viable,' Storlie said.
The design fits in with the downtown's historic character and a Tax Increment Financing district will be created for the site, according to the RFP. The new 23-year TIF district is expected to start in 2026.
East Dundee plans to convert a gravel parking lot adjacent to the former lumberyard into a one-way street that extends Meier Street to the north. There will be angle parking on both street sides.
The village also is asking that proposals attempt to include redevelopment of one building, which dates back about 100 years old.
It was initially a bank, which crashed in the 1920s, said Doederlein, who spoke at the meeting. It still has the vault and other items inside, she said.
She would like to see it turned into a museum for East Dundee if possible, she said.
'We need more things down here that people can go visit for free,' Doederlein said.
If reusing the building isn't possible, it will be donated back to the Doederlein family, who may choose to move it, Storlie said.
In addition to the Doederlein property, the village also has purchased a gravel parking lot across from the former lumber yard that is to be used as a park area, extending the green space surrounding The Depot at 319 E. River St.
Construction of a new parking deck is also underway downtown and expected to be finished this year. It will include new commercial space as well.
The projects being planned are going to 'be absolutely phenomenal,' Storlie said. 'The downtown has so much potential.'
The deadline for developers to submit plans for the Doederlein property is July 7. On March 31 and April 28, the village will host interested companies that want to see the property and meet with officials.
Staff expects to present a formal recommendation to the board by September.