Council approves $108,636 state grant for demolition on Pillsbury site

The City Council on Aug. 19 authorized a $108,636 subrecipient grant agreement with Moving Pillsbury Forward (nonprofit) to fund demolition of two abandoned buildings on the Pillsbury site. The funds come from an energy transition community grant administered through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
Moving Pillsbury Forward’s Chris Richmond told the council crews have removed asbestos, are applying a silver coating to silos, and expect coating work to be finished in mid-September. Demolition and site cleanup will continue through fall and winter; Moving Pillsbury Forward expects to have all structures removed in 2026.
Why it matters: The demolition is part of a multi-year neighborhood and site remediation effort aimed at removing blight and preparing the site for future redevelopment. Council members asked about minority and local participation; Richmond said contractors provided participation numbers late in the day and that the organization is encouraging local hiring and contractor engagement.
Council action: The subrecipient grant agreement (filed as 2025-0326) passed by a recorded vote (10–0). Staff said DCEO requires the funding be passed through to the nonprofit to cover demolition and remediation expenses.
Next steps: Contractors will complete remaining asbestos abatement and silo coating, then proceed with demolition and recycling/cleanup operations; Moving Pillsbury Forward will coordinate community cleanups and neighborhood outreach in parallel.