BUCKTOWN — A 108-year-old building that has been home to a clothing shop, a bank and a Chicago Public Library branch has sat empty for almost a decade, though an improving economy has brought renewed interest from possible tenants.
"After the library left [in 2007], the recession hit. It's a beautiful corner, plus foot traffic is picking up," said the owner of the three-story building, at 2056 N. Damen Ave., just north of Armitage Avenue.
From 1967 until 2007, the Chicago Public Library operated its Bucktown branch out of the 4,000 square-foot ground floor before moving to a newly constructed building at 1701 N. Milwaukee Ave.
A carving of the Statue of Liberty remains on the limestone facade and is left over from when the spot — on the northwest corner of Dickens and Damen avenues — housed a branch of Liberty Savings Bank in the 1950s. Before that, the building, built in 1907, was a clothing store.
According to a real estate listing, the corner storefront could be ideal for a deli, a corner grocer or an antique shop.
No liquor licenses would be allowed on the property due to a city ordinance that prohibits sales of liquor near churches. Covenant Presbyterian Church is around the corner.
Interested tenants can call 773-486-1232 to learn more about the building.
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