Press release from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
When the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) began its quest to reverse the flow of the Chicago River in 1889, among its first actions was to acquire property on which to build the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, the North Shore Channel and the Calumet-Sag Channel. In acquiring these lands, the MWRD ultimately became the second largest landowner in Cook County. Some of this property is available for leasing to public and private entities.
The MWRD has launched a new online mapping tool that displays parcels available for lease. Users can search by desired acreage, by channel and by parcel number. An aerial photograph overlay of the property is also available on the system.
“As the landlord of 24,000 acres of property throughout Cook, DuPage, Will and Fulton counties, we strive to be a good steward,” said MWRD President Mariyana Spyropoulos.
The MWRD categorizes its property into three categories: corporate use land; non-corporate use land in Cook and neighboring counties; and non-corporate use land in Fulton County. Approximately 4,800 acres are used for MWRD corporate purposes; these include the main office and annex buildings in downtown Chicago, seven water reclamation plants, 22 pumping stations, five sidestream elevated pool aeration stations and the Lockport Powerhouse in Will County.
Of the non-corporate use lands, 3,352 acres are under lease for public access by other public entities such as park districts, schools and local governments for nominal fees in Cook, DuPage, Will and Fulton Counties.
The MWRD leases 250 acres in DuPage, 750 acres in Will County, and 5.072 acres in Fulton County. This western Illinois land was a remediated strip mine property that was previously used for biosolids management. It is now used for best management nutrient control practice demonstrations and research.
“Whether someone is looking for a small or large parcel, we have several available for lease,” said Commissioner Michael Alvarez.
To access the online mapping tool, visit https://gispub.mwrd.org/leasingproperty/. For additional information contact 312-751-6582.