Elfstrom Expansion

A pair of stories from the suburban Chicago papers about another attempt to renovate the Elf.

First, the Kane County Chronicle:

Stadium options on deck

Kane County Forest Preserve officials say they’re working to fix a $6 million funding gap that has held up construction on Elfstrom Stadium since 2006.

The goal is to send the project out for a third set of bids within the next two weeks.

John Hoscheit, the forest preserve commission president, said officials were considering ways to finance expanding the home of the Kane County Cougars, including state grants. He declined to discuss specifics.

“We’re open to options,” Hoscheit said.

...

Two bids on the project have come back with a price of $11 million. The forest preserve has committed $5 million to the project. That leaves a $6 million deficit to be made up.

“The concern is that the longer you wait, the more your construction costs are going to be,” Hoscheit said. “Obviously, someone has to pay for it.”

Obviously.

Now, the Aurora Beacon

Forest District seeks expansion of Elfstrom Stadium

Kane County Forest Preserve and Kane County Cougars officials are hoping the third time is the charm.

The Forest Preserve District will go out for a third round of bids on the expansion of Elfstrom Stadium, home of the Cougars Class A Midwest League Oakland A's affiliate.

Forest Preserve President John Hoscheit, R-St. Charles, said Friday both sides still are negotiating changes in the expansion after two previous rounds of bids came in at more than twice as much as expected.

The changes are small, he said -- like what kind of glass will be used, and how electricity will be distributed. That means the differences between the two versions are small, too, he said.

"We're close," he said. "I don't think any of the amenities will change."

Those amenities include a second deck of seats and an overhang, more concession stands, more restrooms and more private skyboxes.

The hope is to have these renovations done by the start of the 2009 season.