Tuesday, August 23, 2011

High Profile Retail Spot on Roosevelt/State Corner Becomes Available

Grant Park Cleaners, the well positioned business on the Southeast corner of Roosevelt and State, has closed up shop and moved their operations to the shopping area West of the river. Although the move is a bit of a surprise, since a cleaners right next to the el seems like a great location, we can only imagine that it was prompted by escalating rent.

Regardless of the reason, the move means that a retail space with an excellent location is now available. If you're an avid reader of the blog, you probably know that we like to ponder what might be the best business to fill this space.

Given it's proximity to the el and space for outdoor seating, seems like an enticing spot for a restaurant/coffee shop/QSR type of place. While we always prefer local owned businesses, our guess is that various "chains" would be clamoring for this spot.

Einstein bagel? Chipotle? Any other thoughts? Or any other ideas for types of businesses that might flourish in this space?

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

In n Out!! I know, I know.... A girl can dream, right?

Anonymous said...

It's already been turned into a homeless shelter.

Joanna said...

An Einsteins would be good there.

Anonymous said...

How about a bakery or a snack shop (sweet n salty).

BRENDAN said...

I talked with owner of Grant park Cleaners and apparently the landlord doubled their rent. The store west of the river was their other place of business where they actually do the pressing, dry cleaning so now they are just smushed into there. My guess is whoever moves in there will have the same stiff arm from that said landlord. Wouldnt get hopes up.

MarkChicago said...

Maybe a plumbing showroom? From what I have seen, toilets, sinks, and showers are like kryptonite to most roaming around over there.

Josh said...

How about a Subway?

Anonymous said...

Yeah if the landlord is greedy, I wouldn't be surprised to see it sit empty for awhile.

Anonymous said...

Whatever goes in there better be extremely tolerant of loitering and littering and tagging. Couple all of that with the high rent, and this spot will likely be empty for quite awhile.

James Lange said...

Totally going to be a Starbucks, I think that little tiny one on Wabash and Roosevelt will move, it's a much bigger location.

James Lange said...

It should be Starbucks. It would be smart for that little tiny one on Wabash/Roosevelt to move over to that building, since it is bigger and would seat more than 5 people.

Anonymous said...

Tear it down and build a Transit Oriented massive apartment tower...

Anonymous said...

Anything but a Subway or a Potbelly or a Jimmy John's! There should be a freeze on opening those three places in the city. Starbucks? Eh, how about an independent bagel place, or something that's not a weedy chain? Something small and awesome, like an Urban Belly-like joint? Big bowls of delicious, homemade ramen soup would be just the thing on that corner.

Anonymous said...

Maybe Donna's or Acupella can open a second location?

Anonymous said...

Whatever opens there will have to somehow manage high rent and no parking...

MarkChicago said...

But seriously...I would be happy if Starbucks moved over there and a place that sells good hot dogs moved in to replace it in the old location.

Anonymous said...

An In N Out would be awesome :) Most other chains would totally suck. I'm not sure who said Subway, but there is one on Mich and Roosevelt and one near Wabash and 13th. I really hope it's a place with good food.

Anonymous said...

hahaha the Subway joke is ongoing... god I love the humor of these bloggers.

Damn Hipsters!

Anonymous said...

that intersection blows. that Starbucks is disgusting. and the people in that area could use a shower, like the other person already described on here.

Anonymous said...

With all the crime that has been plaguing our area(SLOOP)and an alderman that has too big of a footprint who doesn't even care about the South loop. It is obvious, he only cares about the West Loop. The schools are overcrowded in the South Loop. Eventually the only people left in the South loop will be renters who want to rent on the cheap and Columbia/Roosevelt college students.

Christina said...

I do think some sort of restaurant or eatery would be nice since it has that overhang so it could be used as a patio area. I'll be interested to see what develops.

Jeff said...

Wow.

Einstein Brothers. Chipotle. Starbucks (moving 50 yards).

Dare to dream, South Loop citizens!

Peter said...

An idea could be for a bike facility that provides rentals, bike parking for the EL, maybe a small repair shop and lockers. It could make a good transfer station for people wanting to get to Bears games, Museum Campus, and other lakefront areas to the East. Add some IGO cars in the Jewel parking lot as well. The Roosevelt stop is a major transportation hub, and this spot could compliment it.

Peter said...

And let Jewel purchase and sponsor such a green facility so they get some good PR, and we get some good public amenities!

Anonymous said...

A 24 hour or a late night bakery or cafe would be nice. But this is of course as long as the place can be converted into a space where people feel safe to be late at night and where people would actually enjoy being in late at night.

Anonymous said...

Not a chance in hell anything at this corner should be open 24 hours. This is already a major haven for loitering and drug trafficing. For pete's sake, put up something family friendly! There are TONS of families in the sloop; in fact, there are at least four completely-full day care centers within a 5 minute walk of this corner.

Anonymous said...

I'd love to see a Qdoba there, or at least somewhere in the neighborhood.

Brian said...

Running store would be great. Lived in the Sloop for over 10 years and tired of having to go north to Fleet Feet but with no parking that's a huge drawback. If we actually had police on regular foot patrols and the businesses power washed the sidewalks more than once a year it wouldn't look nearly as seedy.

Anonymous said...

I'd love a frozen yogurt shop with tart frozen yogurt, like Kingoberry or Forever Yogurt. And I think that's something that would do great on that corner too.

Anonymous said...

NO CHAIN RESTAURANTS

Anonymous said...

Chipotle would be awesome, even if my waistline will suffer for it.

Michael said...

I have currently moved from Indiana into the South Loop area (1525 S Michigan) and would love to take over this space. My dream is a small coffee shop that does hand made donuts, bagels, and muffins. We would also feature a gourmet deli for the lunch crowd. Let me know what you guys think.

Anonymous said...

Hi Michael, I think that sounds fabulous. I'd like to see more quick breakfast/lunch type places in the South Loop. Ones that don't involve wait staff.

Anonymous said...

Michael -- Motor Row needs you! I am bit biased, but with all of the businesses, artists and convention visitors in Motor Row (Cermak - Stevenson) we need a BREAKFAST (lunch) joint. I love Chef Luciano's or Cafe Society (in summer) for lunch (Brandi's is good overall, wish the pizza was better), but not ONE place for us to grab coffee, breakfast and wifi in this strip. It is embarrassing to see folks come down Michigan or cut through on 23rd from McCormick and head to Burger King. The guests hitting Fearless Radio, Monkey Bar Gym, the 5-6 Marketing companies, the photo studios, recording studios, doctor offices and the residents have no where to go! Lexington Park Condos is going to start rental in Oct which will bring another 300-600 residents to this strip as well.

Anonymous said...

Anyone knows landlord's contact info?