Open Space

Property sold to be used as open space that is fenced and managed by a resident, group of residents, non-profit organization, or business for local neighborhood activities. 

Purchase price: 

  • The market value of vacant, City-owned property listed for sale is located on ChiBlockBuilder.com.   
  • City-owned properties being sold under the Open Space application type may be purchased at ten percent (10%) of the market value shown on the listing. 
Required application materials

Name of individual or of business or non-profit

  • Individuals must include their full legal first and last name. 
  • Non-profits or businesses must include their legal and DBA name as registered with the Illinois Secretary of State. 

Address of residence, non-profit, or business

  • Individuals must provide their primary residence address. 
  • Non-profits or businesses must provide their physical business address. 

Project description

  • Provide details regarding the proposed use and/or physical improvements for the subject property or site. 

Site plan

  • A dimensioned and to-scale site plan that labels all proposed physical improvements, distance from lot lines, and any key activity areas is required.  

Project budget

  • An itemized budget for the proposed use and/or improvements is required. 

Demonstrated community engagement

  • Applicant demonstrates that there has been communication with area residents, businesses, community organizations and alders about the project. 

Description of impact on immediate block area and surrounding community

  • This should describe the anticipated benefits to the immediate block area and the community.

Purchase offer

  • Each application must include a proposed purchase price. With few exceptions, market rate applications are expected to offer the full market value or above for the property. 

Economic Disclosure Statement (EDS) 

  • This can be completed online here. Download a PDF copy to upload to the application. 

Indebtedness check

  • The applicant must not have any outstanding debts or financial obligations to the City or delinquent real estate property taxes.    
  • If the applicant is a non-profit, the indebtedness check is performed on the non-profit organization and its officers. 
  • If the applicant is a business, the indebtedness check is performed on all ownership interests of greater than 7.5 percent (7.5%).   
Application scoring

Proof of experience (0 to 15 points) 

  • Priority is given to applicants or development teams with proven experience completing similar projects. 

Proximity to the subject property (0 to 15 points) 

  • Priority is given to applicants living on the block, residents of Chicago, and next-door businesses.  

Capacity and financial feasibility to complete proposed improvements within 1 year of closing (0 to 15 points) 

  • Priority is given to projects consistent with zoning requirements that provide clear plans and designs, a realistic timeline, and a plan for water access. 

Capacity to maintain property in accordance with all applicable municipal codes, and pay property taxes (0 to 15 points) 

Evidence of community engagement and neighborhood benefit (0 to 25 points) 

  • Priority is given to projects that reference existing community plans, have engaged with neighbors, or have other tangible community benefits. 

Appropriateness of the proposed fence 

  • The proposed improvements must include a fence. 

NOTE: If there is more than one application, priority is given to the applicant with the highest cumulative score.