CHICAGO-A controversial $500-million project, which has been scaled down during more than a year of negotiations between the developer and Lincoln Park community groups, is headed to the city council. American Invsco's 325-unit project to be built around a portion of the now vacant Columbus Hospital gets a favorable recommendation from the plan commission Thursday despite cries that the redevelopment will only make gridlock in the upscale neighborhood worse.

Sale of the 3-acre site at 2520 N. Lakeview Ave., which is expected to generate around $30 million for Catholic Health Partners Services, is expected to take place in January, consultant Brad Neuman tells GlobeSt.com. Given 43rd Ward Alderman Vi Daley's support, city council approval is expected.

American Invsco is controlled by the Gouletas family, which helped pioneer condominiums in the late 1970s and 1980s. American Invsco also is redeveloping an office building at Lake and Wells streets into condominiums.