Chicago Velo Campus Renews Its Commitment to the S

CHICAGO, Oct. 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Chicago's commitment to cycling grows through the expanding bike lanes and trails, and the new Divvy bike-sharing program, Chicago Lakeside Development — a joint venture between McCaffery Interests and United States Steel Corporation — is pleased to announce its renewed partnership with the Chicago Velo Campus . "The extension of the Chicago Velo Campus agreement represents our continued commitment to cycling and the South Shore neighborhood," said Dan McCaffery, Chairman and CEO of McCaffery Interests, Inc.

The Chicago Velo Campus, located at the Lakeside Development just east of the South Shore neighborhood, is entering into its third year of successful operation. In August of 2011, dozens of area youth and adult volunteers came together to Chicago's South Side to construct the outdoor velodrome. The 166-meter wooden velodrome and community cycle shop continue to promote the sport of cycling through youth educational programs, training classes, and competitive events. Its vision is to make Chicago and the surrounding southeast-side neighborhoods a hub for world-class cycling that could include a 250 meter Olympic-level indoor velodrome, training facility, and health club.

Since its inception, Chicago Velo Campus has certified 220 Juniors (defined by USA Cycling as riders age 10-18) as part of their Bringing Juniors to Olympic Cycling program. Additionally, Chicago Velo Campus has engaged multiple student groups from nearby Epic Academy and Sullivan Elementary School in their Day at the Track Programs and trained a group of eight Epic Academy students at their Park Tool sponsored Fix to Own Program, a program that consists of both classroom, theory and shop experience. The Chicago Velo Campus Juniors team has competed two years in a row at Junior Track Nationals, at which the team took home one medal the first year and nine medals (one gold and several silver and bronze) the second year.

Founder and CEO of Chicago Velo Campus, Emanuele Bianchi, dreams of not only developing a world class venue, but also bringing a new found passion and enthusiasm for cycling back to life within youth, amateurs and professionals alike in Chicago. "The results are already having a dramatic impact on the community with hundreds of amateur and competitive cyclists spending time at the Chicago Velo Campus," said Mr. Bianchi.

About Chicago Velo Campus

Located just east of the South Shore neighborhood in the upcoming Lakeside development and operating on a temporary structure, the Chicago Velo Campus is raising funds and support to build a permanent track, with plans to become an Olympic training facility and a community institution for the area. For more information, visit www.chicagovelocampus.com , or contact info@chicagovelocampus.com .

About McCaffery Interests, Inc.

McCaffery Interests (MI) was founded in 1990, with a mission of transforming urban neighborhoods in ways that inspire community, create opportunities and foster the ideals of smart growth. For the past 8 years, MI has worked with the City of Chicago and its partner U.S. Steel to coordinate the redevelopment of Lakeside, over 580 acres of abandoned industrial land in Southern Cook County, IL. McCaffery Interests, Inc., is a privately owned, full-service commercial real estate company that has been in the business of investing, developing, leasing and managing real estate for more than 20 years. For more information about McCaffery Interests visit http://www.mccafferyinterests.com .

About Chicago Lakeside Development

Chicago Lakeside Development is a joint venture between United States Steel Corporation and McCaffery Interests, Inc. Chicago Lakeside Development is a global initiative for innovative living, with a strong focus on sustainable land development and community involvement. The 600-acre, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP (SOM) master planned development sits on the former U.S. Steel South Works site located on Chicago's southeast lakefront. Working closely with Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, Chicago Lakeside will be one of the largest public-private partnerships in the history of the city upon completion. With both public and private support, Chicago Lakeside is poised to revolutionize urban living in the 21st century. For more information, please visit www.chicagolakesidedevelopment.com or follow the project on Facebook .

Nasutsa Mabwa | Senior Project Manager McCaffery Interests, Inc. | (312) 944-3777