The Village of Glenview purchased the Signode building on Pfingsten Road, vacant since 2022, to potentially add new green space and a recreational center to benefit the public.

After almost 70 years as an industrial space, the 56-acre property was purchased for $23.37 million to transform the space into a recreational facility, The Chicago Tribune reported. While not confirmed, the property will potentially feature athletic fields, trails, and playgrounds, according to The Glenview Park District.

“Transforming an industrial campus into green, open space will deliver long-term environmental benefits, reducing noise, traffic, and storm water impacts while creating new opportunities for habitat restoration,” according to The Glenview Park District.

South has always been an anticipated buyer of parking spaces or field access, David Just, Community Engagement Manager for the Village of Glenview, said. However, South is still deciding if we will purchase part of Signode, Superintendent Dr. R.J. Gravel said.    

“We are looking at what our needs are and then figuring out how we can maximize our space,” Gravel said. “We have already started thinking, ‘How can we incorporate portions of this property potentially into this plan?’”

If South purchases part of Signodes’ space, some changes would have to be made to ensure the protection of students, Gravel said. To ensure student safety when crossing Pfingsten Road, overheads or underpasses may be a part of the plan, and to alleviate extra traffic during school hours, the fields and parking would primarily be used in the evenings and weekends, Gravel explained. The new additions to the former Signode property would not raise property taxes for the surrounding homes, which South takes pride in, Gravel said.

“This entire plan is funded through our current revenue,” Gravel said. “We are not seeking revenue from our community. We have built money into our budget to pay for these enhancements.”