A 2.5-acre site near the 95th/Dan Ryan intermodal station in Roseland is now open for redevelopment proposals, according to an announcement from the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) in partnership with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The DPD, which leads planning efforts for Chicago and manages zoning and land use across the city, is seeking high-density mixed-use plans that take advantage of the location’s proximity to transit, Abbott Park, and Chicago State University. The department also works to support business development and community enhancements throughout Chicago, operating as a central agency for urban planning with over 150 staff members dedicated to improving both built and natural environments (https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd.html).
The Request for Proposals (RFP) details potential scenarios including multiple buildings with up to 135 housing units, at least 38,000 square feet of retail space, parking facilities, and public open spaces. Proposals featuring owner-occupied housing in two- to six-unit buildings may qualify for up to $5 million in financial assistance through DPD’s Missing Middle infill housing initiative. Additional incentives could be considered depending on project specifics.
DPD Commissioner Ciere Boatright said, “The site is a tremendous opportunity for transit-served investment at a major transit node, especially involving the area’s need for more senior housing, more Missing Middle housing and more retail.”
Responses are due by Monday, May 4. The L-shaped parcel at 12 E. 95th St., valued at $748,477 and previously occupied by auto-oriented businesses until about five years ago, is owned by CTA. It has been cleared for new construction as part of DPD’s broader effort under the 95th Street Corridor Plan—adopted by the Chicago Plan Commission in February 2025—to guide improvements along the corridor between Cottage Grove Avenue and Halsted Street.
The adjacent 95th/Dan Ryan station serves over 20,000 daily rail and bus passengers; meanwhile, traffic on 95th Street exceeds 33,000 vehicles each day according to data from CTA and Illinois Department of Transportation. A project extending the CTA Red Line five miles south of this station is expected to begin later this year.
Applicants must submit RFP responses through ChiBlockBuilder land sales portal. Submissions will be evaluated based on concept quality as well as financial capacity and relevant experience with similar-scale projects.
A pre-submission webinar will be held on Monday, Feb. 23 at 3 p.m., with registration available via Zoom. More information—including application links—is posted at Chicago.gov/RFPs.
An update meeting covering progress on the corridor plan and an overview of this RFP will take place Thursday, Feb. 5 from 6–7:30 p.m. at Endeleo Institute.
The DPD continues its work supporting comprehensive growth across Chicago by fostering sustainable neighborhoods and accessible waterfronts while overseeing historic preservation initiatives (https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd.html). Commissioner Ciere Boatright currently leads these efforts (https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd.html).
