T
he city of Chicago is selling over 800 parcels of land, formerly owned by notorious landlord Suzie Wilson, as part of her bankruptcy proceedings. The sale represents the largest mass sale of land in Chicago since the Great Fire over 150 years ago. Hilco Real Estate is managing the sale, which has been divided into 10 pools based on location, with most properties situated on the city's South and West Sides.

    About 60-70% of the properties are zoned for residential use, while others are commercial or industrial. Some parcels fall along planned transit routes or neighbor major developments like the Obama Presidential Center and Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park. Bids must be made by March 7 and are subject to court approval.

    Wilson's company amassed $15 million in unpaid municipal tickets for neglecting properties with rat infestations and dumping waste on vacant lots. The city sued her, seeking $10 million in damages, calling her a "scourge" on the city. Wilson filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last fall under the company name B.A.S.S. & M, Inc.

    Revenue from the sale will go towards satisfying debts owed to the city and two other lenders named in the bankruptcy case. Hilco is working with local organizations to increase awareness of the opportunity among developers and entrepreneurs who may be interested in purchasing the properties. The goal is to maximize value while also benefiting neighboring property owners and businesses.