It’s a development bonanza on Motor Row!

Well, not quite. But things seem to be reaching a tipping point around McCormick Place after a long delay.

The Prairie Blocks development on Cermak has been in the works for years, and it’s just the kind of thing that could convince more conventions to come to Chicago. McCormick Place itself is building a second tower to expand its Hyatt. There’s a new CTA stop in the works at Cermak. And just last week, Cheap Trick formally announced that they’re moving into Motor Row.

This is all great news. We just need to make sure it can keep going.

Of course, that’s a big if. Financing for the massive Prairie Blocks project is going to be difficult at best. It’s a huge project, and while the hotel may be a smart move, it remains to be seen how much retail the area can sustain, seeing as there’s essentially none right now.

Further north, the powers that be behind Roosevelt Collection say they’re getting ready to make some big announcements on retail that’s moving into their long-vacant storefronts. We’ll believe it when we see it, but McCaffery Interests have been making all the right moves since taking over the property last year. The new green space in the middle of the development will open up the area nicely when it debuts next year, too.

We’re hopeful and excited that this could be a new renaissance in the South Loop, though.

On the Near West Side, it looks like Pete’s is finally moving forward at Madison and Western. This project’s delays have clearly pissed off a number of residents in the neighborhood who hate going across town to do their grocery shopping.

We’re sympathetic to the many hoops that the project’s developers have had to jump through. But it’s about damn time this thing started moving forward.

---

By WestLooper from WestLoop
Posted: 11/18/2011 10:49 AM

At Monroe and Halsted, the old MB parking lot has been razed. That project should be moving along too.

---

By Paul from University Village
Posted: 11/17/2011 9:31 AM

The new police station is coming along on Blue Island and 14th. And it appear COSTCO broke ground at Ashland and 14th.

---

By Brian from EGP
Posted: 11/16/2011 10:15 PM

"But it’s about damn time this thing started moving forward." Amen.