Demolition at Winnetka Post Office site planned for April

The Winnetka Village Council unanimously approved, as part of its consent agenda, a contract with A Lamp Concrete Contractors for the demolition and site restoration of the former post office site.

The $585,000 contract includes a proposal to demolish the building and foundation, removal of the existing parking lot and pavement, site grading and restoration that includes green space and parking improvements.

As previously reported by The Record, the future of the former post office building at 512 Chestnut St. has been discussed by the Village Council for 40 years. The Village bought the centrally located property in 1982, and since 1986, it has been identified as a redevelopment opportunity; though until recently, no action has been taken.

During an October 2025 study session, trustees voiced support for demolishing the building and temporarily converting the site into a vacant lawn until a more permanent solution is agreed to.

In December 2025, the post office finally moved to a new location at 586 Lincoln Ave. ending an ongoing string of lease extensions, according to a memo in the council’s packet.

The council previously indicated that they would like to conduct a public engagement process to determine what the community would like to see at the Chestnut Avenue site.

The demolition and restoration is targeted for June completion, according to village documents, which also say work will begin on March 16 with demolition estimated for April 13-24.

The Village initially gave the job to Golgroup Excavating, which worked on the Crow Island stormwater project in 2024. But Golgroup dropped earlier this year, leading the Village to contact regular contractor A Lamp, which completed streetscape projects throughout Winnetka between 2021 and 2025.

A council memo says completing the project prior to the summer is important to ensure “the site does not remain in a partially demolished or disrupted condition during a period of increased pedestrian activity and downtown events.”

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