WRIGLEYVILLE — It's bulldozing time.
It took nine years, two names and a foreclosure lawsuit for a mixed-use development across from Wrigley Field to take hold.
But developers plan to finally kick-off demolition around June 15, giving notice to neighbors who are part of the Triangle Neighbors group on Wednesday.
Demolition is expected to last through August, although "in our experience, they usually start later than anticipated and finish a bit earlier," wrote John Becvar, president of Triangle Neighbors.
Ariel Cheung on the latest redevelopments near Wrigley Field.
Formerly known as Addison Park on Clark, the $140 million development will feature 148 apartments, 146,000 square feet of commercial space and a 405-space parking garage directly across from Wrigley Field and extending south down Clark Street.
The expansive project forced the closure of multiple beloved Wrigleyville spots, including Salt & Pepper Diner, Red Ivy, Mullen's, iO Theater and Goose Island Wrigleyville.
RELATED: Red Ivy Opened With Dreams Of A World Series — Missing It Is 'Bittersweet'
Also displaced was a Starbucks on Addison, which closed in December and reopened nearby at 3551 N. Sheffield Ave., a large storefront that formerly housed Harry Caray's Tavern, Hi-Tops and Benchwarmers.
Neighbors have even mourned the loss of the 7-Eleven at Addison and Sheffield, which closed at the end of March. The convenience store was just that — an incredibly convenient place to grab basic groceries, several said.
Developers are moving forward with the Addison Park on Clark development after years of delays. [Provided/Baum Realty]
Business owners knew they were working on borrowed time; the former Addison Park on Clark project began in 2007, but failed financing and foreclosure stalled plans for six years until M&R Development and Bucksbaum Retail Properties took over.
It took another three years to secure financing and settle the foreclosure lawsuit holding up the final acquisition.
Construction on Addison & Clark is expected to take two years, aligning it with the continuing Wrigley Field renovations and work on a hotel where McDonald's once stood. While the hotel is tied to the Cubs owners, Addison & Clark is the brain child of M&R Development and Bucksbaum Retail Properties.
RELATED: This $140 Million Project Is Changing The Face Of Wrigleyville (PHOTOS)
Developers promise an estimated 400 permanent jobs will be created along with $7 million in tax revenue. Another 200 construction jobs are expected to come with the project.
At its peak, Addison & Clark will stand 93 feet tall. Three floors of retail will be topped by two parking garage levels and four floors of apartments. Renderings of the project show 14 retail spaces from Addison and Sheffield to 3545 N. Clark St.
Luis Auto Shop and Sports World will remain open. While business owners said they haven't been invited back, developers pledged to give the existing businesses the option after construction.
The development should be finished in summer 2018.
RELATED:
• Salt & Pepper Diner Closes Last Location: 'It's The End Of An Era'
• Red Ivy Opened With Dreams Of A World Series — Missing It Is 'Bittersweet'
• Demolition To Begin Soon For Huge Project Just South of Wrigley Field
• Wrigley Field 7-Eleven Closing For Addison & Clark Project
• New Wrigleyville Starbucks To Open In Old Hi-Tops, Harry Caray's Location
• Starbucks Across From Wrigley Field Closes After 21 Years
• Goose Island Wrigleyville Closed For Good — Addison Park On Clark Nearing?
• This $140 Million Project Is Changing The Face Of Wrigleyville (PHOTOS)
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