BUCKTOWN — After nearly 20 years in the same space, a Bucktown Dunkin' Donuts adjacent to a gas station will be moving to newly-constructed digs about one block south, its new landlord said.
Lazaro Nodarse's family has owned the West Bucktown lot at 1651 N. Western Ave., just north of the North and Western Avenues intersection for many years and most recently rented the space to a used car company which shuttered three or four years ago.
"It's been vacant for a long time. I'm excited because I feel that Dunkin' Donuts would be great there," said Nodarse.
Though the plan is for Dunkin' Donuts, which currently operates in the 1700 block of North Western Avenue, to open sometime in March, the move might be delayed, as utilities are set up, Nodarse said.
Unlike Dunkin' Donuts' existing space, the new building has a drive-through window.
Roberto Ocampo, 26, a clerk at Snappy's Convenience Store and Mobil Gas Station, which is adjacent to the Dunkin' Donuts, said that he feels like his neighbor's closure could result in a loss of customers because "in the morning people fill up their pump and go over there" to Dunkin Donuts.
Broker Jeffrey Bernard from real estate investment firm Reis, Inc. is in the process of finding a new tenant to rent out Dunkin' Donuts' soon-to-be former space, which is going for $28 per square-foot, according to a listing.
"We are in strong talks with many interested parties and hope that a lease will be signed very soon," Bernard said.
Edwin Torres, 25, sales manager at Chicago Car Center, a used car lot at 1655 N. Western Ave., said he's been closely watching the development of the new building next door and is eager for its opening.
"I'm very excited. There will be coffee right next door. I can't wait," Torres said.
In addition to the Dunkin' Donuts, the new retail strip at 1651 N. Western Ave. has opportunities for one or two retail tenants, at a going rate of $26 per square-foot, according to a recently updated listing.
