By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
Since the 1970s, Glos Memorial Park has provided open space and formal gardens in downtown Elmhurst, the community’s most densely populated area. The Park is the final resting place of both Henry and Lucy Glos, who were laid to rest there and are expected to remain in perpetuity.
In 2017, the Elmhurst Park District purchased 135 Palmer Drive next to Glos Memorial Park, with the intention of rebuilding it into a more useable space for the public.
It is the Park District’s goal to demolish the building and parking lot and return the area to open space available to the community.
An environmental study conducted in 2017 indicated asbestos was detected or assumed to be present, in some of the building’s materials including the insulation, floor mastic, roof sealant and transit panels. All hazardous materials will need to be properly abated prior to demolition or improvements to the building and immediate surrounding area.
Proper abatement plans and specifications are required to ensure abatement work is performed in accordance with State, OSHA and EPA regulations. Park staff has recommended an agreement for services with Midwest Environmental Consulting Services for asbestos project design, contractor bidding, project management and air quality testing. Midwest has provided services for the District on previous projects, including abatement at Wagner Community Center and Wilder Mansion.
In addition, there is an underground storage tank along the front entrance of the 135 Palmer Drive building and staff is further suggesting a contract with Midwest Environmental to oversee and document the removal of that storage tank, which was likely used to fuel the boiler in the building for purposes of providing heat. It is believed the tank contains diesel fuel.
According to staff, the tank’s removal takes several steps, including samples, reports and analysis and must follow all regulations set forth by the State Fire Marshal. That includes the Fire Marshal’s presence on site during the removal.
Following the environmental work and the subsequent demolition of the 135 Palmer Drive building, the Park District will begin site improvements including landscaping and other amenities.
This project will be funded with previously-received developer donations, along with additional donations to be received in 2021.
For more information, call 630-993-8900 or visit epd.org.
