We're still considering the two proposals we have. It's clearly taking a little longer than we thought it would have.

To be honest, this has turned out to be a more complicated transaction than we had expected. We want a win-win-win solution … to preserve Yerkes, generate revenue for the university, and add value for the surrounding area.

It is far more important to make the right decision than a quick one. ... It's not a situation where there is cost to either the observatory or the Williams Bay community. We want to get this right.

We do not plan on being a party to any plan that would degrade the quality of the (Geneva Lake).

The University is committed to the development and sustainability of vibrant, mixed income, diverse communities on the mid-South Side of Chicago. Ten years ago the challenge was to prove that market rate housing could be successful in the South Side. Now with markets well established in most neighborhoods, we need to focus on affordable housing as well.

I thought we were focused, ... I just don't think we played well enough to win tonight.