CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION GRANTED AUTHORITY TO ACQUIRE STATE-OWNED BUILDING ADJACENT TO MIDWAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION GRANTED AUTHORITY TO ACQUIRE STATE-OWNED BUILDING ADJACENT TO MIDWAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) will enter into negotiations to acquire the former Army National Guard Midway Armory from the State of Illinois under an ordinance approved by City Council.
Located at 5400 W. 63rd St. in the Clearing community area, the four-acre property is located on the north side of West 63rd Street, completely surrounded by Midway International Airport property, including nearby facilities for cargo, private aviation, and Chicago Fire Department operations. The approximately 75,000-square-foot structure has remained vacant since 2017 when the Illinois Army National Guard ceased operations at the base and relocated its unit to Kankakee.
The ordinance would permit the CDA to enter negotiations with the State to purchase the structure and the land it sits on for fair market value. The purchase would be financed strictly by airport funds, without the use of any local taxpayer dollars.
The purchase is important to CDA operations for several reasons. First and foremost, acquiring the property allows the CDA to secure that portion of Midway’s perimeter, contributing to the overall safety and security of Midway’s operation.
The purchase also allows the CDA to retain control of the land that sits immediately adjacent to Midway property, which will help ensure the property’s uses are compatible with airport operations, particularly since a portion of the property lies within the federally regulated Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) for Midway Runway 4R/22L.
Finally, the property may have future utility for CDA operations, as the existing facility can be used for interior storage of snow removal equipment.
The sale of the property to the CDA would be contingent on future negotiations with the State of Illinois and approval by the Illinois General Assembly.
Latest Stories
- HARD ROCK CASINO NORTHERN INDIANA DONATES $500K TO LAKE RIDGE NEW TECH SCHOOLS
- RICH TOWNSHIP & THE VILLAGE OF MATTESON SET TO HOST THE WORLD’S LARGEST BABY SHOWER FOR HUNDREDS OF NEW EXPECTING MOTHERS
- CREATE Program Partners Celebrate their Education Commitment’s 5th Year with over $700,000 in STEM Contributions to Southside Schools and Educational Institutions
- Sprite Reimagines the Legendary Obey Your Thirst Campaign with Modern Icons Anthony Edwards and Sha'Carri Richardson
- Pink Noire Beauty Supply & Cosmetics Celebrates Second Anniversary with Release of New Braid and Loc Gel
- Prosperity Now Announces the RISE Challenge to Inspire Innovation and Economic Empowerment
- Oakwood University Crowned the 35th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge National Champion
- Mayfestiversary Returns Memorial Day Weekend 2024
- Culver’s Offers Single Scoop of Fresh Frozen Custard for $1 Donation to Local Agriculture Education Initiatives on May 2
- Jiménez Opens Up Resources for Organizations Combating Homelessness