ROGERS PARK — Loyola University has been looking for three or more retailers to open shop in the university's new apartment building at Loyola Station as crews put on finishing touches on the four-story structure, a university official said.
The Harris Bank branch in the Grenada Center — just to the south — agreed to move into the building, while the three other storefronts have yet to be claimed, said Maeve Kiley, a university spokeswoman.
Harris formerly occupied a one-story building there that was torn down for the new building.
The building and its 41 one-bedroom apartments should be completed by the beginning of June, Kiley said.
The ground-floor includes about 9,500 square feet of retail space, according to site plans from Mid-America Real Estate Corporation.
The largest available storefront, facing Sheridan Road, boasts 3,483 square feet and could be divided into separate storefronts, according to the plans.
At least six parking spaces will be available on the building's south side, where Loyola Avenue will be extended to the "L" tracks, according to plans.
In September, Loyola and the Chicago Transit Authority finished construction on Loyola Station's new plaza adjacent to the building.
The university says it's invested $18 million into the station, the new building and the improved pedestrian crosswalk on Sheridan.
Last year, Loyola's Institute of Environmental Sustainability and a student dorm opened in the 6300 block of North Kenmore Avenue. The street there was also sold to the university for a walkway and bike path.
