Developers Will Share Armitage Walgreens Plan in April, Alderman Says

Site and operational plans for a controversial Armitage Avenue Walgreens are finally ready for residents to see, officials announced Wednesday. 

The lot at 834 W. Armitage Ave.—once home to Greater Little Rock the Lord's Church—has been vacant since demolition crews cleared it this past summer. 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 says, and a community meeting is on the docket for April 8. 

Smith sent a letter following the October forum saying, "The developer and Walgreens came completely unprepared to discuss the potential architectural plans or operational considerations at the site. Thus, the community was left with a number of questions that I expect Walgreens to answer ..."

READ: Officials Expect Armitage Walgreens Plans in 'Very Near Future'

Details regarding the new 15,000-square-foot pharmacy have been scant, though Matt Rich, Smith's director of zoning and urban development, has said the Armitage project is categorized as one of the company's "new concept stores." It's also been rumored to be three stories tall.

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Although it's in 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.

She has also imposed a liquor moratorium on the north side of Armitage Avenue, which will prevent booze from being sold at the future store.

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

The church structure was sold in late August for $2.65 million. It's since been leveled and parishioners have moved to the 600 block of North Kedzie Avenue. The Walgreens could open as early as this summer.

Smith will host the community 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.

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