City moves to acquire old Main Post Office for redevelopment

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The City of Chicago has moved to acquire the old Main Post Office that straddles Congress Parkway as you enter downtown Chicago.

It's been closed and unused for more than 20 years. Development plans have come and gone. On Saturday morning, Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office said seizing the site is the first step before seeking bids to revitalize the 11-acre property.

"Today's action will accelerate the process of transforming the old Main Post office, which has sat empty for more than two decades, into an economic driver for the neighborhood and the entire city," Mayor Emanuel said. "Development of this key gateway to the city can create thousands of jobs while rebuilding one of Chicago's iconic structures."