After sitting dormant for years, the site of the old Acme coke plant on Chicago's southeast side might have a new purpose.
The abandoned industrial site is being considered for a new 36-acre solar farm.
The Cook County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA) is working on a deal to lease the land to Sun Power for up to 35 years.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the lease would be a first for the CCLBA, which typically sells old properties to developers.
One hitch is that the site has been deemed toxic by state and federal officials, but the CCLBA has sought bids to clean it up.
According to Cook County records, millions of dollars in back property taxes are still owed as well.
Sun Power is no stranger to solar power plants in the Windy City. In 2010, the company built a 41-acre solar plant with Exelon on Chicago’s south side.
Based in California, Sun Power will have two years to consider the long-term lease and determine whether or not the project is viable.
