You too could live at Joliet jail
By Bob Okon
Chicago Sun Times
JOILIET, Ill. — The Joliet City Council agreed Wednesday to a public-private partnership with a Chicago developer to put the closed Joliet Correctional Center into commercial use.
Steven Bandolik with Platinum Realty Partners offered only a glimpse of what he has in mind for the old prison, which was featured in ''The Blues Brothers’’ and the TV series ''Prison Break.’'
But local officials have talked about possibilities ranging from a prison museum to stores and residences -- presumably ones in which occupants would be free to come and go as they please.
The agreement passed by the city council obligates Joliet to work exclusively with Platinum Realty Partners for 18 months as they both pursue redevelopment opportunities for the prison.
The Joliet Correctional Center, built in 1866 with limestone walls and a fortress-like appearance, was closed in 2002 and currently is state surplus property.
The prison has continued to be used for TV shows and movies. Joliet officials have said any plan would include keeping the building intact.
The agreement approved Wednesday calls for the city to pursue possible acquisition of the prison from the state. Potential uses for the prison also include entertainment, offices, industry, recreation and open space.
Copyright 2008 Chicago Sun-Times, Inc.