During the new business portion of Monday’s La Salle City Council meeting, Alderman James Bacidore mentioned he received a call from a member of the Illinois Developmental Authority, saying there is a party interested in buying the Kaskaskia Hotel.

Alderman Diz Demes confirmed, saying he received the same call requesting information.

The individual requested the correct address of the hotel, located in downtown La Salle, and said the Metropolitan Development Corporation of Chicago was interested in the property.

“She said that they are looking to buy it and they wanted to see if they can get some grants,” Bacidore said. “Now whether or not this is someone pulling my leg, I don’t trust anybody.”

IHDA was created by the state legislature in 1967 pursuant to the Illinois Housing Development Act as a self-supporting agency to finance affordable housing across Illinois, according to its website. IHDA does not use taxpayer dollars to sustain its operations, although it does administer publicly funded programs on behalf of the state. Since its creation, IHDA has provided more than $20 billion to finance more than a quarter million affordable homes.

Metropolitan Housing Development Corporation is a not-for-profit corporation chartered to develop, own, and manage low and moderate income housing.

The century-old Kaskaskia Hotel, which is not in operation, is owned by CL Real Estate, a company of Peter Limberger’s. Development has been planned for it, but it has not materialized as of yet.

Bacidore mentioned the number came from the Chicago area. Bacidore gave the number to Director of Economic Development Leah Inman, who said she will follow up with the caller and gather further information.

“So maybe there is some light at the end of the tunnel,” Bacidore said.