Rolling Meadows officials are looking to intercept some momentum of the potential new Chicago Bears stadium nearby to score a big real estate proposal of their own.
The suburban government is making a bid to recruit developers for a long-vacant, city-owned property that could benefit from the planned NFL team’s redevelopment at Arlington Park, just 1.5 miles away.
The site at 3500 Wellington Court is kitty-corner from Rolling Meadows City Hall at the southeast corner of Kirchoff Road and Owl Lane. It belongs in the closest commercial corridor to the new stadium and officials see it as a prime opportunity for retail and dining development in anticipation of increased demand driven by stadium attendees, as reported by the Daily Herald.
In a newly released request for proposals, the city outlines its vision for the 1-acre parcel, encouraging retail and service uses including restaurants, brew pubs, microbreweries, microdistilleries and microwineries.
The request emphasizes the desirability of outdoor features including plazas, gardens, public art and seating areas to create an inviting pedestrian environment. However, the city discourages drive-through businesses and explicitly rules out proposals that are exclusively residential.
The effort to attract developers comes on the heels of a broader planning initiative for the Kirchoff Road corridor. In May, the City Council approved new zoning changes creating a “TC” Town Center district, which allows for higher-density, pedestrian-friendly development. This includes buildings up to 70 feet tall and parking areas located behind structures to support a more walkable and visually appealing streetscape.
Full endorsement of the comprehensive 110-page Kirchoff Road Corridor Study has stalled due to controversy surrounding one of its key recommendations: reducing Kirchoff Road from five lanes to three.
Proponents of this “road diet” argue it would add public parking, slow traffic, and enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists — all of which could support more vibrant commercial development. However, local business owners and other opponents fear the changes would increase traffic congestion and harm their operations, according to the Daily Herald.
The city-owned Wellington Court site has remained undeveloped since the Great Recession derailed plans for a mixed-use condo project that was to include ground-floor retail. Now, the city hopes to revive the site with a new project aligned with its updated interest in the nearby sports venue.
Developers can submit proposals by Sept. 30. A winning proposal will result in a property sale and a development deal with the city.
— Joel Russell