Even though Chicago lost its Olympic bid last week the proposed Olympic Village project is expected to move forward.
Even though Chicago lost its Olympic bid last week the proposed Olympic Village project is expected to move forward.
“The city purchased the land already so either way the property must be developed,” said Ald. Toni Preckwinkle, whose 4th Ward includes portions of Bronzeville. “I expect the city to issue a Request for Qualifications soon so the selection process for a developer can start. Ideally, I would still like to see the Olympic Village built but the site could also be turned into an entertainment district since it is so close to downtown.”
If built as expected, the $976 million proposed Olympic Village would be located at the former site of Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, 2929 S. Ellis Ave., and calls for construction of a maximum of 7,500 permanent units and 1,000 hotel rooms that could be converted into residences, and include retail, parks, and schools.
Demolition has already begun at the site with no clear date as to when the land will be developed.
“I can see residential development to the north and McCormick Place expansion to the south of the campus,” Preckwinkle told the Defender. “I am not worried about developers not being interested either because the campus is 37 acres of lakefront property.”
Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) shares Preckwinkle’s vision to see the vacant land developed into a useful project that would benefit Bronzeville residents.
“I would hope the city would still develop the site into a housing complex to provide more affordable units to the community,” said Dowell, whose ward also includes Bronzeville. “The Memorandum of Understanding still applies to this project so community businesses and residents would benefit greatly once the land is developed.”
The MOU is a legally binding agreement the City Council reached with Chicago 2016, the city’s official Olympic committee, this year to guarantee jobs, housing and more for minorities and residents living near Olympic venues.
And according to Arnold Randall, director of Neighborhood Legacy for Chicago 2016, the property would still be developed into a housing complex.
“It’s a great site that needs to be developed and I have not heard anything different up to this point on the city’s intention for its use,” Randall said.
Illinois’ Democratic U.S. Sen. Roland Burris said despite losing the bid Chicago needs to keep things moving to remain a vibrant city and completing the Olympic Village would be a good start.
“As we look to the future, we can be confident that our best days are ahead,” Burris said Friday in a written statement after Chicago lost its bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games.
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