What Stanley’s Closure Tells Us About Chicago Megaprojects

By Daniel Tucker
Lincoln Yards Protestors
Protesters block traffic on LaSalle Street as the Chicago City Council considers two controversial real estate projects. Linda Lutton / WBEZ
Lincoln Yards Protestors
Protesters block traffic on LaSalle Street as the Chicago City Council considers two controversial real estate projects. Linda Lutton / WBEZ

What Stanley’s Closure Tells Us About Chicago Megaprojects

By Daniel Tucker
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Beloved produce market Stanley’s Fresh Fruits And Vegetables closed the doors of its store at 1558 N. Elston Avenue for good Monday.

Known for its bargain prices and great selection, Stanley’s had been in business at the location for 52 years.

The 61,000-square-foot space was put up for sale in summer 2018 as the $6 billion Lincoln Yards development just blocks away became a topic of public conversation.

Stanley’s has yet to sell the building, but it will likely be purchased soon as Lincoln Yards is built and a wave of development rolls outwards from the 55-acre site, which sits between Lincoln Park and Bucktown along the North Branch of the Chicago River.

Morning Shift discusses what the sudden closure of Stanley’s means for the North Branch Industrial Corridor and what it says about megaprojects in Chicago.

GUEST: Danny Ecker, commercial real estate reporter at Crain’s Chicago Business

LEARN MORE: Column: Popular Produce Market Stanley’s Abruptly Closes; Real Estate Remains For Sale (Chicago Tribune 4/22)

Stanley’s Market Near Lincoln Yards Closes Down (Crain’s Chicago Business 4/22)