The Garfield Finds an Online Home
For Immediate Release
For more information, contact Anno Domini IV spokesman Matt Baron at matt@thegarfield.com or 708-860-1380.
Hinsdale—Just in time for the holiday season, developer Anno Domini IV has launched TheGarfield.com, a Web site dedicated to informing residents about its multi-use development in downtown Hinsdale.
“Our aim is to provide you with facts so that you have a clear and firm understandding of the history of The Garfield,” the Web site’s home page reads. Above that greeting is a picturesque rendering of the project, to include retail on the first floor, retail/offices on the second floor and six luxury condominiums on the third floor.
The same rendering appears in a storefront window at the site, on the southwest corner of Garfield and First streets. Alongside the street-level display is a listing of facts that for the past week have pointed passers-by to the Web site.
The Garfield is a sorely needed anchor building whose attractive design, high-caliber construction and myriad economic benefits would help revitalize the downtown. Between sales tax, property tax and other revenues associated with the development, the project would generate over $100,000 annually for village coffers.
Anno Domini IV’s goal is to empower residents with easy-to-follow information in one central location, so they can better evaluate the project’s merits and the actions of the village in seeking to halt its development.
In February 2004, Anno Domini IV received approval for The Garfield from the Hinsdale Village Board. But after elections in spring 2005 changed the composition of the board, officials began the process of “undoing” that approval.
Litigation has ensued, and the case is pending in DuPage County Circuit Court.
The village has spent nearly $500,000 in legal fees fighting The Garfield. In addition, if the court rules in Anno Domini IV’s favor, then the village could be liable millions of dollars in the developer’s legal and related expenses as well as damages.
TheGarfield.com includes news stories related to the development, a timeline of events to help observers track the three-year saga, and excerpts of what some have said about the project and the governmental and legal process that has occurred thus far. Visitors can also “speak out” by using contact information provided on the site for Anno Domini IV as well as village officials.
Anno Domini IV is a partnership of The Gammonley Group and Anno Domini Worlwide (formerly Revere Midwest). Anno Domini IV remains committed to bringing The Garfield to Hinsdale, and to its belief that doing so will be a major benefit to the village’s downtown.