La Salle Council Approves $20,000 Purchase of Vacant Hotel Kaskaskia
City officials aim to demolish the six-story landmark to end a long legal battle and clear space for potential green space in downtown.
By Kwame Silva ·
The La Salle City Council authorized the purchase of the former Hotel Kaskaskia for $20,000 on Monday, a move designed to end a multi-year legal dispute and clear the way for the building's demolition.
Aldermen voted 6-1 to pass an ordinance approving the purchase and a dismissal with prejudice against Troy Heather LLC in case No. 2025-MR-000055. First Ward Alderman James Demes cast the only opposing vote. First Ward Alderman Bob Thompson, who opposed the underlying settlement in October, was absent from the chamber. Fourth Ward Alderman Jordan Crane, who missed the previous settlement vote, expressed hesitation before supporting the measure. Crane stated, “This was a tough one for me,” adding that he voted in favor due to the city's best interest despite the position the developers had created.
Third Ward Alderman John Lavieri offered a brief explanation for his vote, saying, “Reluctantly, aye.” Mayor Jeff Grove also voted in favor of the purchase. Deputy City Clerk Brent Bader confirmed the city intends to demolish the structure and is currently seeking state or federal funds to cover the costs. If grants are unavailable, the city plans to use Tax Increment Financing funds or other available options.
Mayor Grove stated that the demolition will not be funded by ordinary property tax revenue. He described the building as dangerous and an eyesore for downtown La Salle. Grove noted that city personnel have inspected the structure and deemed restoration unrealistic. He observed, “It’s been 26 years. Every year we wait, it’s not going to get cheaper.”
The property history involves Blouke Carus, who purchased the hotel at auction in 2003 for $1. The city established a downtown TIF zone in 2007 to incentivize redevelopment, but the project stalled. Bader explained that the developer's TIF agreement was never finalized, and roof repair costs were never reimbursed. Grove indicated that continued litigation was inefficient because the building is held in a separate LLC that shields other assets.
The Hotel Kaskaskia is a six-story National Register landmark that occupies most of a city block. The city obtained a search warrant in June 2022 after citing busted windows, animals inside, and facade cracks. Inspections were completed in January 2025. A redevelopment agreement expired in December 2020, and the property was headed to auction by 2025. Second Ward Alderman Tom Ptak previously suggested creating a public park at the site.
No specific demolition date has been set. Grove invited residents with questions to contact him, the aldermen, or Bader directly.
