The City of Elgin invites the public to attend a ribbon cutting event for the Elgin Homes Dairy Lofts, located at 1000 N. Preston Avenue. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 12 at 2:00 p.m. The renovation of the historic Homes Dairy building built in 1936, began one year ago by private developer Keith Farnham. Farnham purchased and renovated the vacant building, located in a residential neighborhood, into four loft condominium units.
The project was made possible with the assistance of the City of Elgin Economic Development Incentives, funded through the Riverboat Lease Fund. The City Council chose to provide financial assistance for the transformation of an empty commercial building into a building more consistent with its surroundings, said Ray Moller, Director of Economic Development for the City of Elgin.
Moller said the city provides assistance for projects of this nature on an as-needed basis. “We evaluate each project on its merit, and if it makes sense, we’ll do it,” Moller said.
Farnham is excited about the rehabilitation of this historic building. “The best projects are the ones that begin with a vision and involve the neighbors and the city,” Farnham said. “With involvement, you can improve our neighborhoods, and that’s what it’s all about.”