Brach’s past
In 2008, members of the Austin Community Education Network and Westside Health Authority put forth their own proposal for a new comprehensive high school—featuring athletic fields, outdoor gardens and several campus buildings. Despite some community rumbling, that proposal went no where.
ML Realty acquired the Brach’s property in 2008, the sales price at the time listed as $10.5 million. The Cook County Recorder of Deeds website, however, has no information stating whether it was acquired through a direct sale.
The firm is currently doing asbestos work in prep of the demolition, which is expected to wrap up next spring. The city had threatened to scrap the TIF deal with ML Realty due to the lack of work done at the site. Originally set to expire this past May, the city extended the subsidy through November at the firm’s request.