(rshsdepot) Chicago's Union Station

["James Dent" <james.dent_@_itochu.com>]

-From the Chicago Tribune...

Amtrak picks developer for Union station

By Thomas A. Corfman
Tribune staff reporter
May 5, 2001
Long-delayed plans to transform Chicago's Union Station are slowly rolling
forward, with owner Amtrak selecting Prime Group Realty Trust to redevelop
the historic train depot.

A proposal by the Daley administration to landmark the station was put on
hold Thursday to allow for additional review of a mixed-use redevelopment
proposal by the Chicago-based real estate investment trust.

The station, which was built in 1925, occupies the block bounded by Jackson
Boulevard and Canal, Clinton and Adams streets.

Amtrak signed a "letter agreement" with Prime Group in February and last
month presented a redevelopment plan to the city's Department of Planning
and Development, according to an Amtrak letter submitted to David Mosena,
chairman of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.

The letter does not disclose the terms of the agreement with Prime Group or
any details about the plan, except to call it a mixed-use proposal.

Sources said the proposal includes retailing, condominiums and office space
and would incorporate a plan for adding additional floors to the eight-story
structure.

An Amtrak spokesman would not comment on the redevelopment, but confirmed
that the railroad early next year will move its local offices from the
station to a new building at 525 W. Van Buren St. being built by
Chicago-based Development Resources Inc.

Prime Group executives would not comment.

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