ANDERSONVILLE — The Swedish American Museum is expanding into the Smokes On Clark shop.
On Friday, the museum bought the three-story building at 5217 N. Clark St. Along with the first floor retail shops the building has apartments on its second and third floors, according to the press release.
“On the heels of the return of our rooftop water tank, this opportunity to grow is exciting to us,” museum Executive Director Karin Abercrombie said.
Over the last three years, the museum raised $165,000 to return the water tank to its perch in August. It secured commercial financing for the recent purchase, according to a press release.
The expansion will enhance the Scandinavian character of the neighborhood, which has recently lost some local Swedish businesses, Abercrombie said.
“We are excited with this chance to help continue the work of making Andersonville a wonderful neighborhood with a significant history,” she said.
The museum will take over the building once the current occupant's lease is over, the release said.