ANNOUNCEMENT DATE: September 10, 2025

The Village of Vernon Hills has announced that it is in the process of acquiring the historic Cuneo Mansion & Gardens property from Loyola University Chicago.

Loyola University has made the decision to discontinue operations of the Cuneo Mansion & Gardens campus and to pursue the transfer of the property. The Village of Vernon Hills has agreed to acquire the property under its rights in a 2015 Preservation Agreement between the parties.

The property transfer is expected to be finalized within the next 60 days, with the official acquisition anticipated to occur in January 2026.

"At this time, the Village does not have any plans for the use of the property," said Village President Thom Koch, Jr. "Further evaluation will take place following the formal transfer to determine the best path forward in a manner that reflects both the community's interests and the property's legacy."

Link: September 10, 2025 Media Release

UPDATE: October 7, 2025

• During the October 7, 2025 Village Board Meeting, Trustees moved the acquisition process forward by approving Resolution 2025-056, authorizing the Village President to execute the Cuneo Property Transfer Agreement with Loyola University of Chicago. As part of the discussion, staff outlined the timeline of the original transfer of the property by the Cuneo Foundation to Loyola, including 2009 Presevation Agreement, which included the Village of Vernon Hills as well as Lake County. While that agreement was expected to be in effect for several more years, the dissolution of the Cuneo Foundation gave Loyola impetus to cease their operations.
• The Village will now enter a 60 day Due Diligence phase, including securing updated environmental study information. Assuming the due diligence findings are satisfactory, the official closing is scheduled for January 9, 2026.
• Once the property is transferred, the Village will then focus on gathering community and stake holder feedback and examine options, with a goal of being good stewards to both the historic property as well as the wider community. Information about how people can provide feedback will be communicated once a community engagement plan is created, likely early next spring.
• Learn more about the process by viewing the October 7, 2025 Village Board Meeting. The Cuneo Property discussion begins at the 2 minute mark.