UPTOWN — After more than four decades, Sheridan Park Wine and Spirits has closed.
Cleaning off the shelves Tuesday afternoon, owner Mary Alejandro, whom long-time customers refer to as "Grandma," said it was time for her to retire.
"The neighborhood has changed. We don't have enough people to support a store and the rent is too high," said Alejandro, adding "the neighborhood is beautiful," but the onslaught of new condos has made it very hard for her to make money.
The store at 1255 W. Wilson Ave. officially closed in July, she said.
"A lot of stores have closed. I've been here for many years ... when you gotta go, you gotta go," said the 85-year-old woman.
In Feb., Alejandro admitted the area had changed a lot over the decades especially along Wilson Avenue, but she was also optimistic the store would survive the changes.
"Before it was very diverse, but they sold the big buildings for condominiums," she said at the time. "Now, the neighborhood is better. There's less violence. It's very quiet and very nice. The new people who live in the neighborhood are very well educated. People come in and they take care of the neighborhood, but the small business is hurting."
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