Evanston Plaza Getting New Grocery Store

Valli Produce plans to open a 70,000-square foot grocery store in Evanston Plaza, which will replace the shuttered 58,000-square-foot Dominick’s and use some additional adjacent space as well, Crain’s Chicago Business reports.

The Arlington Heights-based chain is moving into a shopping center that is 68 percent vacant, the article says. But the owners have high hopes for the store given the population density of the area.

The Dominick’s at 1910 Dempster, as well as the one at 2748 Green Bay Road, shuttered in December when the company decided to pull out of the Chicago area. Whole Foods has taken over the Green Bay Road store.

In a statement, City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz said: “The City applauds Valli for recognizing the value of the Evanston Plaza location and the strong sense of community that makes Evanston a special place to live and work. We look forward to continuing to work with all parties to help facilitate the property’s transition and renovation. The City also stands ready to evaluate proposals to financially assist in the renovation of the grocery store and improvements throughout Evanston Plaza using the existing Tax Increment Financing District which includes the property.”

You can read the full Crain’s story here.

Are you happy to see a new grocery store move into Evanston Plaza? Do you think it will help revitalize the shopping center?