(photo by Lee Bey)

The low-slung brick buildings in West Rogers Park once held the world’s largest Chevrolet dealership. Today the space is empty, except for a red Target shopping cart, some boxes and—on one recent day, at least—a lone silver Corvette.

It’s been that way since “Z” Frank Chevrolet changed locations a couple of years ago, leaving behind its former headquarters and the iconic 4-story neon sign at 6060 N. Western. The once-bustling complex where cars were bought, sold and repaired now sits silent. The empty building with the red, white and blue motif and proud signage simultaneously serves as a reminder of how things were…and how they are.

(photo by Lee Bey)

(photo by Lee Bey)

(photo by Lee Bey)

(photo by Lee Bey)

The property is for sale, although the real estate salesperson handling the building didn’t return a message I left for him a few days ago. That classic neon sign has caught the attention of preservation groups such as Landmarks Illinois, which listed it—and other neon signage—on its 2008 endangered list. Almost two years later‚  the sign and the building still hang on. But for how long?