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Originally Posted by ardecila
I think Plan B and Plan C for these parcels was always going to be less intensive and more residential, I expect they will acquiesce in part to the aldermen's demands for more park space. Other components like the soccer stadium only made sense in the context of a massive infrastructure package, which in turn only made sense in the context of a huge anchor tenant. TBH the North Branch parcels, given their relative lack of transit access, are better suited to low-rise multifamily and townhouse developments. We've seen almost no new supply of townhouses since the recession.
Maybe the North Branch as a whole can continue to develop office at the south end where train stations are reasonably walkable. The "River District" on the Tribune site and the O'Donnell project just north of it can attract office, they are a reasonable walk from the Blue Line and can easily run shuttles around the congestion to Union/Ogilvie with only a minor new road connection through the Blommer Chocolate property.
On the other hand, the 78 has the best transit access out of the various megaprojects, with the Red Line tracks literally right on site. If the construction cost of a new station doesn't literally destroy the city's budget.
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If somebody put a gun to my head I'd say plan B was a more traditional office user but one that takes up less sq ft. Rebalance with more residential on the LP side of the project. Plan C could be basically all residential but with significant gives to get approvals, mid-rise and townhomes pretty much for sure given the attitude of the neighbors. I only rate the odds at LY better than most given it's rather prime position straddling Bucktown and Lincoln Park with the 808 going to run right through the middle.
Absent a mega-tenant like Amazon (or someone of near caliber) I'd expect office development to largely proceed as it has in River North, West Loop, Loop, and Fulton Market. Which I've got no problem with since diverse steady growth is really healthier in the long run.