The city envisions a 400-unit mixed-income project with a two-acre park at Blackhawk Avenue and Larabee. While it should have no problem attracting a plethora of developers, the city will look hard at the team's experience, especially in leveraging private funds.

"The goal here is to revitalize the Near North area as a vibrant mixed-income community," says planning and development commissioner Alicia Mazur Berg. "We are seeking a qualified master developer to help us achieve our goals."

Although the surrounding area has seen much construction of upper-income townhomes, the city will require no more than 50% of the units available at market-rate rents or sale prices, 30% for residents eligible for public housing and 20% for low- and moderate-income renters and buyers.

"This project will bring quality development to a long-vacant lot and further improve the quality of life for our residents of the Near North area," says CHA CEO Terry Peterson. "This redevelopment will help further the CHA's Plan for Transformation."

The city department of housing, CHA, Cabrini-Green Advisory Council and Habitat Co. hope to select a developer from the request for qualifications by June, then negotiate a memorandum of intent as well as a term sheet. The term sheet will be referred to the community development commission for its recommendation, members were told this week.

The process starts the week of Jan. 21, when the requests for qualifications will be available. They are due back March 23.

Instant Insights /

Mixed-Income Project Sought for Cabrini Site

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