Demolition of Michael Reese Hospital gets green light

July 23, 2009 (CHICAGO) The city bought the 37-acre site for $86 million last month. Plans call for knocking down 28 of the 29 buildings on the property.

The intention is to resell the land to private developers for the construction of the Olympic Village should Chicago be awarded the 2016 games.

Two separate demolition companies won the contracts, which are worth just over $11 million. The city says it plans to develop the land regardless of the Olympic decision.

Demolition is expected to begin in early fall.