North Chicago Moves Forward with Sheridan Crossing Redevelopment, Seeks Development Team

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. — The City of North Chicago has officially launched the next chapter in the long-awaited redevelopment of the Sheridan Crossing opportunity site by issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify a lead developer or development team for the project.

The RFQ invites experienced developers to showcase their qualifications, vision, and expertise for transforming the approximately 34-acre property into a vibrant mixed-use destination that could reshape one of the city’s most prominent corridors.

According to Taylor Wegrzyn, North Chicago’s Director of Economic and Community Development, the redevelopment could include a mix of retail stores, restaurants, entertainment venues, recreational amenities, and potentially sports-related attractions.

“The site is big enough for a minor league stadium on half of it,” Wegrzyn said. “There could be some residential. This is the first step in a two-step process.”

Developers have until Sept. 18 to submit their qualifications. After reviewing the submissions, the City expects to select a group of finalists—potentially as many as 20—to advance to the Request for Proposals (RFP) phase, which is expected to begin within six to eight weeks.

“The RFP will show us how they want to develop the property,” Wegrzyn said. “By the end of the year, we expect to negotiate a development agreement with our chosen developer. By the spring of 2027, development is expected to begin.”

For North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr., the project represents the realization of a vision that has been decades in the making. Since taking office in 2005, redeveloping Sheridan Crossing has remained one of his top priorities.

“It’s been a long road to be where we are now,” Rockingham said. “There were so many challenges. This is a new vision for North Chicago.”

For years, redevelopment efforts were stalled due to environmental contamination left behind by former industrial uses. The project gained significant momentum in 2023 after the City secured $4 million in federal funding for environmental remediation through the efforts of U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider. Cleanup work began last September and is expected to be completed this October, clearing the way for construction.

“A revitalized Sheridan Crossing will bring good-paying jobs, a strengthened local economy and more exciting opportunities for residents to enjoy all North Chicago has to offer,” Schneider said in an email. “None of this important work would be possible without the extraordinary partnership of Mayor Rockingham and Lake County leadership.”

As planning continues, city leaders envision a destination that extends beyond shopping and dining. Future concepts could include upper-floor residential housing, hospitality options such as a hotel to serve families visiting Naval Station Great Lakes, and additional entertainment amenities that would attract both residents and visitors.

“This is a clean canvas for our opportunity,” Rockingham said. “This is a vision for North Chicago reimagined. We’re moving in the right direction.”

Located adjacent to downtown North Chicago, Sheridan Crossing is expected to serve as a catalyst for additional investment throughout the surrounding business district. Because the property is currently city-owned, it does not generate property or sales tax revenue. Officials say redevelopment will return the site to the tax rolls, creating new revenue that can be reinvested into city services and infrastructure.

“As we start to see tax dollars from Sheridan Crossing, it can only help the city of North Chicago,” the mayor said. “There will be added revenue for the safety of the community, and it will bring more benefits for the residents.”

If the City’s timeline remains on schedule, a development partner could be selected by the end of 2026, with construction beginning in the spring of 2027—marking the start of what city leaders hope will become one of the most transformative economic development projects in North Chicago’s history.