Crews reportedly on site prepping vacant 62-acre ‘Rezkoville’ ahead of redevelopment

A massive, long-vacant riverfront parcel in Chicago’s South Loop is reportedly getting some attention ahead of its yet-to-be-revealed mixed-use redevelopment plan. According to South Loop neighborhood website Sloopin, crews have been on-site clearing trees, high grass, and other debris from the 62-acre site. The local blog even reposted a pair of reader-submitted photos showing the presence of said workers.

Known by many as “Rezkoville” after a development plan from corrupt Blagojevich crony Tony Rezko stalled, the former rail yard has been overgrown with vegetation and once hosted a tent village along the south Branch of the Chicago River. The parcel was acquired this spring by a joint venture between Chicago-based real estate company Related Midwest and General Mediterranean Holding. While the development team has yet to divulge its vision for the parcel, an initial plan is expected to publicly break cover some time in 2017.

The exact nature and scope of the work taking place remains unclear. Sloopin quite plausibly suggests that the crews could be city affiliated, possibly attached to the Wells-Wentworth Connector road project already in progress to better connect the South Loop and Chinatown. Regardless of their objective, the sight of something happening at this site is certainly encouraging news.

Chicago of Chicago

• Vegetation Being Cleared Out of "Rezko Lot" [Sloopin]
• Developer to unveil plans for Spire, 62-acre South Loop sites in 2017 [Curbed Chicago]
• Related Midwest Finalizes Deal for Massive 62-Acre Riverfront Site [Curbed Chicago]
• South Loop archives [Curbed Chicago]