Chicago Heights to Acquire and Sell Joe Orr Properties

Chicago Heights is very close to realizing plans to commercially build up the strip mall in the 100 block of Joe Orr Road, officials say.

City Economic Development Director Joe Kudra said the foreclosed property at 160 W. Joe Orr Rd., formerly occupied by Ace Hardware, will belong to Chicago Heights soon, giving the city ownership of every property in the strip, except for . 

"Once the city owns the old Ace Hardware, we'll take ownership of that whole track of property," Kudra said. "And we've had some inquiries about that."

But potential buyers beware: Kudra said the city plans to strongly push the group of properties as one big package.

"The city is probably not going to break that up," Kudra said.

But before any selling can take place, the acquisition of the old Ace Hardware must be completed, and City Corporation Counsel T.J. Somer is involved with the legal aspects of the deal.

"No new news on the acquisition yet," Somer said in an email. "Working on clarifying the legal description and easements."

Patch will post any updates on this ongoing development as we get new information.