Invest South/West Winner Announced For 4300 W Roosevelt Road RFP In North Lawndale

The City of Chicago and Mayor Lori Lightfoot have announced the winner of the latest Invest South/West RFP at 4300 W Roosevelt Road in North Lawndale. The currently empty site is roughly bounded by W Roosevelt Road to the south, S Kostner Avenue to the west, W 5th Avenue to the north, and S Kildare Avenue to the east. The winning proposal comes to us from developer partners 548 Developments and Related Midwest who are working with Lamar Johnson Collaborative, Ware Malcomb, and Site Design Group on the project’s design.

Rendering of not chosen proposed Cubs facility via Cubs Charity

The overall site spans 25 lots at around 21 acres and is intersected by the CSX railroad Altenheim Line, serving as a main point of the recent rails-to-trails proposal that would revitalize the aging rail structure for the public. The RFP originally was introduced in 2020 and received eight proposals including one from the Cubs Charities and Pritzker Realty that featured an 86,00-square-foot sporting center, outdoor baseball fields, and a warehouse facility.

Rendering of proposed build out of 4300 W Roosevelt Road via Related Midwest

The winning proposal will deliver a 302,140-square-foot industrial complex bringing new warehouses that will leverage the area’s strength for freight and logistics, a reduction of 27,000 square feet from their original proposal. The site will hold two massive structures, a 148,680-square-foot building on the southern plot of land, and a 153,460-square-foot building on the northern site, both will be equipped with 31 truck dock spaces.

Rendering of Lawndale Innovation Center via Related Midwest

Related also plans to donate a portion of the land to form the North Lawndale Innovation Center on the southern edge of the lot. Built on it will be two smaller buildings with space for community-based retail, workforce training, and office uses partnered with local community organizations per the RFP response. Between them will be a small park with gathering spaces and the developers will work with local muralist Max Sansing on commissions for the site.

Rendering of proposed community park at 4300 W Roosevelt Road via Related Midwest

Along with the construction above, and the potential for a future connection to the Altenheim Line elevated park, the site will also have 417 vehicle parking spaces and 86 trailers. The land for the $38.4 million project will be sold to the developer for $1 and is located within the Roosevelt/Cicero TIF district; it is expected they will apply for funds from it. While a formal timeline hasn’t been established, Related hopes to break ground late 2022 after going through the standard approval process.

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