Permits have been issued for the upcoming Chicago Market within the former Uptown Station house at 4620 N Broadway in Uptown. Located on the intersection with W Wilson Avenue and under the Red Line tracks, the Co-Op has been in the making for nearly 10 years and will become the city’s largest upon opening.
Site context map of 4620 N Broadway via Google Maps
Vintage view of Uptown Station via Uptown Update
The market will be housed within the aforementioned station house also known as the Gerber Building. It was built in 1923 and replaces the Stohr Arcade Building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It was in use for the surface and elevated lines that served the area over the years until 2015 when it was decommissioned for the new Wilson Station and restored.
Rendering of Chicago Market
With potential opening dates going as far back as 2020, the construction permits mark a huge step forward for the space designed by SPACE Architects + Planners. Similar to other grocery store co-ops like the Dill Pickle in Logan Square, all will be able to shop at the market, but those who have bought into the co-op will get discounts, return on investment, and vote at board meetings.
Floor plan of Chicago Market by SPACE Architects + Planners
The 13,000 square-foot space will have a full range of products including a meat/seafood counter, grab-n-go options, fresh produce, a cafe, and even a community room within the basement. Though an opening has been kicked down the road, the leadership team had already hired managers and early staff as far back as 2022, it is unclear if they remain.
Rendering of Chicago Market
Prior to opening, the team hopes to have over 3,500 owners/investors, with over 2,000 already committed over the years. With an overall build-out cost around $12 million, the project also received $5.2 million in the form of a Chicago Community Development grant in 2022. With the permit in hand, the team can now begin work though an opening date is unknown.
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Very nice!
I gave seed money to this project 10 years ago when I lived in the neighborhood. I now live in Florida, but glad this project is FINALLY moving forward. Will be good for the neighborhood. Uptown has a lot of problems, but also has a lot of assets and potential. A good grocery store is a great asset to a neighborhood.
10 years? Sounds about right
AND 12 million, with 5.2 of it from (tax dollars) a grant? Ridiculous.
Could you explain why you feel it is “ridiculous” and what exactly you want tax dollars going to? I can’t really come with something more basic or essential than food.
Observation 1. This country used to build dams, bridges, skyscrapers and battleships in a few months’ time. But it’s taken 10 years to put up shelves and stock food in an abandoned station house in the middle of a major metropolitan area.
Observation 2. I have traveled to Uptown to buy international foods for over 20 years. 2 years ago I took an Uptown architectural tour which went into this space and advertised the market’s “grand opening”. I thought it was a lovely space indeed, but when I asked “why a grocery store” our guide said “lack of food options”. As though we were in starving parts of Ethiopia. But Upwtown is full of grocery stores (Tai Nam, Viet Hoa, Park to Shop, Thailand Food, Old World Market) all within a few blocks of each other, which are are cheaper and offer more selection than in my own area. It’s like the sponsors flew into Uptown from Mars and have never walked around.
Observation 3. This mega-mall will only take away business from existing small grocers, which no doubt exist on very small margins.
Two thumbs up for this project.
Damn, built in 1023??? This thing is ancient! :)-
Seriously tho, if this is successful it’ll be a great asset for the neighborhood. I’m in Andersonville and I could see making regular trips if the offering is good.
Over 1,000 year old! just updated it to 1923
$923 per square foot!? Does this include soft costs and FF&E? Even if it does, Something is not right here.
☝🏻
THAT INCLUDES EVERYTHING ACCORDG. TO SCOPE OF WORK
vintage bldgs are typically double $$ of cheap new construction crap
I hope this will be something special, not just another twee “farmers’ market” with ridiculous prices. Something similar opened in Boston 10 years ago, and it’s not generated much interest (despite its prime location) because it’s basically a upscale food court with a few stalls selling overpriced (often mediocre) bakery products and cheeses. Chicago has a chance to do something genuinely “for the people” (rather than the occasional tourist) with an emphasis on authentic, distinctively Chicago-made goods and genuinely local farm-to-market produce.
I rode the Red Line from and to that station until I retired in 2018. I waited and waited for that Co-Op to open as it would be super convenient to stop at for groceries. I never thought it would take TEN years !
what a waste of money-should of given the money to those who are hungry on a daily basis rather than to build a market that rich folks will only benefit. Liberals always.
@westlooper
As opposed to giving tax dollars to the rich or a corporation to profit off of everyone and have prices even higher.
Conservatives always
I dunno what he said wasn’t actually a conservative talking point but maybe you know more about westlooper than me. I’m very excited for this market but I’m also an upper middle class Lincoln Square denizen.
Anyone know when Halsted Pointe will start? It says Onni Group secured financing in January of 2024, yet 13 months later, no word from anyone anywhere.
They said construction wouldn’t start till 2028…
2028? When did they move it back 4 years? What about Halsted Landing then? That was supposed to start in 2028 or 2029.
Very interesting to learn about the FLW building that was here before!