Des Plaines seeks developer for vacant Mannheim-Higgins parcel
Des Plaines officials on Tuesday formally issued a request for proposals in hopes of developing a long-vacant, city-owned property at Mannheim and Higgins roads.
"The city views the site as ideal for potential retail, entertainment, restaurant, or airport-oriented uses due to its highly desirable location," said Lauren Pruss, the city's economic development coordinator, in a news release. "This RFP seeks proposals for a single-, mixed- or multiuse development that are consistent with this vision and that will maximize revenue for and drive economic development in the city."
A proposal to build a seven-story parking garage, nine-story hotel and 4,000-square-foot fast-food restaurant on the 4.5-acre property fell through in 2012 after the developer backed out, citing high Cook County property taxes. An earlier proposal to build two Hyatt hotels, restaurants and shops was withdrawn in 2010. The city borrowed $10.4 million to buy the land - formerly home to Ace car rental and a TraveLodge - and for other redevelopment costs.
The property is located within Tax Increment Finance District 7, recently drawn out of TIF 6 by the city in an effort to spur redevelopment.