The legal battle over Breese Tower continues. On Monday, the Illinois Fifth district Appellate Court reversed the Vermilion County Circuit Court’s decisions regarding Tower ownership. The local courts in February and May of last year granted an order declaring the building abandoned and granting the city of Danville the deed to the tower.
The appellate court ruled that the City’s claim against C.A. Collins Enterprises does not meet the requirements of state statutes for abandonment. Effective immediately, C.A. Collins Enterprises has regained ownership of the building. The Tower is officially named Collins Tower, but it is better known as Breese Tower.
Mayor Rickey Williams says the city intends to keep going on it efforts to protect the safety of residents.
The tower is the tallest building in Danville, and has been vacant since 2005. Debris started falling from Breese Tower in February 2006. A protective covering was installed for pedestrians. Part of Main Street has been closed since 2019 when debris from the building fell onto the Street.
There has been talk of groups willing to renovate the building, but nothing specific has come to the city. The issue now will go back to local courts. No new court dates have been sent.
