The U.S. Steel South Works plant in South Chicago closed in 1992, and a developer hatched an ambitious plan to fill the 430-acre site with wind turbines, retail, and a marina. That venture ultimately fell apart. But now a new, residential focused development plan may be taking shape: Barcelona Housing Systems (BHS) and WELink are buying the site in a joint venture, and they also have an ambitious plan in store.

The team's Chicago 8080 Lakeshore Masterplan involves redeveloping the South Works site into 30 urban blocks inspired by the city of Barcelona's pedestrian friendly "superblock" approach. The project would take shape in four phases, with 3,000 homes built in each phase (that's 12,000 homes total). According to BHS' website, the plan envisions "extensive green spaces, sustainable internal mobility, high use of renewable energies, common social areas, digital urban and community processes" and "urban vegetable gardens."

The deal to buy the former steel plant is not final yet, but if it goes through this sprawling plan will likely take a long time to come to fruition. But if it does, the redevelopment is poised to transform the South Shore with an entire new neighborhood on the lake.

Sources:

Developers unveil a new plan for Chicago's long-vacant US Steel South Works site [Curbed Chicago]

12,000 Homes, Harbor Eyed For South Works Site Under Developer's Plan [DNAInfo Chicago]

Chicago 8080 Lakeshore Masterplan [Barcelona Housing Systems]