A preliminary plan has been revealed for the future of the Mars Wrigley factory at 2019 N Oak Park Avenue in Galewood. Located on the intersection with W Armitage Avenue within the greater residential neighborhood, the factory dates back to 1929 and has seen multiple expansions over the years completing two others within the greater metro area. Now Mars is working with local residents to decide the fate of the massive multi-acre site.
Historic Image of the factory via Wednesday Journal
Built in a Spanish Revival style with beige brick, terracotta roof tiles, and a landscaped street front, the factory employs roughly 280 people and is one of three factories along with ones in Burr Ridge and Yorkville. Mars recently announced a new innovation center at their headquarters on Goose Island and is the nation’s fourth-largest private company with $40 billion in revenue in 2021. Planning to close the plant in 2024, the company has committed to donating the site to whichever developer community members decide to move forward.
Current iteration of the site’s masterplan via Wednesday Journal
Now after multiple meetings, the community has spoken on what they want as a preliminary master plan for the site which will be redeveloped into a multi-site and phase complex. A large part of the original factory with the original facade will be preserved as the centerpiece and converted into a community center and office building, bound by a new central landscaped boulevard that will traverse the site. A small nature zone would also be included along with multiple areas of open space and an urban farm complemented by other residential and office structures.
First iteration of the site’s masterplan via Wednesday Journal
Now Mars will enter an internal review period and continue to work with locals along with the Department of Planning and Development as most of the site will require a rezoning. If the proposal seems feasible they will then determine a timeline within which to engage potential developers. However it is worth noting that Mars did state that no major updates or announcements are expected in 2023 but more community meetings may occur according to Wednesday Journal.
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Beautiful building and I’m glad it’s being preserved. Years ago, the front lawn was “putting green,” and Mars allowed neighborhood children to play on the lawn and didn’t complain if the green got torn up – they’d simply repair the damage. Mars has been a good neighbor to the folks of Galewood.
It would be nice if they planned the site in conjunction with Metra. There are three stations in very close proximity. Combining Galewood and Mont Claire into a new Mars TOD area would be beneficial for everyone.
Yeah, this could definitely support more housing especially close to the station.
I notice so many plans these days have a community center component. Are these really all going to get used? Who will provide programming for them? Are they just sops to noisy neighborhood activists that won’t get much if any use?
Inquiring minds want to know. It just seems like “and there’s a community center!” is an too easy answer these days.
I did some Google Maps snooping as well. I’m relieved so see that a significant portion of the existing site is a typical manufacturing plant and not at all like the 1929 structure that will be saved.