Vacant Church Lot May be Future Home to 3-Story Walgreens

Despite neighbors' grumblings—some are voicing their concerns more overtly than others—a three-story Walgreens remains in the works in Lincoln Park.

The drug store is planned for 834 W. Armitage Ave. in a space vacated by the Greater Little Rock the Lord's Church, which recently moved to a new parcel in the 600 block of North Kedzie. The building would be demolished to make way for a Walgreens. That is, if developers have anything to do with it.

Crain’s Chicago Business reports that many neighbors spoke against the plan at a Monday night meeting. Concerns included delivery trucks disrupting the peace in residential areas and a big box pharmacy taking business away from local shops and businesses.

Let Patch save you time. Get more Lincoln Park stories like these delivered right to your inbox or smartphone with our free newsletter. Fast signup here.

Representatives from the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce said they had not issued a statement as of Wednesday afternoon, but planned to do so in the coming days.

Ald. Michele Smith (43rd) reportedly told Monday's crowd the new Walgreens is allowed under the current zoning laws, Crains reports. 

"Smith does plan to propose an ordinance that would render that stretch of Armitage Avenue dry, ensuring that Walgreens does not get the liquor license it wants for the store …" according to a CBS Chicago news report.

Like Lincoln Park Patch on Facebook!