ROSEMONT, IL—Before the economy cratered several years ago, the YMCA of Metro Chicago tried selling the site of its aging Rich Port YMCA facility in west suburban LaGrange. The social service association had hoped to raise funds to pay for a new facility. But after the crash, all interest in the site evaporated and the old building was demolished in 2010. Today, however, the brightening economic outlook has YMCA officials hopeful they can revive the project. They plan to test the current real estate market by asking developers to design a mix of uses for the site and will encourage respondents to include a new YMCA.

The organization has just hired Colliers International to issue RFPs to develop market-based solutions for the site. Jack H. Rosenberg, principal; Vernon F. Schultz, executive vice president; and Michael L. Senner, executive vice president, will handle the RFPs for the property at 31 E. Odgen Avenue.

“We know the real estate market is starting to come back, after being hit hard by the Great Recession,” says YMCA of Metro Chicago CEO Richard Malone. “We want to find a feasible project that makes productive use of the space for the people of La Grange. We're grateful for the support of our local board, members, and partners, and remain hopeful that the recent uptick in the real estate market will provide the impetus to get our long-term plans for La Grange back on track.”

Instant Insights /

Revival Raises Hopes for YMCA Site

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