Highland Park Clears way for Habitat Co’s Solo Cup Site Plan

One of Lake County’s most closely watched redevelopment sites finally has a green light.

Highland Park officials unanimously approved a package of ordinances and resolutions that clears the way for a 227-unit townhome development on the former Solo Cup property, a move city leaders billed as “the largest project Highland Park has seen in generations.” The Record – North Shore reported that the approval ends years of uncertainty for the 28-acre site at 1660–1700 Deerfield Road, which has cycled through multiple failed redevelopment attempts.

A 500-unit residential proposal pitched in 2018 went nowhere, followed by a 300,000-square-foot industrial and distribution center floated in 2023 that also fell flat with residents and elected officials, according to the outlet.

This time, the city landed on housing — but at a lower density and with added concessions. Chicago-based Habitat Company, working on behalf of Red Cup Land Company, will rezone the property from industrial to residential and begin construction this spring, with an 18 to 24-month buildout timeline.

Plans call for 227 townhomes spread across 48 building assemblies, with parking tucked into first-floor garages and supplemented by on-street spaces. The project includes nearly 13 acres of open space, internal private roads and a clubhouse with a pool, according to approved plans. Thirty-four units will be set aside as affordable housing under Highland Park’s inclusionary housing rules.

Mayor Nancy Rotering praised the outcome after the vote, saying “a city growing is a city progressing.”

The vote, however, was not without friction, as some council members approved the project alongside two amendments aimed at addressing safety and quality-of-life concerns raised by nearby residents.

A proposed pedestrian crossing at Ridge Road and Devonshire Court drew sharp criticism from neighbors, who warned it would create a dangerous traffic condition, the outlet reported. As part of the final approval, the council removed the crosswalk from the initial plan and deferred any decision on adding it until the development reaches 90 percent occupancy.

Council members also raised concerns about the project’s proximity to Bluegrass, a nearby restaurant. One amendment asks the developer to increase the buffer between the eatery and an adjacent parking area, pushing beyond the originally proposed 2.5 feet if feasible.

The developer also agreed to set aside $25,000 in escrow to cover unforeseen issues during construction. City Attorney Steve Elrod said at the meeting that the city will have sole discretion over whether and how those funds are used.

— Eric Weilbacher