Revitalizing Chicago: CPS Puts 20 Vacant Schools Up for Sale

After over a decade of sitting empty, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is taking another step to address its portfolio of vacant properties, putting 20 former school buildings up for bid. This initiative seeks to breathe new life into these structures, alleviate the financial burden of maintenance, and foster community reinvestment across Chicago neighborhoods.

The Lingering Legacy of 2013 Closures

The 20 buildings now on the market are a direct consequence of the mass school closings in 2013, which disproportionately affected Black children from low-income families and contributed to population loss in some areas. For twelve years, many of these architecturally significant buildings have sat vacant, falling into disrepair with stripped copper, broken windows, and graffiti. One, the former Dett Elementary, was even torn down after an extra-alarm fire last year, costing the district $1.25 million.

Maintaining these empty sites is not cheap; CPS spends an estimated $100,000 to $150,000 per school annually on upkeep and security. This equates to over $2 million each year for the 20 properties, totaling more than $24 million over the last decade – a significant drain on resources as CPS faces a $529 million budget deficit and considers hundreds of layoffs.

A New Push for Repurposing and Revenue

The current solicitation for bids, due May 30, 2025, includes properties with minimum bids, with the goal not just to secure the highest dollar amount, but to find the “most responsible, compatible use” for each site. For instance, the former Dett Elementary site on the Near West Side, now cleared land, has a minimum bid of $1.3 million, strategically located near the proposed $7 billion 1901 Project development by the United Center. All properties come with deed restrictions, prohibiting use as K-12 charter schools, or for liquor or tobacco sales.

CPS Director of Real Estate, Stephen Stults, emphasizes that while demolition is costly, the underlying “bones of the buildings” are generally good. The district anticipates presenting successful sales to the school board by the end of the year and plans to engage “sister agencies” like the Chicago Park District if some properties don’t attract buyers.

A Mixed Bag: Past Redevelopment Efforts

Previous attempts to repurpose closed schools have seen varied success. Following the 2013 closures, a committee was formed, and 47 buildings were put up for sale, with 24 eventually selling for $38 million. Some transformed into luxury housing or private schools, while others became single-family homes or union halls.

More recently, significant community-driven projects have emerged:

The journey from vacant building to revitalized community asset is often lengthy and complex, requiring substantial commitment and resources. Ghian Foreman of Washington Park Development Group, which owns the former Overton Elementary, noted it’s “harder than you think it is” and requires deep commitment.

Local Voices and Future Visions

The sale process highlights the “governmental entanglement” between the city and the Chicago Board of Education. State law requires both City Council and a two-thirds vote from the school board for property sales. Prospective buyers are encouraged to engage with local aldermen and school board representatives early on.

Local officials like Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20th Ward) plan community meetings to gather feedback, while school board members like Che “Rhymefest” Smith (District 10) hope revenue from sales will directly benefit local schools rather than “disappearing into the district bureaucracy.” Therese Boyle (District 9) echoes the critical need for every penny for operational schools and describes vacant schools as “awful” reminders of past closures. Michilla Blaise (District 5) stresses that these empty buildings symbolize neighborhood disinvestment and must be addressed.

Community developers emphasize the broader social cost of vacancy. Foreman questioned the notion that repurposing or even demolishing for a park is too expensive, asking, “What’s more expensive? What we pay the police in overtime or opening up a gym for the kids to play basketball?”

Frequently Asked Questions About CPS Property Sales

• What is CPS selling?
  Chicago Public Schools is selling 20 former school properties that have been vacant since the 2013 mass school closings.
• What is the goal of these sales?
  The primary goal is to find responsible and compatible uses for the buildings, reduce ongoing maintenance costs (saving $2 million annually), and generate revenue for the district.
• Are there any restrictions on how the properties can be used?
  Yes, deed restrictions prevent the properties from being used as K-12 charter schools or for the sale of liquor or tobacco products.
• How much revenue is CPS hoping to generate?
  CPS aims to bring in around $8.2 million from the minimum bids for these properties.
• Why have some past sales not resulted in redevelopment?
  Redevelopment can stall due to various reasons, including local political intervention (aldermen holding up approvals), complex financing, changes in ownership, or simply the immense challenge and cost of renovating old buildings.

Chicago residents interested in the future of their neighborhoods should engage with their local aldermen and school board representatives to advocate for transparent, community-focused redevelopment plans for these valuable public assets.

CPS Puts 20 Vacant Schools Up For Bid