The Vandalia City Council held a TIF review work session on Monday evening to discuss one TIF application. The application was submitted by John Leskera of Leskera Law Firm in Collinsville. Leskera has purchased the Old Capitol Antique building at 322 W. Gallatin Street with the intent to refurbish and renovate the building and open a law office in it once work is complete.
Leskera’s TIF application is for work on the east wall of the building which is deemed the most important part of the project and would include tuckpointing, brick replacement, removing two exterior chimneys and replacing with brick as well as work on 13 window openings. The low bid for the project that Leskera plans to use is from Illini Restoration of Brownstown for $120,900. During that time, Leskera also plans to do another $8,000 of exterior work that he will pay for himself on the south or back wall of the building. When asked about a timeline for the project, Leskera stated he wanted to have it done in time for the Bicentennial celebration next year.
After a short discussion, the council members in attendance for the work session agreed to recommend to the full council that Leskera receive TIF funds to cover the full amount of work on the east wall of the building. The application will be put before the full council for a vote in January.