Armitage Walgreens Renderings Released Before Monday Meeting (PHOTOS)

Walgreens representatives have released building renderings in advance of what's likely to be an eventful Monday night meeting to hash out plans for the company's future pharmacy in the Sheffield Neighborhood.

The three-story, all brick structure will be built on a currently vacant lot at 834 W. Armitage Ave. in Lincoln Park. The spot was once home to the historic Greater Little Rock the Lord's Church.

Residents spoke out against the plan for the pharmacy at an October meeting when Walgreens representatives weren't prepared to answer specific questions. They are now, 43rd Ward Ald. Michele Smith has said, and a community meeting will kick off at 6:30 p.m. tonight. 

Renderings show a brick, geometric, modern building design with two-story tall glass windows detailing the front. Amidst community concerns based on the street's landmark district—among other things—Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce representatives voiced their support on Friday for the project.

“The  (chamber) strongly supports the proposal by Walgreens for the site on Armitage at Dayton,” Kim Schilf, LPCC President and CEO, said in a written statement. “While we recognize the concerns of the surrounding community, we value new investment in our community and sending a message that Lincoln Park is ‘open for business.'"

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Schlif says she also supports the liquor moratorium Smith imposed last year on Armitage's north side, which will prevent booze from being sold at the future store. 

“While the Greater Little Rock Baptist Church was a fixture of the neighborhood for decades, their move from Lincoln Park presented an opportunity for Armitage Avenue to continue its upward trend of active, tax-revenue-generating businesses,” Schilf said. 

“Armitage Avenue has long been considered a barometer of the business climate in Lincoln Park. An investment in this commercial district by a well-respected company like Walgreens’ is recognition of the street’s appeal.

Although the area is a landmark district, a city of Chicago loophole excluded the specific site from being such, Smith has said.

"Despite the fact that developer may have a zoning right to lease its space to Walgreens, I have insisted that (they) follow the City of Chicago guidelines for building in a landmark district," Smith said.

Smith wants all concerned neighbors to attend tonight's meeting, she said.

"I encourage you to attend and learn about the design and operations of the proposed store and to share your feedback," she said. 

Smith will host the meeting along with members of the Sheffield Neighborhood Association. It's scheduled for April 8 at St. James Church, 2050 N. Fremont St., from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Looking for more background?

• Vacant Church Lot May be Future Home to 3-Story Walgreens
• Officials Expect Armitage Walgreens Plans in 'Very Near Future'

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