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By Bob Bong
City officials including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Ald. Marty Quinn helped break ground last week on a new Starbucks slated for Southwest Side land that has stood empty for 40 years.
The ceremony was held on March 22 at 6413 S. Cicero Ave. The land used to be a gas station and was owned by the city.
Quinn has been pushing for development of the site for about 10 years.
The new Starbucks location adds to 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. “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.”
Construction on the new Starbucks location will begin immediately. The coffee shop is expected to be open by September.
