GlobeSt.com EXCLUSIVE: CBS Affiliate Eyes Move to 'Block 37'

CHICAGO-Channel 2, the locally owned-and-operated CBS Television affiliate, could become a tenant, or perhaps a partner, in the city-led effort to develop 108 N. State St., formerly known as Block 37. While talks continue with the London-based Harrod’s department store chain to serve as the retail anchor of the mixed-use development, local brokers and others involved in the talks tell GlobeSt.com the television station, whose studios and operations are based in the Streeterville neighborhood, could become part of the project.

The city and Arlington, VA-based Mills Corp., whose previous project here was the 1.7-million-sf Gurnee Mills mall in that far north suburb, have signed a memorandum of intent regarding the 2.8-acre site. The city is reacquiring the property from FJV Ventures, whose $250-million project was the latest to die last year, for $32.5 million.

However, CBS communications and community relations representative Elizabeth Shapiro cautions GlobeSt.com the station has made no decision on where it will move from the 170,000-sf armory style building at 630 N. McClurg Ct. “We are still reviewing a lot of options around Chicago,” Shapiro tells GlobeSt.com.