Chicago has announced a $38.4 million redevelopment project to turn a vacant 21 acre site along Roosevelt Road in North Lawndale into a sprawling industrial and innovation center which will be part of the city's Invest South/West initiative.
Chicago Tribune reports that the Joint project by 548 Development and Related Midwest was selected from among eight proposals. This would redevelop city-owned land along Roosevelt Road and Kostner Avenue and would include:
- 302,000 square foot industrial complex
- Two adjacent buildings for job training and other community-related uses
The city is selling the land, which is one of the largest vacant industrial sites on the West Side, to the developers for $1 as part of the project. This would still require approval from the City Council. The site was once home to a Copenhagen snuff plant and other manufacturers.
The site was uncovered as an illegal dumping ground for hazardous construction waste during the federal Operation Silver Shovel political corruption investigation during the 1990's and was previously suggested as a home for the Obama Presidential Center. Once known as Mount Henry by residents, the site was used by companies contracted by the city to build roads and highways. The construction waste piled six stories high, causing toxic debris to blow from the pile and blanket the surrounding neighborhood, including nearby Sumner Elementary school.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot praised the redevelopment of the long-fallow site which is expected to bring 700 permanent and temporary jobs and a logistics-fueled economic engine to the West Side.
The project will include the following:
- Two industrial buildings
- Holding 62 docking spaces
The Chicago Department of Transportation plans to increase roadway clearance under the nearby rail viaduct on Kostner Avenue which will improve access for trucks off the Eisenhower Expressway.
The $8.4 million road project is partially funded through a $4.8 million grant from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act.
The broader redevelopment will also include:
- Adjoining community park
- Adjacent recreational trail
- Environmental remediation
- Site preparation
Block Club Chicago states that the North Lawndale Innovation Center will offer workforce training, retail and offices for the community and the development's two industrial buildings will house freight, distribution and cold storage tenants.
"Chicago's central location has long made it a prime location for industrial operations. Through this exciting and sustainable new project, we will be able to not only build on this reputation, but bring lucrative freight and logistics jobs and a community innovation space to our North Lawndale community."
Mayor of Chicago | Lori Lightfoot
The rail line could be transformed into a trail similar to the 606's Bloomingdale Trail. The railway could eventually feature:
- A bike trail
- Gardens
- A forested section
- Public Art
- Facilities dedicated to athletics and recreation
According to Chicago.gov, minority and women-owned business participation in construction is estimated to achieve 40 percent. Extensive landscaped parking areas will be provided for 86 trailers and 417 passenger vehicles.
The community review process included initial RFP presentations in February 2021, which narrowed the contending development teams from eight to four. DPD staff subsequently worked with each semi-finalist on project refinements until arriving at a winner based on project viability, financial feasibility, development team experience and diversity, and other factors.
Related Midwest and 548 Development's project team also includes Lamar Johnson Collaborative, Ware Malcomb, and Site Design Group.
Portions of the proposed project may require review and approval by the Community Development Commission, the Chicago Plan Commission and City Council. Construction could start by late 2022.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - Lawndale Redefined Development North Lawndale - Chicago (0014082621)