In a marked deviation from plans approved two years ago, developer Scott Gidwitz, son of renowned business executive and GOP fundraiser Ron Gidwitz, has shifted gears on a Skokie property development. Originally greenlit for a substantial 494-unit apartment complex, the plans have now been replaced with proposals for two restaurants and a bank, as the economic climate with rising interest rates and surging inflation made the ambitious housing project untenable. According to a statement obtained by the Chicago Tribune, Scott Gidwitz candidly shared with the Skokie Plan Commission that the market conditions "did not support that as interest rates rose and inflation obviously went through the roof."
The Skokie Village Board, which had previously backed the residential project, is now set to consider this smaller venture comprising a Chase bank, Cava, and First Watch restaurant offerings; Skokie's Communications and Community Engagement Director Patrick Deignan confirmed the shift away from the original apartment plan to the same source. Additionally, Sarah Seale, a representative for Cava, noted while details for the Skokie location remain unconfirmed, the restaurant chain is eyeing a 15% growth trajectory in the upcoming years, yet none of the Illinois locations include a drive-thru, the new Skokie outlet is set to break this pattern, according to Gidwitz's plan that presented to the commission.
The site at 5440 Touhy Avenue has been owned by the Gidwitz family for over six decades and, if approved, this new development will bring to Skokie a blend of dining and financial services instead of the residential and retail space initially envisioned. The historical aspect of the property and the Gidwitz family's extensive involvement in the area were highlighted in a report from Chicago Business, outlining Ron Gidwitz's political roles and former ownership of Helene Curtis Industries.
Concerns were previously voiced regarding the absence of affordable housing in the extensive development, a topic raised during the initial approval meetings for the apartment complex in Skokie, which does not maintain an inclusionary housing ordinance, unlike neighboring suburbs. Gail Schechter, executive director of Housing Opportunities & Maintenance for the Elderly, challenged the Skokie trustees with her query, "My question to you is, why not make this new development a mixed-income development?", expressing worry over the shrinking affordable housing stock for individuals and families, particularly those with disabilities, during the prior board meetings; these concerns now pivot to the village's reception of the altered development plan.
