A new Starbucks opened last week in Chicago’s West Lawn community on a lot that had been vacant for 40 years.
Groundbreaking for the newest Starbucks took place in March at 6413 S. Cicero Ave. and was led by Mayor Brandon Johnson and 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn. The lot was a former gas station that was owned by the city and had been vacant since the ‘80s.
Quinn has been pushing for development of the site for about 10 years.
He said the location was perfect for Starbucks because 80,000 cars and trucks pass through Cicero Avenue each day.
The new Starbucks location was part of Quinn’s commitment to developing the Cicero Avenue corridor, where he has recruited many other businesses, including Culver’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Lou Malnati’s, Manolo’s Tamales, Taco Bell and others.
“I’m dedicated to ensuring the Southwest Side is a place people want to live, start families and grow roots for generations,” Quinn said at the groundbreaking. “It was worth pursuing this important investment that breathes more life into the community, brings more jobs to the area and continues to even the playing field between the South and North Sides of the city.”
The site for the Starbucks sits in the Midway runway protection zone and can only be 19-feet high.
“The new Starbucks location in the 13th Ward is a win for Chicago,” Johnson said. “It’s wonderful to see the Cicero Avenue corridor thriving. I applaud Ald. Quinn, Starbucks and all the local champions who never gave up on developing this site and are continually making strong investments in the Southwest Side.”
Starbucks developed a compelling design that meets all city zoning requirements.
“What was once a vacant and blighted plot of land for 40 years will now be a community hub of energy, jobs and investment,” said Ciere Boatright, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development. “We were pleased to work with Ald. Quinn, Starbucks and the community to bring this site back to life.”
“This project is a testament to a lot of things, including patience and perseverance,” said Mitch Goltz with GW Properties at the March groundbreaking.