WICKER PARK — An intersection known for its thriving restaurants and music venues will soon be getting a unique new player — one that's mixture of both.
A deli restaurant and music venue is destined for a 9,300-square-foot former auto body garage at 2033-35 W. North Ave.
Preliminary work began early Thursday on a North Avenue building just west of the Milwaukee, Damen and North intersection as a worker from Synergy Construction Group was observed hauling debris out of the long-vacant space.
Matt Bailey, a spokesman for Ald. Joe Moreno's (1st) office, said Monday that he's heard that the space will be called "Chicago Chop Shop" and feature a deli-style restaurant, a music venue and a bar.
"It's been in the works for a year and a half now and the owners will be meeting with the alderman" Tuesday, Bailey said.
Bailey added: "It's a cool concept, the kind of business we are excited to bring to our neighborhood."
Built in 1913, the building is 200 feet west of the Milwaukee-Damen-North avenue intersection, according to an online listing for the property, which was marketed as "Especially well suited for an entertainment use."
In August 2011, Crain's Chicago Business reported that the owners of the building are Nick Moretti and Joe Seigle and that they are "redeveloping a 9,300-square-foot former auto body garage into a Chicago Chop Shop restaurant with 5,000 square feet of event space in the back."
Moretti, reached by email, said he expects to be able to share more details soon through his public relations spokeswoman Carolyn Pelissero.
