By a vote of 48-0, Chicago city councillors unanimously approved the purchase of the Michael Reese Hospital site for the Olympic Village, should Chicago host the 2016 Summer Games, despite threatening to block its purchase.
Housing Alderman Tony Preckwinkle said the price was a steal, “whether or not we get the Olympics and it gives us a tremendous opportunity to develop an important part of the South Lakefront”.
Some aldermen were critical of the bid committee saying they won’t support future plans for the bid if the committee doesn’t hire more minorities.
If Chicago hosts the 2016 Games and the site becomes the Olympic Village, the property would later be a mixed-use project with affordable housing, said city officials.