Development News
On March 20, 2023, the City of Oak Forest took the next step in bringing a ground-up Culver’s Restaurant to town by selling the property at 5410 W. 159th Street to the franchise owners. The 4,190-square-foot, quick-serve restaurant will have a dual-lane drive-thru and outdoor patio. As part of the project, the city will make improvements to the existing lift station at the corner of 159th Street and Long Avenue by creating a masonry enclosure and surrounding it with landscaping. Construction at the site is expected to begin soon.
The City of Oak Forest recently sold property at 5940 W. 159th Street. The new owners plan to renovate the existing structure into Be., a 3,132-square-foot cannabis dispensary. The dispensary is expected to open summer 2023.
The City of Oak Forest is thrilled to announce the ground-up development of an Aldi Food Market at 4250 W. 167th Street. The city recently sold the property at the northwest side of 167th Street and Kilbourne Avenue to make way for the new-generation, 20,000-square-foot grocery store. Construction of the store is anticipated to begin this summer.
The City of Oak Forest and EM8 Properties broke ground on the mixed-use development at 4800 W. 157th Street on Thursday, January 12. Construction of the mixed-use development, which includes 75 multi-family units, commercial first-floor space and 15 row homes is officially underway.
“Our team has been working on this development for a long time, and we are very proud of the outcome,” said Oak Forest Economic Development Director Ed Cage. “This project encapsulates exactly the type of new development we desire in Oak Forest, a mixture of commercial and residential living options. A high-quality development so close to the Metra train station will be a great asset and will provide an anchor for further development along Cicero Avenue.”
“We are thrilled to break ground on this large-scale, residential development just steps away from the Metra train station,” said Etamar Deshe and Michael Gallant, managers of EM8 Properties. “The City of Oak Forest has been tremendously supportive in bringing this project to life. It’s a strong team effort, and we are extremely proud to be building quality homes for the hardworking middle class of America.”
Kinzie Builders is the general contractor and OKW Architects is the project architect.
PHOTO: Left to right: Oak Forest Economic Development Director Ed Cage, City Clerk Jack Janozik, Building Commissioner Mike Forbes, Planner Paul Ruane, EM8 Properties Manager Michael Gallant, EM8 Properties Manager Etamar Deshe, Mayor Hank Kuspa, City Administrator Tim Kristin, Public Works Director Mike Salamowicz, Treasurer Ericka Vetter, Alderperson Jim Emmett, and Kinzie Group Principal Steve Spinell.
The City Council recently approved a new Culver’s Restaurant at 5410 W. 159th Street – adjacent to Grey’s Social to the west and Long Avenue to the east. The approved plan is for a 4,190-square-foot Culver’s with dual-lane drive-thru and outdoor patio. Construction of the restaurant is expected to begin in spring 2023.
Grey’s Social Kitchen & Bar, formerly Kingsberry Restaurant & Pancake House, at 5420 W. 159th Street is now open. Grey’s Social offers a modern dining experience with a casual appeal. Site improvements include a heated outdoor patio area accessed through accordion doors, landscaping, signage, and a fully remodeled restaurant and bar facility.
In July, the Oak Forest City Council approved plans to build a 4,700-square-foot building located in the city’s Gateway Development at 159th Street and Cicero Avenue. The new building will be located directly behind Starbucks and ATI Physical Therapy.
With construction of the new building expected to begin soon, First In Realty Executives is marketing the site for lease to retailers; quick-service, fast-casual restaurants; service-oriented providers; healthcare providers; and more. Interested parties should contact First in Realty Executives at 773-779-3473.
The apartment building at 4816 W. 157th Street is coming down to make way for a mixed-use development at 157th & Cicero Avenue. The proposed development will include 75 multi-family units, commercial first-floor space and 15 row homes. The next step in this phase of the project will be to demolish the former Magna Electric building at 15644 S. Cicero Avenue. Stay tuned!
The City Council has approved a plan by Carefree Development, LLC to develop, construct and operate a senior housing community to serve independent, moderate-income seniors at 4758 W. 151st Street. The proposed development will be a three-story structure containing 41 one-bedroom and 14 two-bedroom units for a total of 55 apartments. The project’s residential common areas will include a spacious lobby, community area, warming kitchen, and dining room as well as a health center, lounge, and library. Construction is expected to begin in 2023.
The City Council recently approved a plan for a mixed-use development at 15644 S. Cicero Avenue. The proposed development, which includes 75 multi-family units, commercial first-floor space and 15 row homes would replace the former Magna Electric and the adjacent apartment building at the northwest corner of Cicero Avenue and 157th Street. The city played an active role in the major redevelopment of this property by purchasing and demolishing two former apartment buildings on 157th Street. These two properties will be purchased from the city by the developer and utilized in the development of the site. The plan also calls for a parking facility that would hold 30 vehicles to serve the residential units and on-street parking to serve the proposed commercial space. It is anticipated that demolition of the existing structures and construction of the row homes will begin this year.
Say GOODBYE to the former home of Taco Bell, Tino’s Beef & Pasta, Mr. Burrito, DeLand’s Beef, and Midwest Title Loans and HELLO to Oak Forest Family Dental. Dr. Carly Paragas and her team are excited to make the move from Cicero Avenue to 159th Street – opening a new facility at 6154 W. 159th Street.