Developers with a good idea—and the financial backing to make it reality—will soon be invited to submit to the city their vision for the land near York Road and North Avenue known as the Hahn Street parcel.

A request for proposals for a new development on the land, bordered by North Avenue, York Road, Addison and Third streets, will go out on Feb. 1. Ideas are due April 15.

Elmhurst City Council added the final touches to the RFP Monday night. A draft of the request was presented in November, and since then, city staff have surveyed aldermen to ask how to evaluate proposals.

Aldermen will use a 100-point ranking system, with some factors, such as economic viability, architecture and qualifications of the applicant, worth more points. Other factors include parking, open space, site plan, land use and sustainability.

The site in question was part of the downtown tax increment financing district (TIF 1) that was established in 1986, but economic decline stalled development there. The developer formerly under contract with the city since 2008, Morningside Group, was let out of its contract by the city last March. The Hahn parcels were then moved into the North York Road TIF, which stretches up to Grand Avenue.

Assistant City Manager Mike Kopp said there already are about 25 developers that have expressed interest in the site, but the city also will advertise the RFP.

First Ward Alderman Diane Gutenkauf shared some comments from residents, including a desire for housing options for empty nesters and for green space around any new construction.

Aldermen stressed again that they are looking for creativity as well as economic success. Consultants advised the city last year to seek out an apartment complex for the site, a suggestion that didn't sit well with several aldermen.

“It's very important that we keep an open mind at this time,” 6th Ward Alderman Steve Morley said.

What kind of development would you like to see on the Hahn Street parcel? Let us know in the comments.