Michael Reese Site Development Project

In May 2011, an advisory panel commissioned by Mayor Richard M. Daley released a report proposing the creation of a dynamic technology park on the near South Side Chicago lakefront. This redevelopment plan would draw technology-forward jobs and businesses to the area, with the potential to directly create more than 10,000 high-quality jobs.

Civic Consulting Alliance and partner organization Cadence Consulting Group supported the work of the advisory panel. The panel was chaired by Frank Clark, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ComEd, and included representatives from universities, government, technology firms, and civic organizations.

The panel’s report identified the opportunity to bring together high-value private companies with universities and R&D institutions in the technology park. By encouraging these entities to work together for mutual benefit in a public-private partnership, the panel noted, the project would attract investment to the region and help retain technology and research talent in the City.

Additionally, the panel prioritized a need to promote community redevelopment in the neighborhood surrounding the site. In addition to creating jobs, the proposed technology park would create affordable housing and turn the area into a destination landmark. The proposed development site included 37 acres of mostly vacant land between 26^th Street and 31^st Street near the lakefront.