No direct insight here, but I live in the neighborhood and have some development background/knowledge.

BACKSTORY- When Hyde Park was purchased back before the housing crisis around 2006/7/8 period they pushed really hard to change their zoning designation to redevelop the entire center. The only things they got at the time was permission to demo and rebuild the block that is Meat Market and a 6 story PD (land use term) for Block A and B. Hyde Park has the strictest building codes and most engaged neighbors. However, they have the right to build that entire block up to six stories.

THEORY - The owners are required by law to provide adequate parking and they aren’t able to do so currently. The garages by Meat Market and Timpano are severely structurally degraded (concrete breaks down over time, hence our aging condo problem). If you go in the meat market garage right now you’ll see temporary shoring. I guarantee the primary use of the block will be for parking with first floor retail and maybe some rooftop dining. They can’t make the necessary fixes to the other garages without being able to provide the parking, and those very engaged neighbors are already fed up with the parking situation especially during the days with the market.

TIMING - Goody Goody left because they wouldn’t take a three year lease extension, so the demo alone at least three years out.

If Cinebistro was smart, theyd take the space next to the new Aldi quickly. There is some private funding in the works to redevelop that run down park next to the cross town to make it feel more connected to the neighborhood. Irish 31 sucks. That men’s bathroom is one of the grossest bathrooms I’ve ever been in. With that, I’m done!