Habitat and M/I Homes Partner to Bring New For-Sale Townhomes to Highland Park

After years of planning and collaboration with city leaders and residents, Habitat is proud to announce a new chapter for one of Highland Park’s most prominent long‑vacant sites.

Habitat has entered into a joint venture with M/I Homes of Chicago to redevelop the former Solo Cup Company site at 1700 Old Deerfield Road into The Bowery of Highland Park, a thoughtfully designed community of 227 for‑sale townhomes. Approved unanimously by the Highland Park City Council in February, the project will transform the 28‑acre parcel into a vibrant residential neighborhood that balances new housing, open space, and community connection.

Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2026.

A Long-Underutilized Site, Reimagined

The former Solo Cup manufacturing site has remained vacant for nearly two decades, with multiple redevelopment concepts proposed over the years. Since October 2024, Habitat has been working closely with the City of Highland Park to craft a plan that responds to community priorities while addressing today’s housing needs.

Following extensive public engagement, revisions, and city review, Highland Park approved a plan that emphasizes livability and long‑term value. The Bowery of Highland Park will include:

• 227 for‑sale townhomes

• More than nine acres of preserved open space

• A resident clubhouse with outdoor pool

• A dog park and publicly accessible tot lot

• Landscaped pedestrian paths and walking trails

• Traffic and infrastructure improvements

  
  

“Ever since Solo Cup vacated the area almost 20 years ago, it has seemed like the best use of this site was to redevelop it as a residential neighborhood,” said Matt Fiascone, President of Habitat. “It just took the right team with the right experience to shape a viable plan that aligns with community priorities, responds to today’s housing demands, and delivers lasting value to Highland Park and its residents.”

Partnering with a Proven Homebuilder

After city approval, Habitat evaluated market conditions and community input to determine that a for‑sale townhome community would provide the greatest long‑term benefit to Highland Park. That vision led to a partnership with M/I Homes of Chicago, one of the region’s most active and experienced homebuilders. “The next step was partnering with a proven homebuilder with an extensive track record of bringing high‑quality for‑sale housing to suburban locations and that shared our vision for this project,” said Fiascone. “That’s what led us to M/I Homes.” M/I Homes has delivered successful townhome communities throughout the northern suburbs, including Sterling Place in Northbrook, The Villas at Link Crossing in Buffalo Grove, and The Townes at Barclay in Lincolnshire.

“Working with Habitat feels very natural,” said Rick Champine, Area President of M/I Homes. “We’re both committed to building communities residents are proud to call home for years to come. The Bowery of Highland Park is exactly the kind of infill development where our experience can help bring much‑needed housing to a market with limited inventory.”

Thoughtfully Designed Homes and Amenities

The approved plan calls for 48 townhome buildings featuring three‑bedroom and three‑bedroom‑plus‑den residences with transitional‑style architecture. Each home will include:

• An attached two‑car garage

• Additional on‑street parking throughout the community

• Walkable internal streets designed to connect residents with surrounding neighborhoods

Of the 227 homes, 34 will be designated as affordable in compliance with Highland Park’s Inclusionary Housing Plan.

The site’s location also makes it uniquely suited for residential reuse, with wetlands and mature trees along its southern and western edges and convenient access to nearby schools, grocery stores, restaurants, and the Edens Expressway.

Looking Ahead

The Bowery of Highland Park represents Habitat’s continued commitment to context‑sensitive development—reimagining underutilized land to create high‑quality housing that strengthens communities and reflects local character.

To join the First Look list and receive updates about The Bowery of Highland Park townhomes, contact SalesChicago@mihomes.com.