Just for years after opening its new Lincoln Park campus, the British School of Chicago is in talks with developer Daniel McCaffery to build a school and athletic fields in the South Loop.
The complicated deal still requires approval of several parties, including the Chicago Park District, neighborhood groups and Ald. Robert Fioretti (2nd), but the headmaster, Michael Horton, says the private school wants to begin the project as soon as possible.
Construction of the 90,000-square-foot school would be on land just north of Chicago-based McCaffery Interests Inc.'s Roosevelt Collection mixed-use project at Roosevelt Road and Wells Street, which includes 342 apartments and 340,000 square feet of retail space the developer is trying to fill.While on the surface this seems like it could be a positive development for the neighborhood, the drawback is that this space was supposed to be developed by the owner of Roosevelt Collection and eventually turned into a public park run by the Chicago Park District.
This plan is far from being approved, but what do you think...is it good to bring the school down to the Sloop? Obviously it's a private for profit institution, but choice is always good, right?
(Hat tip: MG!)
Wow, right on the space designated to be a public park. Awesome.
ReplyDeleteI do think this would be good for the neighborhood (generally) but I don't think that site is big enough for a school and athletic fields and all the extra parking that would be necessary.
I'm a big fan of the school. There are plenty of parks in the Sloop. Plus, most small-er parks get turned into dog walking areas with the distinct aroma.
ReplyDeleteNot a good idea, at all. Chicago's parkland percentage is ridiculously low, especially in this part of the south loop:
ReplyDelete1. New York City - 19.6%
2. Washington DC -19.4%
3. San Francisco -18%
4. Jersey City -17.3%
5. Boston -16.3%
6. Philadelphia -12.6%
7. Long Beach -10.1%
8. Baltimore -9.5%
9. Chicago -8.2%
10. Los Angeles -7.9%
The British School would be much better off developing in Bronzeville or the former Ickes Homes land where this type of facility has plenty of space to grow & can improve the surrounding area in so many ways.
I believe this would be a great addition to our neighborhood. We certainly need more high quality institutions, educational among others. I for one look forward to great option for my children's education.
ReplyDeleteI also think this would be an excellent addition to the neighborhood. Any time you can add a high quality institution to the neighborhood and especially one that fills a void think is a positive development. There are already quite a few parks in the south loop
ReplyDeleteI don't see how they're going to fit athletic fields on that spot. Maybe one of the vacant lots across the street next to the river...
ReplyDelete