Two months after paying $125,000 to purchase the building that housed Baci Ristorante at 24018 W. Lockport St., the village will spend another $41,250 on roof repairs for the aging church-turned-restaurant.

Mueller Roofing of Joliet was the low bidder on the project, which will be funded with money from a special downtown taxing district.

The building, which once housed St. Mary’s Catholic church, had been in foreclosure for at least a year. Previous owners Frank and John Perri Jr. had attempted to sell the property, but the need for roof repairs and mold removal in the basement had deterred prospective buyers.

The Italian restaurant had operated out of the converted church for 20 years, closing in 2010.

The village purchased the site in May with the intention of using tax increment financing (TIF) district dollars to repair it, making it more attractive to buyers. TIF dollars also funded the building purchase itself.

Village Planner Michael Garrigan said several potential buyers have expressed an interest in the site.

But before it can be purchased, the village will have to put out requests for proposal for the building.

“There will be a formal process,” he said. 

READ MORE ON THIS STORY FROM PLAINFIELD PATCH:

After 20 Years as a Downtown Mainstay, Baci Ristorante Has Closed

Village in Talks to Purchase, Repair Closed Baci Restaurant

Village Pays $125,000 for Baci; Sale Approved in Consent Agenda Vote

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