Developer Daniel McCaffery's plan to redevelop the former Children's Memorial Hospital site was given the green light on Monday by Alderman Michele Smith's office. The initial plan which consisted of developing multiple large housing structures, the tallest at 27 stories, was considered too dense by the Alderman and residents of Lincoln Park. After two years of planning, 40+ public meetings and multiple revisions, McCaffery presented a plan in January that cut down the total amount of units for the project but also the building height on all of the proposed structures. The most recent, and final proposal includes 760 total units, of which 540 would be rentals, and a 156 room assisted living center. The plan also calls for mixed income housing, as 60 of the 540 rental units planned will be reserved for affordable housing. The final height for the buildings will be 19 stories for the two tallest and 11 stories for the third structure five stories for the fitness center.
McCaffery isn't completely scot-free just yet. Nearly 150 residents attended a public meeting last night, and many vowed to keep fighting the project. Many residents are still unhappy with the height of the two tallest buildings as well as the $50 million price that McCaffery has agreed to pay for the property. Previous community meetings focused on issues with parking, and potential traffic density. McCaffery, who attended last night's meeting, warned the public that he would walk away from the project if the ward and community asked him to downsize plans any more. The proposal still has to go through the formal zoning change and approval process before groundbreaking can begin and McCaffery plans to present the deal to the Chicago Plan Commission later this month.
· Zoning deal reached to develop old Children's Memorial site [Crain's]
· Neighbors Blast Ald. Smith's Children's Memorial Hospital Deal [DNAinfo]
· McCaffery Returns to Children's Memorial Redevelopment With Substantial Revisions [Curbed Chicago]
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