City officials have opened a call for proposals to redevelop vacant land near the 95th Street Red Line station in Roseland. The Department of Planning and Development, together with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), announced that they are seeking mixed-use development plans for city-owned property at 12 E. 95th St. The site, valued at over $748,000 and owned by the CTA, is located across from the 95th/Dan Ryan Red Line station.
The city’s request specifies that proposed projects should make use of the site’s proximity to public transit. Developers are encouraged to include up to 135 housing units and at least 38,000 square feet of retail space on the 2.5-acre parcel. Plans should also provide public art, parking, and open spaces.
Proposals featuring owner-occupied two- to six-flat buildings may qualify for up to $5 million in funding through the Missing Middle Infill Housing Initiative. This program aims to support new for-sale housing accessible to local families as part of broader efforts to revitalize neighborhoods.
Applications must be submitted by May 4. City officials will hold a webinar for interested applicants at 3 p.m. on February 23.
Ciere Boatright, commissioner of Planning and Development, said in a statement: “The site is a tremendous opportunity for transit-served investment at a major transit node, especially involving the area’s need for more senior housing, more Missing Middle housing and more retail.”
This initiative continues work under the city’s 95th Street Corridor Plan. The plan was created by the planning department and CTA to improve access to jobs, housing, and services along 95th Street between Halsted Street and Cottage Grove Avenue.
Other recent projects along this corridor include the $5.7 billion Red Line Extension project and improvements such as the new Metra station at 59th-60th Streets. In addition, Chicago State University revealed a $250 million redevelopment plan in 2023 targeting four acres of vacant land along 95th Street. Last November saw the opening of Imani Villages Senior Residences, providing affordable apartments for older adults.
The process to update and improve the corridor began in 2023 with community meetings guiding its direction.
A one-year progress update on the corridor plan will take place Thursday at the Endeleo Institute.
