The Habitat Company Announces New Townhome Community in Highland Park

A long-vacant industrial property in Highland Park is set for new life after the City Council approved plans for a 227-unit townhome community at the former Solo Cup manufacturing site.

The 28.6-acre property at 1660–1700 Deerfield Road, located between Route 41 and Ridge Road, has remained vacant since 2009 when Solo Cup relocated its headquarters and moved production out of state. The council’s approval rezones the land from industrial to residential, allowing development of a neighborhood designed to meet growing housing demand in the area.

The Habitat Company, the developer behind the project, plans to transform the site into a family-oriented residential community featuring a mix of three- and four-bedroom townhomes. In addition to new housing, the development will include shared amenities such as a clubhouse with a pool, walking paths, and multiple parking options, including first-floor garages and street parking.

City officials expressed support for the project, noting its potential to bring new residents, stimulate local businesses, and revitalize an underutilized property. Leaders described the redevelopment as a positive step toward continued growth and investment in Highland Park.

Construction is expected to begin this spring, with completion projected within 18 to 24 months. Once finished, the development will convert a long-idle site into a new residential neighborhood, adding housing options and contributing to the city’s ongoing development efforts.