One Year Later, Little Movement To Redevelop Old Children's Hospital Site
(CBS) -- Almost a year ago, the doors at the old Children's Memorial Hospital closed and young patients were moved to the new Lurie Children's Hospital in Streeterville.
But the prime Lincoln Park real estate where the hospital once stood still sits vacant, with redevelopment plans far from complete.
CBS 2's Marissa Bailey takes a look at the impact on the neighborhood.
Lincoln Park changed dramatically almost a year ago, when the once-busy hospital shut its doors, creating a dead space in the midst of a lively neighborhood.
Ward 43 Ald. Michele Smith explains the delay this way: "We've had a long-standing community process for deciding what goes on the site."
Developer McCaffery Interests has proposed a mixed-use space but those plans were rejected by Smith and her constituents for being too big.
Part of the problem, the alderman says, is overcrowding at Lincoln Park schools. Until something happens to fix it, McCaffrey's plans are on hold.
Smith hopes there is some movement on the project this summer.
Lurie Children's Hospital still owns the old hospital site and is paying for maintenance and security at the property.
