Kankakee, IL – The City of Kankakee is taking the appropriate measures to address public safety in an old, vacant facility. The old General Foods Building, located at 980 N. Hobbie is known to be an attraction for visitors who wish to experience “The Haunted Factory.” The building is owned by the non-profit organization, The American Center for Emergency Response and Education (ACERE).

“The Haunted Factory” is a fundraiser for the organization which also provides the building as a local training facility.  “Once we received a copy of the concerns from the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), our fire department initiated efforts to bring the building into compliance,” said fire chief Damon Schuldt.

Sprinkler systems and fire alarms are being installed at the location.  Meanwhile, the City has notified the President of the Board for ACERE instructing the non-profit to suspend any activities until further notice.

 “Public safety is of utmost importance to the administration.  I commend Chief Schuldt for following up on the complaints, addressing past practices and providing direction moving forward to improve safety at this site for future use,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

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The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

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