CHICAGO-A team led by architecture firm Skidmore Owings & Merrill has presented a host of possible uses for the former Michael Reese Hospital that included a casino/entertainment complex, a hotel or even a Barack Obama presidential library.
The session held on Thursday evening at the West Point Missionary Baptist Church in Bronzeville is part of a study commissioned by the city of Chicago to explore redevelopment possibilities at the former hospital. The central portion of the site would be a town center, with retail development, community meeting spaces and perhaps educational institutions, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The casino, which would require approval from the State of Illinois, did not receive much public support at the session, while the presidential library idea was greeted favorably by those in attendance. The 48-acre site was purchased by the city in 2009 as the potential location for an Olympic athletes' village. However, the city eventually lost its bid for the 2016 Summer Games to Rio de Janeiro. See story in the Chicago Tribune.
© Arc, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.