Plans for redeveloping the former Mars Wrigley Factory in Chicago’s Galewood neighborhood remain under discussion as local residents, the site’s developer McCaffery Interests, and Ald. Chris Taliaferro seek common ground on the project’s future.
The Mars Wrigley Factory at 2019 N. Oak Park Ave. operated for nearly a century before closing in 2024. After its closure, Mars selected McCaffery Interests to lead redevelopment of the 20-acre property.
McCaffery’s current proposal includes building 479 residential units across a senior living center, a five-story residential building, and townhomes. The plan also calls for repurposing the factory’s landmarked building as a community center with multiple parks, commercial space including a cafe, walking paths, improved pedestrian infrastructure, and an events space.
A report from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation indicated that neighbors were interested in mixed-use development featuring community areas, green spaces, housing options, businesses, and a small business park.
However, some residents have voiced concerns about adding new housing to the area. The Galewood Montclare Community Organization has presented its own vision for a “campus-style redevelopment” that does not include any new housing. Their plan features amenities such as a library, grocery store, restaurants, workforce development center, indoor youth recreation center and a museum dedicated to the history of the Mars factory.
“This is something that the community participates in, takes ownership of and also addresses safety concerns too,” said Michael Nardello, vice president of the Galewood Montclare Community Organization. “Let’s face it — Mars is one of the biggest developments that’s come across in decades. … Whatever goes into Mars is going to have consequences and impact on our community. We’re pushing for the best consequences, not the worst.”
Nardello expressed further concern about overdevelopment: “You don’t have the big streets to handle the impact of big developments and more residents and more housing. We certainly want to welcome them but Galewood has reached our capacity at this point and it’s a concern,” he said during last week’s meeting hosted by Redeemer Church at 6740 W. North Avenue.
The group says their approach would avoid congestion while creating up to 350 permanent jobs.
After receiving negative feedback at three public meetings about McCaffery’s plans—organized by Alderman Taliaferro—future meetings were postponed in January to find better ways for community members to provide input.
McCaffery President Ed Woodbury addressed these concerns: “We’re more interested in getting it right,” he said at last week’s meeting with neighbors. “I’m not just saying that from a platitude point of view. I really think it’s important to us because we think the development obviously lives in the community long after the developer disappears.… The input that you’ve given us tonight is really quite valuable.”
Both McCaffery Interests and Alderman Taliaferro agree there is no need to rush decisions about redevelopment plans.
“My hope is that the community and developers can come together with a plan that can be presented to the community and receive support for that,” Taliaferro said. “That’s the plan that I will support … one that the community is especially supportive of.”
The historic two-story Mars Factory was designed in Spanish Revival style with red clay tile roofs; it was granted city landmark status upon its closure in 2024.
Further meetings are planned by both local groups and Taliaferro’s office; dates have yet to be announced. Meanwhile, organizers are gathering signatures seeking placement of a nonbinding referendum regarding McCaffery’s proposal on November ballots.
