Assessment:  The six sites under consideration represented a diverse array of physical obstacles to development.  While some parcels are vacant, others support obsolete or abandoned improvements that would need to be razed.  The political backdrop surrounding the sites was also considered.  To gain a deeper understanding of the socioeconomic forces at play, the team established a “core trade area” within the broader community which included the sites that held the most promise for commercial development.  The team performed a comparative demographic and income analysis of the core trade area and of Rogers Park.  To augment its research, the team also interviewed local market participants who have detailed knowledge of the history surrounding the sites under consideration.  Based on the information gathered and the combined expertise of the team, a highest and best use was determined for a one-acre parcel and the likely market values for two potential projects were estimated.

Recommendations:  The team provided short-term recommendations to improve Howard Street and to evaluate other successful programs.  The long-term recommendations included rebranding strategies that emphasize the availability for new residents, new users and new opportunities, and the need to forge connections with advocates, planners and capital sources beyond the boundaries of the neighborhood.