200+ Townhomes Moving Into Old Solo Cup Site In Highland Park

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The Highland Park City Council gave the go-ahead Monday night for a development that would turn the former Solo Cup manufacturing site into more than 200 residential townhomes.

The project will rezone the land at 1660-1700 Deerfield Road from industrial use to residential to allow for the 227-unit townhome community. There will be a mix of three and four-bedroom townhomes designed for families.

"This long vacant solo cup site could finally become homes for new families and customers for our local business and that's a step forward," said councilmember Barisa Bruckman. "On balance, this is a good project that moves our community forward."

The 28.6-acre property at 1660 and 1700 Old Deerfield Road, located between Route 41 and Ridge Road, has been vacant since 2009 after the Solo Cup Company moved its headquarters to Lake Forest and its factory out of state.

Others have previously proposed plans to redevelop the site before, including a 2018 attempt to build more than 500 housing units on the site that never came to pass.

The Habitat Company, the developer for this project, aims to revitalize the underutilized site and turn it into a thriving residential neighborhood. The development won't only create homes, it will also include a clubhouse with a pool and walking paths.

Parking for residents will be provided in first-floor garages and on streets.

"They say that a city growing is a city progressing, and I look forward to meeting our new neighbors," Mayor Nancy Rotering said.

Construction for the neighborhood is projected to start this spring and is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete, according to The Habitat Company.