Village to purchase former Signode campus

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The Village of Glenview Board of Trustees approved the purchase of the former Signode industrial campus at its Nov. 4 meeting, a significant step toward transforming one of Glenview’s largest vacant properties into a vibrant, community-centered amenity.

The 56-acre property, located at 3600-3700 West Lake Avenue, has been on the market since 2020 and vacant since 2022 following the closure of Signode’s industrial operations. 

The Village plans to purchase the site for $23.375 million using available cash reserves, then partner with the Glenview Park District and explore opportunities with other taxing districts, including local school districts, to guide the site’s redevelopment, long-term master plan and transformation into a recreation and open-space area.

While planning remains in the preliminary stages, initial concepts envision transforming the site into a multi-faceted recreation space, potentially including playgrounds, athletic fields, sports facilities, racquet sports, parks, trails, natural areas and open space.

The Village would initially fund the purchase, with costs reimbursed by the Park District and other potential partners as the project advances.Because the project is being paid for using cash reserves, the purchase would not create any new taxes or cuts to services. 

The Village anticipates closing on the property in February, followed by demolition in the spring and site preparation in the fall.

Redevelopment would begin with a collaborative master planning process with the Park District. Public engagement opportunities will help shape the site’s future, and additional opportunities for complementary private development and retail uses could also be considered.

Transforming an industrial campus into green, open space will also deliver long-term environmental benefits — reducing noise, traffic, and stormwater impacts while creating new opportunities for habitat restoration and natural resource preservation.