Two-Mile Extension for Chicago's Lakeshore Drive

McCaffery Interests and U.S. Steel is redeveloping the former U.S. Steel Southworks. In cooperation with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP and Sasaki Associates, the team?EUR??,,????'???s master plan includes zoning approvals for 13,575 single family homes and high rise units, 17.5 million sq. ft. of retail, the new relocated South Lakeshore Drive, 125 acres of landscaped open space/parks with bike paths, a 1,500 slip boat marina and a new high school.

McCaffery Interests and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced April 3, 2012 Lakeshore Drive will extend two miles to and through Chicago's new Lakeside Development, a nearly 600-acre mixed-use master-planned development on the former U.S. Steel Southworks land in Southeast Chicago.

The road extension, planned for completion this year, is seen as a catalyst for transforming the southeast lakefront into a ''green, high-tech community for a new Chicago.''

The southeast lakefront, about 10 miles from downtown Chicago, is where the U.S. Steel Southworks mill began production in 1901. The mill closed in 1992. The lakeside location is of course one of the most desirable pieces of undeveloped real estate in the area. Lakeside Development will be a LEED-ND certified community of large open spaces, compact walkable neighborhoods with bike paths and access to public transportation.

According to Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, the state and federal government will invest $19 million to complete the road extension to and through Lakeside Development. By the summer of 2013, street lighting, landscaped medians, upgraded landscaping at the entrance of Rainbow Park, new sidewalk, driveways, curbs and gutters, sewers and signage and 600 trees will line the new boulevard.

Richard Tomlinson, a partner with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill said Lakeside will ''transform the rules for energy delivery, water stewardship, environmental design, energy recovery from waste and digitally enhanced living. Next generation transit and walkable neighborhoods will make it possible to live in Lakeside without having to own a car.''