Phase 2 Of Arlington Park Demolition Approved As Work Begins: Village

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — With the first phase of a demolition project at Arlington Park set to get underway Friday, the Village of Arlington Heights announced permits for Phase 2 of the project have been approved. The newly approved permits will allow for exterior demolition of buildings to begin, including the grandstand structure.

The Chicago Bears, who own the property, said in a Friday morning email that the start of demolition "does not mean the property will be developed." The cost for the entire demolition process at the 326-acre property is projected to be around $4 million.

According to officials, the permits for Phase 2 were reviewed and approved separately by both the Village of Arlington Heights and Cook County.

The demolition of the property is expected to take several months, with an end goal of December. Officials said increased truck traffic in the area of the property is "possible" and it will be monitored by security around the clock.

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In February, the Bears closed on a $197.2 million property agreement to buy the former Arlington Park racetrack. Team officials called it a "major step" in an expected long process geared toward building a new stadium and entertainment district on the property.

Last month, Arlington Heights Mayor Thomas Hayes said the Village has no authority to withhold approval of demolition at the site "if the application is complete and if the property owners' demolition plans comply with the village code."