La Salle to buy former hotel Kaskaskia for $20,000, plans demolition

The La Salle City Council on Monday authorized the purchase of the former Hotel Kaskaskia property for $20,000, with the city intending to demolish the long-vacant downtown landmark and bring a years-long legal dispute over the building to an end.The council voted 6-1 on an ordinance authorizing the purchase and the execution of a dismissal with prejudice against Troy Heather LLC in La Salle County case No. 2025-MR-000055, the result of the city’s lawsuit over alleged code violations. First Ward Alderman James Demes voted against the measure. First Ward Alderman Bob Thompson, who opposed the underlying settlement at the Oct. 12 meeting, was absent.Fourth Ward Alderman Jordan Crane, who was absent for the Oct. 12 settlement vote, was hesitant before voting.“This was a tough one for me,” Crane said. “Due to the best interest of the city, my vote will be aye for this, with the shame of CL and the position they put us in.”Third Ward Alderman John Lavieri was more succinct.“Reluctantly, aye