In any case brought under the statutes of the State of Illinois for the acquirement of property through the exercise of the right of eminent domain, whether the same is done in connection with a local improvement or otherwise, it shall be lawful for the city of Chicago to take a fee simple and to hold, lease or sell more land than is needed for public improvement whenever the court in which the proceedings have been instituted finds that such excess land is required to protect, preserve or aid the improvement and is reasonable in quantity therefor.
65 ILCS 20/21-21