Massive 227-Home Development Planned for Former Solo Cup Site in Highland Park

One of the North Shore’s longest-vacant sites is finally moving toward a major transformation. A 28-acre property in Highland Park, once home to a Solo Cup manufacturing facility, is set to be redeveloped into a large residential community called The Bowery of Highland Park.

The site, located near Old Deerfield Road and Ridge Road, has remained unused since the Solo Cup plant closed nearly two decades ago. Now, developers Habitat and M/I Homes are partnering on a joint venture to bring new housing to the area.

The project will deliver 227 townhomes, all of which will be for-sale units, a key update from earlier plans that had not yet committed to a rental or ownership model. The shift toward for-sale housing aligns with ongoing demand across suburban Chicago, particularly in areas where inventory remains limited.

For Highland Park, this is a significant moment. The development represents one of the largest additions of new housing in decades, in a community where large-scale residential projects are relatively rare due to limited available land and strict zoning considerations.

The redevelopment also highlights a broader trend across the Chicago suburbs, where former industrial sites are being repurposed into residential communities. These projects often bring new life to underutilized land while addressing housing demand in high-desirability areas like the North Shore.

While specific pricing has not yet been announced, similar townhome developments in Highland Park and nearby suburbs typically attract buyers looking for low-maintenance living with access to top-rated schools, commuter options and established neighborhoods.

Highland Park itself continues to be one of the most sought-after suburbs in the region, known for its lakefront access, strong public schools and proximity to downtown Chicago via Metra rail service. Developments like The Bowery aim to offer modern housing options while maintaining the character and appeal that define the area.

The project received city approval earlier this year, clearing a major hurdle after what has likely been years of planning and discussion around how best to use the long-vacant site.

Summary

What makes this project stand out is how rare it is for Highland Park. Large, buildable sites like this don’t come around often, especially on the North Shore, where most land has already been developed or tightly protected.

After sitting vacant for nearly two decades, this property is finally being repositioned into something that directly addresses today’s demand: modern, for-sale housing in a high-demand suburb where inventory has stayed limited.

Construction timing and sales details are expected to come into clearer focus as the project moves forward, but for now, this marks one of the most significant residential developments the area has seen in years.

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