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Update on Lease Negotiations with the Village of Libertyville

Lack of long-term lease threatens future of the Adler Arts Center—and has already cost Libertyville $100,000 in state funding

Update: Draft Lease Agreement Received – But Concerns Remain
July 3, 2025

We acknowledge receipt of a short term draft lease agreement from the Village of Libertyville, something we have been requesting for many years. While we appreciate finally having a document in hand, the proposed lease falls far short of what is needed to ensure the Adler Arts Center’s long term future.

The draft offers only four year term, a stark departure from our previous 20 year agreements. This limited commitment puts the future of the Adler Arts Center at serious risk and has already had tangible consequences: we recently lost a $100,000 state capital grant due to the Village’s failure to provide a lease of at least 10 years.

Our staff, Board of Directors, and legal counsel are now beginning a detailed review of the document. Because of the significance of this agreement and the impact it will have on our future, this review process will take time and care.

In the meantime, we encourage you to read the full history below and continue to contact Village leadership to express your concerns. Your voice matters now more than ever.

The Situation

The Adler Arts Center, a nonprofit organization entirely independent from the Village of Libertyville, has been informed that the Village will only offer us a short term lease of three to five years. This is a dramatic shift from the 20 year agreements that have allowed us to maintain and invest in the David Adler Estate over the past several decades.

It’s important to understand that while the Village owns the property, which it acquired in 1956 for just $25,000, less than 10 percent of its market value, it does not operate, fund, or subsidize the Adler Arts Center in any way. We are self-funded through grants, donations, and program revenue, and we receive no operating support from the Village.

Despite this, we have served as primary stewards of the Adler Estate, preserving its historic architecture and providing arts programming to thousands of community members each year.

Even more concerning, the draft lease completely disregards and seeks to limit our access to the 11-acre wooded area on the property—land that the Village long referred to as “no-man’s land” and left neglected. Since 2018, we have worked to restore and activate this space, transforming it into a vibrant, natural extension of the arts campus, a safe path for cross-country runners, and a beloved community asset. This reversal not only undermines our stewardship but threatens to erase years of environmental restoration and outdoor engagement.

Lost Funding, Lost Opportunities

In 2024, the Adler Arts Center was awarded a $100,000 state grant thanks to the support of Senator Mary Edly-Allen and Representative Laura Faver Dias. This grant required a minimum 10 year lease to be responsibly spent on critical building repairs.

Instead of working with us to meet this requirement, the Village asked us to redirect the funds to them. We declined. Without a long term lease or the formal meeting that we have been asking for,  it would have been irresponsible to transfer stewardship of public money. As a result, the Village’s inaction has cost the community vital funding.

We remain committed to advocating for a sustainable, long term future for the Adler Arts Center and for the community it serves. We hope the Village will reconsider its position and work with us to secure the future of this historic cultural asset.

How you can help:

send mail to:

Mayor Johnson and Trustees

118 W. Cook Ave.  Libertyville, IL 60048

Mayor

Village Trustees

Subject: Support the Adler Arts Center and Preserve the Adler Estate

Dear Mayor Johnson and Village Trustees,

I am writing as a member of the Libertyville community who cares deeply about the future of the Adler Arts Center and the historic Adler Estate.

While I understand that the Village has finally provided a draft lease agreement, it is troubling that the proposal is short-term and arrived only after months of silence and delay. Because of this prolonged uncertainty, the Adler Arts Center has already lost a major $100,000 state grant, funding that would have directly supported the preservation and programming at this cultural landmark.

This short-term approach sends a troubling message about the Village’s commitment to this community treasure and the legacy of David Adler.

Please act now to secure a long-term future for the Adler Estate. We need leadership that values culture, preservation, and transparency. The community is watching—and ready to help.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Subject: Preserve the Adler Estate with a Long-Term Lease

Dear Mayor Johnson and Village Trustees,

I urge you to support the Adler Arts Center by offering a fair, long-term lease of 10 years or more. The Adler Center is a nonprofit that funds itself and has served as the sole steward of the David Adler Estate—preserving and programming this historic home on behalf of the community.

The Village’s newly issued short-term lease draft places the Adler Center’s future at risk. This uncertainty has already resulted in the loss of a $100,000 state capital grant, and more funding is on the line.

A short lease threatens the long-term preservation of this architectural landmark and one of Libertyville’s most valued cultural institutions.

Please do the right thing.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Subject: Concerns About the Draft Lease for the Adler Arts Center

Dear Mayor Johnson and Village Trustees,

I am writing to express serious concern about the Village’s recently issued draft lease for the Adler Arts Center.

While I appreciate that a draft has finally been shared, it is deeply disappointing that it proposes only a short-term lease—despite the Adler Center’s history of responsible stewardship and repeated requests for a long-term commitment. The previous 20-year lease expired in April 2024, and the delay in renewing it has already caused the loss of significant state funding.

A short-term lease does not reflect the value this institution brings to Libertyville or the trust it has earned. I urge the Village to revise the lease and offer a long-term agreement that provides the stability and support necessary for the Adler Arts Center to thrive.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sign HERE.

The Village of Libertyville Board of Trustees meets every other Tuesday at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall, located at 118 West Cook Avenue.

These meetings are open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and participate during the public comment portion of the agenda.

Public Comment Guidelines:

  • Each speaker is allowed up to 3 minutes to address the Board.

  • Comments should be respectful and focused on issues relevant to the Village.

  • Speakers must sign up before the meeting begins, either in person or via any online form provided by the Village.

  • It’s recommended to prepare remarks in advance to stay within the time limit.

This is an important opportunity for residents and supporters of causes like the Adler Arts Center to voice concerns, ask questions, or express support directly to Village leadership.

For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit the Village’s official website at libertyville.com.

Work our non-profit has contributed to this "Village owned" property: