It may look ready to go, but the new Walgreens just built at Irving Park and Sheridan Road is set to open at the end of February or beginning of March. It's right on schedule, and just needs to be stocked with products.
While we don't think anyone ever jumps up and down and goes, "Wow, a Walgreen's!", it'll be good to see something bringing new tax revenue into the 46th Ward, and an long-empty corner on two retail corridors is becoming active again. The city is broke (now there's a news flash) and if new businesses can start pumping tax money into the local economy, the revenues go toward fewer cuts in city services in the future.
We read what Ald. Cappleman said in his WCT interview: "The city's budget is very precarious, and I knew that we had some problems. It's much more serious than I wanted to believe. I don't think it will compare to the cuts that will have to be made in 2013 and 2014." So Chicago needs more revenue, and if a Walgreen's will bring that into the 46th Ward, we're supporting it.
Slightly better than a defunct gas station. I hate how its NOT on the corner but atleast some of the store is adjacent to the sidewalk.
ReplyDeleteWhats wrong with building an old fashioned apt building there with Walgreens just at the bottom, there is an el stop there for Christ sake, its a CITY. People are so afraid to NOT have parking even when it makes sense NOT to have it. We need better zoning laws....
Nice to here a politician speaking the truth. It is way worse than most people think. There will be huge cuts in 2013. Be prepared.
ReplyDeletelooks awful
ReplyDeleteThis is following the Walgreen's template for new construction; looks similar to the store near the Clark/Ashland merge, across from "Jewels."
ReplyDeleteI think the surface lot is a good idea both in terms of disability access and potential income stream from renting out a limited amount of spaces during Cubs games. (Less than a month till Pitchers and Catchers Report - be still my beating heart!)
Great place for a Walgreens. It should bring some activity to this area that have very positive potential to attract more needed businesses in this area.
ReplyDeleteto be fair more of the new walgreens are alot better, there are windows that actually allow natural light and visible objects to be seen on the sidewalk and street (what a novel concept).
ReplyDeleteWalgreens is wising up that, hey why be a dumpy depressing place?
Its really a general store with prescription drugs so better to look the part and embrace your customers and your location.
What would REALLY spruce of the local retail scene is if this Wag's would have included a lunch counter and mani/pedi salon like that fab new place downtown!
ReplyDeleteIt's not in the 46th ward, it's the 44th ward (Tunney). Most likely it will attract loiters and cause problems.
ReplyDeleteIt's not the 46th ward. It's in the 44th ward (Tunney). It will also attract loiters and rift raft hanging around there.
ReplyDeleteOh goodie, now I have three Walgreens within five minutes of my home. Let's get another one built across the street from this one, on the Thorek property. Yeah!!!
ReplyDeleteJust curious Sam...is your statement based on the new ward map? If so, that hasn't taken effect yet and won't for some time. If not, from where did you get your info? The board of elections and city clerk would beg to differ.
ReplyDeleteI went there the other day and I see that they have to have a security guard in there.
ReplyDelete