ULI Chicago reconvened a subset of members from the Joliet TAP, representatives from the City of Joliet, and TAP partner CMAP to assess implementation of the panel recommendations. Steady progress is being made by the City to reactivate the 120 acre Prison East site for recreational use- including successful partnerships with CN Railroad on a road realignment and continuing discussions with the Joliet Park District and Will County Forest Preserve to program the site. The City continues to work with US Steel and IEPA on remediating and preparing the former steel site for redevelopment, and with the State on resources to confirm the integrity of buildings within the walls of the former prison.

“It was truly impressive to see how much progress the City has made since the panel recommendations were first made,” said John Mays, Managing Partner at Gould & Ratner LLP, and TAP Panelist. “While there is still a long way to go, the future of the study area is much more promising today than it was at this time last year.”

ULI Chicago’s Technical Assistance Panel process includes 1, 6, and 12-month follow up visits with the sponsoring organization (upon completion of the TAP report) to track progress and offer continuing assistance.

Watch for more progress reports on the Joliet Correctional Center Redevelopment TAP throughout 2013
Read the Joliet Correctional Center Redevelopment TAP report