Over 200 Townhomes Planned for Former Solo Cup Site in Highland Park

The long-vacant manufacturing site will be transformed into a new residential neighborhood.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Highland Park City Council has approved a plan to redevelop the former Solo Cup manufacturing site into a 227-unit townhome community. The 28.6-acre property has been vacant since 2009 when Solo Cup moved its headquarters and factory out of state. The Habitat Company, the developer for the project, aims to revitalize the underutilized site and turn it into a thriving residential neighborhood with a clubhouse, pool, and walking paths.

Why it matters

This project will breathe new life into a long-vacant industrial site, transforming it into much-needed housing for families. It also represents progress for the city of Highland Park, which has seen previous redevelopment proposals for the site fall through over the years.

The details

The project will rezone the land at 1660-1700 Deerfield Road from industrial to residential use to allow for the 227-unit townhome community. The townhomes will feature a mix of three and four-bedroom designs. In addition to the homes, the development will include a clubhouse with a pool and walking paths. Parking for residents will be provided in first-floor garages and on streets.

  • The Highland Park City Council approved the project on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • Construction on the new neighborhood is projected to start this spring and is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete.

The players

The Habitat Company

The developer for the project, aiming to revitalize the underutilized site and turn it into a thriving residential neighborhood.

Barisa Bruckman

A Highland Park city councilmember who said the project is a "step forward" for the community.

Nancy Rotering

The mayor of Highland Park, who said she looks forward to welcoming new neighbors to the city.

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What they’re saying

“This long vacant solo cup site could finally become homes for new families and customers for our local business and that's a step forward.”

— Barisa Bruckman, Highland Park City Councilmember (Patch)

“They say that a city growing is a city progressing, and I look forward to meeting our new neighbors.”

— Nancy Rotering, Mayor of Highland Park (Patch)

What’s next

Construction on the new townhome community is expected to begin this spring and take 18 to 24 months to complete.

The takeaway

This redevelopment project will transform a long-vacant industrial site into a thriving new residential neighborhood, providing much-needed housing for families in Highland Park. It represents progress for the city and a commitment to revitalizing underutilized properties.