Department of Public Works & Buildings v. Halls

The single question presented by this appeal, which is an off-shoot of a condemnation proceeding, is whether Charles Jordan, the lessee of a parcel of land owned by Vera Gorowski, properly exercised an option to purchase the leased premises. The circuit court of Vermilion County found the purported acceptance constituted a counteroffer and held the option was not exercised. A divided appellate court reached a contrary result, (Dept. of Public Works and Buildings v. Platts, 63 Ill. App. 2d 304,) and we have granted leave to appeal. Actually a condemnation award is the prize sought by the…