What's Happening?
Niles Township High School District 219 has sold a property located at 6119 Howard Street in Niles for $2,600,100 to Burnham Venture Partners LLC. The property was originally purchased in 2015 for $2.5
million with the intention of using it as a bus terminal for the district's buses and those of several other local school districts. However, plans to utilize the property as a transit depot were thwarted when the village of Niles denied a necessary zoning change, citing concerns over increased bus traffic in the industrial area. The sale was approved unanimously by the Board of Education on November 11, 2025, after the property had been available for sale since 2020. Burnham Venture Partners LLC was the only bidder, and they have a 90-day due diligence period to inspect and review all related documentation for the property.
Why It's Important?
The sale of the Howard Street property marks the end of a prolonged effort by Niles Township High School District 219 to repurpose the site for educational transportation needs. The district's inability to secure zoning approval highlights the challenges faced by educational institutions in navigating local government regulations. This development may influence future decisions by school districts regarding property acquisitions and zoning negotiations. The sale also reflects the district's strategic shift, as they have since acquired another property on Oakton Street to serve as their transit hub. The transaction provides financial relief and allows the district to redirect resources towards more feasible projects.
What's Next?
Following the sale, Burnham Venture Partners LLC will conduct a thorough inspection and review of the property during the 90-day due diligence period. The district will continue to focus on utilizing the Oakton Street property as its transit hub. Local stakeholders, including the village of Niles, may monitor the development of the Howard Street site under its new ownership, potentially influencing future zoning and development decisions in the area. The district's experience may serve as a case study for other educational institutions facing similar zoning challenges.
