PONTIAC - Repairs to the llinois Department of Transportation building damaged by a July 2 fire are expected to begin later this month. IDOT hopes to have all repairs done by Dec. 24, IDOT spokesman Mike Claffey said.
The building at 401 S. Ladd St. was damaged by fire about 11 p.m. July 2, and tires were slashed that night on vehicles parked there, police reports said. No one was injured in the fire, which was extinguished within five minutes.
There was a 911 call about a bomb threat more than an hour before the fire was reported in another 911 call, police reports said. No explosives were found, reports said.
The fire has been investigated as arson since then, said Patti Thompson, spokeswoman for the state fire marshal's office.
The fire destroyed the interior of the building, including contents, and damaged the roof, according to a report from Illinois Auditor General William Holland's office.
Claffey said the time from July and October was spent finalizing construction plans and collecting bids from contractors. McCoy Construction, 417 Sherman Ave., Pontiac, will start repairs on Oct. 29.
IDOT originally thought it would cost $400,000 to repair the building, but the actual cost appears to be closer to $173,000.
Thompson said the case was still under investigation, so she could not release any new details about the fire or investigation. However, Thompson said she would welcome any information the public has about this fire.
People with information are asked to call the arson hot line, (800) 252-2947.
