Legal challenges continue for Obama Presidential Center
A trial date could be set soon in the lawsuit aimed at blocking the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. The suit by nonprofit group Protect Our Parks and three individuals claims turning over a portion of the park to a private entity violates state law and city code. In addition, center also is undergoing a federal review triggered by Jackson Park’s historic significance that comes as one of the center’s most powerful boosters, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, announced he’s not seeking re-election. [Curbed]
Willis Tower set to show off overhauled private club The Metropolitan
Blackstone Group’s Willis Tower is set to unveil its overhauled club on the 66th and 67th floors, now known as The Metropolitan. The 44-year-old private business club underwent a $10 million renovation as the iconic skyscraper is getting a facelift that by some estimates will cost more than $650 million. [Crain’s]
State fines mortgage lender $1.3 million for fraudulent originations
Illinois regulators fined a Downstate mortgage lending operation $1.3 million over fraudulent operations. State officials said Diamond Residential Mortgage also agreed to be placed on probation for three years after the state determined employees at its Springfield branch office engaged in fraudulent loan origination activities. [Chicago Tribune]
Construction workers hurt in staircase collapse
Four construction workers were hurt when a staircase collapsed as they were carrying a slab of granite into an East Village condo building, authorities said. The accident happened Thursday morning in the 800 block of North Paulina Street, police said. All four men were hospitalized in serious-to-critical condition. [Block Club]
Joint Commission Resources inks 30K sf lease renewal
Joint Commission Resources renewed its 30,000-square-foot lease in Oak Brook’s Regency Towers. The deal, negotiated by NAI Hiffman, includes concessions that will allow the health care consulting agency to renovate its existing space and get more covered parking spaces for its employees. [Daily Herald]
City offering 4,000 more vacant lots for $1 each
The city of Chicago is offering up 4,000 more vacant lots to neighbors and developers for $1 each. The latest phase of the so-called “Large Lots” land sale program will open the first week of December and feature lots on the city’s South, Southwest and West sides. Some 2,000 lots around the city have been sold through the program so far. [WGN]
Eisenberg Foundation raises $560K for real estate education and cancer research
The Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation’s 20th annual dinner raised a record $560,000 to benefit the foundation’s two-pronged mission of funding real estate education and gastrointestinal cancer research. The event included the announcement of the Sheila Eisenberg Scholarship program, which will include more than $50,000 in annual scholarships and several hands-on real estate mentorship opportunities. [REJournals]