UPTOWN — Uptown's Salvation Army Family Store will close in December to repair its damaged roof but will reopen next year, officials sai.
Earlier this year, the roof at the thrift store, 4315 N. Broadway, suffered "traumatic" damage that forced it to cave in. While customers are still being allowed to shop at the store, it is currently being held up by two-by-fours, said John Aren, an administrator for Salvation Army's Chicago stores.
"We will have to vacate" the store for several months, Aren said. "It's unfortunate, but that's how it works."
The company had hoped to be able to find a new building in the area to not disrupt service, "but we haven't been able to land that deal," he said.
While the timing of renovations will depend on how long it takes to secure permits, Aren hopes to begin renovations in December.
"In the worst-case scenario we'd be out of service for retail until March," he said.
The neighborhood is one of the best for donations in the area and the neighbors are "more than generous." Because of the generosity there will be trucks constantly in the area for pickups, he said.
"We have no intention of leaving the area," Aren promised, adding "a nearby location may open in the area."
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