Secret Retailer Slated for Former Cans Bar & Canteen

Popular Bucktown watering hole Cans Bar & Canteen may be closing, but the building’s new owner says they already have a new tenant for the space—they just can’t say who yet.

Real Estate Investor Newcastle Limited purchased the building at 1640 N. Damen Ave. on Jan. 11 for more than $3 million, according to the Cook County Recorder of Deeds. The 83-year-old building is one block from the Milwaukee, North and Damen avenues intersection.

And although representatives with Newcastle Limited didn’t comment on the acquisition, the company’s website says the almost 3,700-square-foot retail space and six second-floor apartments is “100% leased.” The company most recently acquired a strip of prime real estate on North Broadway in Lake View.

News of Cans Bar & Canteen leaving Bucktown came Feb. 6 when the tavern announced its departure on its Facebook page, asking fans to suggest neighborhoods for a potential relocation.

The status reads:

Sad to say but it is true. Cans will be closing. Saturday, Feb 16th will be the last night. Rents are all going up in the 'hood and we have lost our lease. So stop by and see us before doors close and let's remember all the good times over the past 10 years! (anyone know a good spot for a fun neighborhood bar?)

Matt Linder, founder of Three Headed Productions, also owned recently closed Salud Tequila Lounge at 1471 N. Milwaukee Ave. until it closed Feb. 2, and Evil Olive at 1551 W. Division St., according to DNAinfo Chicago. Cans was open for 10 years and Salud for 11 before they closed.

However, rumors are flying that Nike will fill both stories of the soon-to-be renovated space. Linder says he knows an athletic store will fill the space, but he’s not sure about specifics.

"Everyone is asking me everyday if it is Nike, and the truth is I don't know, though if it were true, I don't think it would be such a bad thing. Nike's got a cool, hip factor," Lindner told DNAinfo.

Nike recently opened a Nike Training Club on Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park.

" ... The store (offers) a premium assortment of Nike footwear, apparel and accessories and have community-focused class and groups, more so than Niketown on Michigan Avenue," Racked Chicago reports.

Cans’ last night before closing is Feb. 16, and general manager Bryan Burrow told DNAinfo the final party with involve "trying to drink all of the liquor left in the bar."