Proposed $20 Billion Chicago Megaproject Gets Reprieve

The 34-acre One Central project still faces opposition, but an extension on a federal loan application could give it a much-needed boost.

1 minute read

January 6, 2020, 6:00 AM PST

By Camille Fink


Southside Chicago

Niko Hays / Shutterstock

The Real Deal reports that the One Central megadevelopment project in Chicago’s South Loop is not dead yet after the deadline to apply for a federal loan was extended from December 31 to September 30.

"One Central’s plans call for a $20 billion mixed-use complex, including a series of residential and office high-rises, and transit center connecting the Chicago Transit Authority’s el, Amtrak and Metra lines in a structure with a parking garage and retail space."

Governor J.B. Pritzker has signaled that he backs the One Central project, but it does not have the support of local officials and area residents. Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been critical of Landmark Development’s lobbying efforts. "South Loop residents have expressed concern over the project’s size and access to the lakefront, among other things."

Tuesday, December 24, 2019 in The Real Deal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 10, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

This Toronto Suburb Has More Bus Riders Than Columbus, Ohio

Brampton, Ontario used gradual improvements in service to prove that if you build it, they will ride.

30 minutes ago - Bloomberg CityLab

Silhouette of man holding on to back of bicycle ridden by woman with Eiffel Tower in background.

Paris Bike Boom Leads to Steep Drop in Air Pollution

The French city’s air quality has improved dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with a growth in cycling.

April 14 - Momentum Magazine

Multifamily housing under construction.

Why Housing Costs More to Build in California Than in Texas

Hard costs like labor and materials combined with ‘soft’ costs such as permitting make building in the San Francisco Bay Area almost three times as costly as in Texas cities.

April 14 - San Francisco Chronicle