Former Magna Electric Building Torn Down For Development

OAK FOREST, IL — The former home of Magna Electric was the latest to meet its fate with a bulldozer Tuesday, as the City of Oak Forest continues to tear down the old to make room for the new.

The demolition of the Magna Electric building, 15644 S. Cicero Avenue, was the second step to prepare for the construction of a mixed-use development at 15644 S. Cicero Avenue. The proposed development, which includes 75 multi-family units, commercial first-floor space and 15 row homes replaces the former electric supply store and the adjacent apartment building at the northwest corner of Cicero Avenue and 157th Street.

The apartment building was bulldozed late last month. The city purchased the buildings in order to tear them down. The developer will then purchase the properties, according to officials.

The plan also calls for a parking facility that would hold 30 vehicles to serve the residential units and on-street parking to serve the proposed commercial space.

Construction of the row homes is expected to begin this year.