Trader Joe's Coming to Evanston
City officials are pleased to hear that Trader Joe's has announced that it has chosen Evanston, IL for its next new store location in Illinois. The location of the store will be at the site of the former Blockbuster Video store, located at 1211 Chicago Ave.
"The development of this site into a new Trader Joe's is yet another sign that Evanston's economic health is definitely on the upswing," said Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl. "Trader Joe's will be a good asset to the economy not only for the added commerce it will generate but also for the jobs it will create and the visitors it will attract to our community that is already known for its excellent restaurants, shops and entertainment venues."
"I am thrilled that Trader Joe's has signed a lease and is scheduled to come to Evanston in the next year. I'm looking forward to working with Terraco, the property developer, to make this a flagship development for Trader Joe's and our neighborhood," said Evanston Alderman Meilissa Wynne (3rd Ward). "Chicago Avenue is a key corridor for the Third Ward and Evanston and the arrival of Trader Joe's will mark an important step in the continuing improvement of Chicago Avenue."
The Chicago Avenue corridor has seen a lot of recent activity with the ground breaking of AMLI Residential, a new 214-unit luxury rental apartment community located on Chicago Ave. at Kedzie St.; the OMS Evanston LCC mixed-use office and retail redevelopment of the property at Chicago Ave. and Main St.; and the CTA improvements of the retaining wall along the corridor along with the replacement of three CTA viaducts.
The City of Evanston's Economic Development staff has been working closely with the developer to bring Trader Joe's to Evanston. Staff will continue to work with both the developer, Wilmette-based Terraco, and Trader Joe's to facilitate the planning, zoning and permitting process.
Read Trader Joe's announcement here>>>