Celebrations Under Construction, Faces Major Delays

It may seem like the store Expressions in Northcenter has been touting its large “Coming Soon!” signs for ages now, but the business’ owner says the signs aren’t lying.

The former Dollar Value store at 4020 N. Lincoln Ave. is now roped in with business developer Eni Cadena’s plan to open Expressions, a gift shop with a new main entrance slated for 4024 N. Lincoln.

Developers applied for a construction permit in December of 2011 to renovate the commercial space and add a new parking lot in the rear. At the time, the work was estimated to cost $410,000.

But now, more than a year later, Cadena said crews have hit some snags. According to building permits posted by the City of Chicago, construction companies have been switched twice already, as well as the electrical contractor.

“Thank you very much for having interest on our project at 4024 N. Lincoln Avenue,” Cadena said in an email. “We are currently undergoing construction for gutting and rehabbing the place. As with any rehab project, there are many surprises on the way. As such, we are dealing with them the best we can.”

Cadenadid not return Patch’s multiple requests for additional details on the project, saying initially "My life has been very complicated lately" in an email.

In January, Ald. Ameya Pawar's (47th) said they were working with Cadena to get the business permits worked out so the project could be completed. 

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