New residential and mixed-use development is underway in downtown Skokie. Here are five big projects that could dramatically change the landscape of the village.

8000 North

8000 North rendering courtesy of lucien lagrange studio

Earlier this year, the Skokie Village Board of Trustees approved the development agreement for the $60 million-plus 8000 North project, according to the Village of Skokie website. The development, located at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Oakton Street, will feature a 12-story mixed-use building with residential and commercial elements. The building will have rental units, 15,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space, and public and private parking. Developers are also planning to add a 65,000-square-foot restaurant to the project, according to the Chicago Tribune. Construction on 8000 North is expected to begin this year. 

"I think this project is what we're looking for to stimulate the downtown," Mayor George Van Dusen told the Chicago Tribune.

Townhomes on Lincoln Avenue

Typical townhomes

The Skokie Plan Commission has received a proposal for eight town houses on the 8100 block of Floral Avenue and eight mixed-use units on the 8100 block of Lincoln Avenue, according to the Chicago Tribune. The plan would also include a small amount of office space in the residential buildings, a concept referred to as “live/work.” 

"This live/work concept should provide small business owners the opportunity to own their living and business spaces, and have very short commutes," a report from the village’s planning commission says, according to the Chicago Tribune. 

Each unit of the project will feature 3,000 square feet, three stories, and a two-story garage, according to the report.

Illinois Science + Technology Park

Rendering courtesy of Illinois Science + Technology Park

Downtown Skokie’s Illinois Science + Technology Park employs approximately 1,400 people in industries including healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, and manufacturing, according to the Village of Skokie website. Last year, a number of major properties in the technology park were sold, which could mean development plans might be revealed this year.

Skokie Boulevard

Photo courtesy of Ignite Gaming Lounge

Leaders in Skokie have high hopes for development along Skokie Boulevard. Changes in zoning could allow for new development near the CTA Yellow Line, according to the Chicago Tribune. 

Last year, the village approved plans for Ignite Gaming Lounge, an adult video gaming lounge, on the 8100 block of Skokie Boulevard, according to the report. The lounge is expected to open this year.

Skokie Sports Park East

Typical soccer field

Skokie Sports Park, located at McCormick Boulevard and Oakton Street, is expected to open in the fall of this year for soccer and cricket use, according to the Chicago Tribune report. The plans are less extensive than originally discussed, as the site required an extensive environmental cleanup.