The Cook County Land Bank Authority, which was established to clear the titles of distressed properties for resale to prospective homeowners and developers, is entering the redevelopment game itself. The Land Bank Authority last month obtained the deed to the Washington Park National Bank building in Woodlawn and hosted the first of three public meetings to get community input into how the building should be repurposed.
The building was listed on Preservation Chicago's 2016 list of most endangered buildings. Designed by Albert Scwhartz and built in 1924, the 33K SF limestone building at 6300 South Cottage Grove has been vacant and in disrepair for decades. It is now a redevelopment opportunity in the epicenter of real estate development at 63rd Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. The Building is steps from the 63rd/Cottage Grove Green Line 'L' station. The Preservation of Affordable Housing Chicago has redeveloped the former Grove Parc public housing site into a mix of market-rate, affordable and public housing, and is building Woodlawn Station on the northwest corner of the 'L' station.
The Washington Park National Bank Building is also near the future site of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park.
The next two public meetings to discuss redevelopment options for the building will be held Feb. 6 and Feb. 20 at Harris Park, 6200 South Drexel Ave. Bisnow has reached out to Cook County Land Bank Executive Director Rob Rose for comment.
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