The Motorola facility located at 2001 N Division St in Harvard, Illinois, has a notable history that mirrors the broader trends in the telecommunications industry and the economic shifts within the region. Initially constructed in the late 1990s, this vast plant was designed to spearhead Motorola’s efforts in manufacturing cellular phones and other telecommunications equipment. The investment was a beacon of industrial progress, promising to invigorate the local economy through job creation and technological innovation.

However, the anticipated success faced hurdles as the dynamics of the global telecommunications market evolved. Advances in technology and changes in manufacturing strategies, coupled with competitive pressures, led to Motorola reassessing its operations. The facility, once bustling with activity and potential, saw its operations wind down, eventually ceasing, and leaving behind questions about the future of this expansive site.

The years that followed saw the facility go through various ownership changes and proposed redevelopment plans, none of which significantly altered the site’s dormant status. The challenge of repurposing such a specialized and large industrial space in a changing economic landscape was evident. After over two decades of vacancy, CAI Investments acquired the property in late 2021, embarking on an ambitious project to breathe new life into the site. Recognizing the potential of the facility and the strategic advantage of its location, CAI Investments implemented a comprehensive redevelopment plan. This plan included necessary repairs to the infrastructure, updates to zoning and entitlements to better suit modern uses, and efforts to make the property eligible for Tax Increment Financing (TIF), a critical financial tool to support its revitalization.