Construction will begin this fall for The Bowery of Highland Park, a 227-unit residential development on the former site of the Solo Cup factory that had sparked months of angry meetings and debates over the future of a city facing a housing shortage.
According to a news release, construction on the townhomes will begin by October, with first material deliveries expected in the spring of 2027. Sales will begin later this year, with pre-sales appointments in October for potential buyers to preview the community.
The development is a joint venture between M/I Homes, an Ohio-headquartered homebuilder, and Habitat, a Chicago-based developer. According to the release, when completed, it will feature townhomes, more than nine acres of open space, landscaped parkways and various community amenities.
The 28-acre site is nestled between the Union Pacific Railroad to the east, several businesses to its north, and a band of wetland and trees along its western and southern border that will be preserved.
Since its original pitch, the development has been reduced several times in size after facing criticism from residents and some city officials during the planning and approvals process. It was not the first pitch for the site since the factory’s demolition in the 2010s.
Previous proposals included a 500-unit residential development in 2019, and a 2023 proposal for two industrial buildings.
Rich Champine, area president of M/I Homes, said in a statement that the ribbon-cutting late last month was a “highly anticipated moment” for its development team, community members and stakeholders. It will be “a seamless addition” to the surrounding community, Champine said, and will likely be in high demand.
Matt Fiascone, president of Habitat, said the development will bring “much-needed housing opportunities to Chicago’s North Shore.”
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When completed, The Bowery will include 48 townhome buildings, the release said. Floor plans for the three-bedroom or larger residences range from 1,750 to 2,090 square feet, with prices starting at nearly $750,000.
The three-story designs all feature a first-floor flex room, island kitchens, open-concept living space and a balcony off the dining area. Each home will have an attached two-car garage, with additional street parking incorporated throughout the development.
Of the 227 residences, 34 homes will be offered to qualifying individuals and families in accordance with Highland Park’s Inclusionary Housing Plan, the release said. Residents will also have access to community amenities including a resident clubhouse with an outdoor pool, a dog park, a publicly accessible tot lot and walking paths.