The approval of a 12-story residential building at the long-vacant lot at the corner of Oakton Street and Lincoln Avenue in Skokie seems to have stoked the fire of development in this northside suburb of Chicago.

Located at the tail end of the Chicago Transit Authority’s Yellow Line and off Interstate 94, Skokie’s proximity to the city limits and nearby transportation hubs have long established the neighborhood as an alternative for city workers who still want to live within arm’s reach. Now, real estate developers are taking note as a variety of developments are slated to get underway in 2018, according to a recent report from Chicago Tribune. 

While not expected to open for move-in until late 2019, the 8000 North mixed-use development at the Oakton-Skokie stop on the Yellow Line is one of the largest projects to take shape in 2018.

Rendering courtesy of 8000 North development

The 153-unit, 12-story luxury apartment and retail building got unanimous support from the Skokie Plan Commission, but it still needs board approval from the village. It’s expected to get the go-ahead, as the village specifically created a new zoning designation for the area to attract more mixed-use developments. The proposed development “would be an exciting addition to the downtown and will hopefully stimulate other developments,” Skokie Community Development Director Peter Peyer told the Tribune. 

Development along Skokie Boulevard is a priority for village leaders who have pulled back on zoning restrictions in an attempt to drive more interest in the stretch of road. The 8000 North mixed-use building could serve as an anchor to drive more awareness to the stretch, but other developments and projects are expected to come to fruition before its delivery. 

Grant Awarded for Video Gaming and Arcade Hub

Photo courtesy of Ignite Gaming

A new video game arcade is one of the big projects to unfold along Skokie Boulevard, according to the Chicago Tribune. Ignite Gaming-Skokie recently received a $153,000 grant approved by the Skokie Village Board to help pay for extensive renovations of a building along the 8100 block of Skokie Boulevard. Ignite Gaming will be an “interactive amusement facility offering modern video games,” and the space is slated to serve as a venue for video game tournament. If all goes as planned, the space will open this year.

Skokie Investing Again in Vacant Spaces

Photo courtesy of Zol87

In November 2017, Skokie Village officials announced their interest in purchasing two vacant buildings near the Yellow Line CTA station, according to a different report from the Tribune. The Village wants to purchase the properties for $1.7 million, using tax increment finance (TIF) zone funds since the properties at 8143 and 8201 Skokie Boulevard are within the Illinois Science and Technology Park.

The village previously purchased properties in an underutilized shopping center on Dempster Street and added a new Target and O’Reilly Auto Parts shop.

The Illinois Science and Technology Park, as well as the Westfield Old Orchard shopping mall, was purchased by American Landmark Properties in January 2017. The 24-acre park was previously owned by Forest City Enterprises, which planned on creating a biotech and life sciences hub. It’s unclear what developments will unfold in the center.