Everyday it seems we get more information about retail projects in the Sloop. Since the volume and interest has been high, we figured we would take a day to follow-up on some tips and comments we've received over the past week. So here we go...
Additional Details About Trader Joe's
Yes, we all know that Trader Joe's is coming, but details about the build out have been slowly trickling in from various sources. In Alderman Fioretti's newsletter a new tidbit emerged:
With the build out of their store and the construction of a new, below-groundWe were envisioning an above ground parking lot (even though we were unsure how that was going to happen), but a under ground lot is much better and will help maintain the streetscape better in our opinion. Also glad to hear that it plans to open next year (although the specific time of year is still undetermined).
parking area, it is anticipated this store will open sometime in 2011.
Additionally, the Trader Joe's South Loop story has been covered by Crain's.
South Loop Wine CellarWe've received email and comments saying that the South Loop Wine Cellar (1442 S. Michigan) appears to be closing. We recently walked past the store and it appears that this is true. As of Monday night, most of the Wine bins are empty. At the beginning of the year we heard a rumor that they wanted to close up shop, but were having issues with there lease. Anyway, it appears that this is now the case. This marks the second wine store on Michigan Avenue to close up shop this year (see old Sloopin post about Winestyles).
Flavor 180
A reader writes:
A new spot, Flavor 180, is opening in the old Carolina Caramel (1511 S State) spot. There is a banner outside of the space which also reads, "a new take on fast food." Check it out...We did some searching but couldn't find anymore information. If someone has the scoop let us know.
Willow Church
On Monday we posted about a new Cafe called TLC Cafe on Wabash just north of Congress. It also appears that a Church will be moving in next door at 418 S. Wabash as well. A sign that reads "Future Home of Willow Church" can be seen in the window. For those who aren't familiar with the space, this used to be the Prairie Avenue Bookshop.
Activity at 1400 S. Michigan
Finally we received a comment yesterday about a potential build out at Michigan Avenue Tower II (1400 S. Michigan). We also saw them pouring concrete slabs into the vacant retail space. We're not sure if this is for a specific tenant or if this is just the final (and much needed) step in making this space ready to be rented. Anyway, it was an eye sore and hopefully this means they can finally rent out this space.
As always, thanks to everyone who has been sending us emails, comments, and pictures. It seems like there are some good things going on in the Sloop in regard to retail. It's unfortunate when a business closes, but it's encouraging when more new stuff keeps on coming.
(Hat Tip: ND, JF, and all the readers who sent info about TJ's)
15 comments:
underground parking for Trader Joe's??? Where will they construct underground parking? under the building, I doubt it!
Maybe under the existing parking lot?
It would have to be under the existing property, wouldn't it? And it seems like that would take longer than just a few months to do, maybe even a year, given the vagaries of construction. I'd hate to wait that long for Trader Joe's, but then I'm a HUGE fan of TJ's.
For those not familiar, Willow Church is an offshoot of Willow Creek Community Church, one of the biggest, if not the biggest, mega-churches in the country, based out in South Barrington. It's non-denominational evangelical Christian. They have been having services in the Auditorium Theater. Being an agnostic, I can't speak to their theology or endorse it, but the church is known for its community services and outreach.
Just to picky... but pouring the slab (as they are doing at 1400 s michigan) does not necessarily make it more desirable to a prospective tenant. In fact, the exsitence of a slab can be considered a detriment.
The slab is not poured because it is time consuming and expensive to have to saw-cut a slab to install things like in-floor outlets or plumbing. Similarly, this is also this reason why the roosevelt collection has not installed most of it's storefront glazing, they want the tenant to tell them where the entrance should be.
Hopefully, this is the landlord satisfying their portion of the lease obligation in preparation for a tenant to take the space.
The retail space at 733 s Wells (corner of Polk and Wells - Printer's Corner Building) is being built out as well. Its going to be a massage / physical therapy / nutrition store. Both retail spaces have been built out. They used to be in the River City building (until it flooded). I wrote Sloopin about it... don't know why they don't want to post it. Must not be that interesting.
Anon 4:22pm - that's not picky, it's just a good comment. Thanks for the background and hope this does mean something is coming into this space.
Anon 4:50pm - sorry about that, we get a lot of comments and emails and this one must have slipped through the cracks. Thanks for the email and we will try to post it soon.
Thanks Sloopin! You guys are great!
And there's a new sign in the window of the place on Wabash where India Grill used to be. It says "Fioretti".
Oh, wait. That's a campaign sign...
South Loop Wine Cellar was due to close and good riddance. The place stunk. The people didn't have a clue how to run a business and I never got any help when I went in there just an elitist attitude.
SLOOPERS BEWARE - armed gunman on the loose in the neighborhood. The DSW (right next to the 'high end' Whole Foods) was robbed by an armed gunman, in broad daylight, this morning at 10:30 am. The man fled and has not yet been apprehended. Any description of the gunman would be greatly appreciated.
Congrats anon, you have perfected the art of reporting crimes in the most random, immature, and unreasonable manner possible. Too bad the gunman didn't stay unarmed for this one.
How in the world is it immature and unreasonable to notify your neighbors of an armed criminal in our midst? Especially on a sunday afternoon when many sloopers are shopping in the exact same area?
FYI: the trib is providing a description of the suspect. I'd repeat it here, but then I'd be roundly attacked.
From CBS:
"Video surveillance inside the store captured an image of the suspect, who was described as African-American, about 6-feet tall and 180 pounds."
Thank you to the anon who posted about the robbery. I saw the post and adjusted my routine accordingly. I usually work-out at LA Fitness and leave my 2 year-old in the child care facility while doing so. I definitely did not do so on Sunday - I would not leave my child in a day care facility in the same building where an armed robbery just took place and the suspect was still at large.
In my opinion, it would be unreasonable to NOT provide your neighbors with that info. And, it is VERY immature to attack the individual who did provide the rest of us with that info.
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