Instead of gravel and chain-link, the Sound of Crickets on former VA site?

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In his newsletter to constituents, 42nd ward alderman Brendan Reilly announced he has concluded negotiations with Northwestern Memorial Hospital for a two-square block Streeterville lot that has remained gravel-surfaced and chain-linked since Schmidt, Garden & Erikson's Lakeside Veterans Hospital was demolished over three years ago.

Reilly, also citing support from SOAR (Streetverville Organization of Area Residents), said Northwestern has now agreed to make good on promises made to the Chicago Plan Commission to make upgrades to the site while it awaits future construction.

Alderman Reilly is very pleased to report that his persistence has paid-off. The Alderman believes we have secured a solution that not only requires NMH to deliver on their promise to provide green space on the site, but will also provide some additional streetscape improvements.

NMH will provide a 15-foot setback on the east and west sides of the site - including new wrought iron fencing to secure the entire perimeter as well as new and improved lighting. The interior planting area will include prairie grasses and wild flowers encircled by a sodded perimeter just beyond the fencing. Per the Alderman's request, NMH will also widen and repair the sidewalks on both Fairbanks and McClurg Courts.

"Improved lighting, secured fencing and chamfered corners to eliminate pedestrian blind spots" - cost undisclosed.  Allowing Bertrand Goldberg's Prentice Hospital to live on in the rendering:  priceless.