In killing more than a passel of real estate projects pitched during the waning days of the housing boom, the economic crush has created openings for others.

Such is the case with the Target Corporation, which suddenly found an opportunity to build in the West Loop when plans for a condo-and-retail building slated for a vacant parcel in the southern section of the neighborhood withered on the vine.

“We’ve wanted to be part of the West Loop community for probably 15 years now, but we’ve not been able to put together a project or a piece of ground. It’s been really just impossible for us,” said Target Regional Manager Forrest Russell, at a community meeting organized by Ald. Robert Fioretti (2nd) last week. “Yes, because of the economic downturn we’ve become the benefactor in this situation.”

The Minneapolis-based retailer is currently in negotiations with IBT Group, whose West Loop Promenade development — 370 condominiums, 285,000 square feet of retail space — couldn’t be pulled off, to purchase the four-acre former Fannie May property, a site bordered by Jackson, Van Buren, Aberdeen and an alley on the west for their 11th Chicago store (their 10th, at Wilson Yard in Uptown, is set to open soon).

It isn’t the first example of a parcel once slated for residential units and smaller retail space shifting use in the West Loop. A series of mid-rise buildings near Madison and Racine won’t rise for now, as the T-shirt seller, Threadless, prepares the parcel for its new headquarters.

Designs for the proposed Target shopped to West Loop residents last week showed a two-tone brick façade with an entrance at Jackson and Aberdeen. A little fewer than 400 parking stalls would sit at street level, with the sales floor above. Between 200 and 250 employees would work in the store’s offices, storage rooms and aisles, 20 to 25 percent in full-time positions. Around eight semi-trucks would haul in the merchandise each week, with 12 arriving during the Christmas season.

Should Target’s plan come to fruition, the West Loop store would sit less than 2.5 miles from its South Loop location at Clark and Roosevelt, but Russell said the site fit the company’s criteria for new stores, including building in areas that have the potential for population growth. He noted the nearby presence of the University of Illinois-Chicago, with its tens of thousands of students and staff.

“This is really great from our standpoint, and hopefully from yours,” Russell said.

Among some of the questioners out for last week’s meeting, however, there was a sense in which the store’s development was moving too quickly, and that the company’s initial designs didn’t completely hit the mark.

“It’s nothing that reflects our community at all,” Barbara Talisman said.

Jerry Galipeau told the Target representatives he thought the store represented a real economic opportunity. But he, too, didn’t like the designs he saw.

“You have been put in a horrible position of trying to design a Target for this neighborhood in three weeks,” he said, arguing that the company’s architect had chosen less-than-stellar neighborhood buildings to inspire her initial renderings. “You need to spend a lot of time here, and walk through these neighborhoods, walk down the alleys, look at the way this place is constructed, and then wow me, to say, ‘Go ahead Ald. Fioretti, let’s make this happen.’”

Time, however, isn’t something Target says it has much of. Lori Mahowlad, a company representative, said IBT is pushing for a sale and closing this summer. “That’s what the seller wants,” she said. IBT executive Gary Pachuki didn’t return a phone call seeking comment.

Other reactions to the Target ranged from outright opposition to the store to embracing it.

LuAnn Doty lives a couple of blocks east of the Fannie May site, and was ready for “something different” there.

“We have a Target,” she said. “I go to Target all the time. It’s on Roosevelt.”

“I like Target, and I like what Target represents as a corporation,” said Janice Rallo. “But I like my community better.” And that community, Rallo argued, should stay oriented toward residential developments first and foremost.

Travis Johnson said he would have preferred to see West Loop Promenade built at the Jackson and Aberdeen parcel, but was ready to see Target come to the area.

“I think it’s good for the community and good for land values,” he said.

Johnson suggested adding a second entrance during the meeting and wondered if the alley just east of the Hubbard Street Dance Studio would be big enough to handle the semi trucks.

“They still got a long way to go,” Fioretti, whose ward includes the parcel, said after the meeting. “It’s still a work in progress.”

Eric Sedler, a member of the West Loop Community Organization’s board, said a retail use at the Fannie May site wasn’t out of character with the neighborhood. He said the store would be less dense than the movie theater, health club and other retail slots eyed for West Loop Promenade.

“Our view is that a several-story, single-use retail development is an appropriate use, and so our goal is to make the Target as good as it could be,” he said

Target is eyeing an October 2012 ribbon cutting for the West Loop store.

Contact: mmaidenberg@chicagojournal.com

---

By Matt from West Loop
Posted: 08/25/2010 12:59 PM

I too would have rather had a series of quaint independently owned small businesses but guess what? It's not gonna happen! Been in this hood 7 years, no retail and without this Target, none coming. It's WAY better for owners than MORE residential, too. Skinner renovation, Sangamon Park and now Target. The hood is coming around!

---

By Mike from west loop
Posted: 08/25/2010 9:01 AM

Property Values: residential value will likely decrease due to increased trafffic and noise. Avg. Traffic count is 10,000 cars per day for store of 200,000 SF. Economic Benefit: Study from Chicago ( The Andersonville Study of Retail Economics, 2004) showed for every $100 dollars spent at an independent retailer, $68 in additional econ. activity was created in city vs. $43 in additional benefit from same spent at a chain. Their added burden will cost more than their added tax revenue

---

By Charlie from West Loop
Posted: 08/21/2010 12:25 PM

This is a terrible idea and will not improve the community. The West Loop needs more small businesses and not a big box retailer. This will ruin the identity of the neighborhood.

---

By Tony from West Loop
Posted: 08/08/2010 7:38 PM

I don't think Target reflects the values on many West Loop residents. Its depressing donation of $150,000 to the ultra right wing group, Minnesota Forwardm is the latest case in point, with much of the money going to fund a militantly anti-gay gubernatorial candidate. Target's defense just digs a deeper hole - it says it is making the donation for economic reasons only - the candidate is campaigning for reducing the minimum wage. This shows you the values that Target represents.

---

By A from West Loop
Posted: 07/29/2010 11:32 AM

I agree with the request for a Trader Joe's! Any way they can do both?

---

By rg
Posted: 07/28/2010 4:48 PM

why can't we get a Trader Joe's there! I think everyone would really love that. Not that I don't like target, I do and I go there all the time. We need a Trader Joe's more.

---

By Steven Vance from Bridgeport
Posted: 07/15/2010 4:02 PM

Will the Target be smaller or larger than the one on Roosevelt? How many car parking spaces does Roosevelt have? This seems like a good place because it is VERY close to the Blue Line and on the Jackson bus route and Jackson bike lane.

---

By Jeni from West Loop
Posted: 07/09/2010 9:17 AM

I love Target which is why I frequent the store on Roosevelt. How about a Trader Joes?

---

By J from South Loop, work in West Loop
Posted: 07/07/2010 10:16 AM

I always get a kick out of these nutters who show up for community meetings and express this shock and dismay at progress. I live near the Roosevelt Target and this location would probably not suit me for work, but keep in mind that not everyone who lives here has a car (I don't). Putting a Target close to UIC makes perfect sense for students. The whole concept of local character and blah blah blah is laughable. Frankly, I'm in favor of every old, ugly building being replaced.

---

By Marty from West Loop
Posted: 07/06/2010 5:25 PM

Target coming to the west loop is a great opportunity. Jobs for those looking, whether our neighbors or others is a good thing. It will provide additional revenue for the city, hopefully in our local TIF, which can fund more area improvements. Also lets not forget the target will have groceries that will provide another option for us, and maybe force other stores to lower their prices.

---

By Rich from West Loop
Posted: 07/06/2010 9:19 AM

Pray tell Bob what local businesses Target will displace, unless Target plans to offer nail or tanning services.outlar

---

By Jacob
Posted: 07/06/2010 9:10 AM

Is it at least a Super Target? I'm glad condos aren't being built but I just think they could have done more with it and build more than a Target. Maybe add a daycare center, an Xsport, something else to go along with the Target.

---

By Bob from Near West Side
Posted: 07/04/2010 0:02 AM

Before we go into a swoon about \"Jobs, Revenue, and more,\" please remember one typical effect of a big box retailer is the demise of numerous local small businesses. Don\'t assume all of those 200 jobs are \"new\" ...

---

By John from Logan Square
Posted: 07/03/2010 1:23 PM

In these trying times, it's disheartening to see land gobbled up by big-box mega companies. Any hope of the West Loop evolving into the lively, urban neighborhood its historic stock of existing buildings can foster is gone with this Target. West Loop needs a density of small businesses stewarded by local residents. To digress: if I hear any more out of WLCO's Sedler about less density in the West Loop I am going to vomit. Move to Naperville to get your fill of infinite parking and mega stores.

---

By john from west loop
Posted: 07/02/2010 5:44 PM

this target looks fine, it's just as hideous as the hideous condos everywhere in my neighborhood, full of hideous people spending hideous amounts of money. this much money concentrated in one area could probably create some interesting public spaces and community interactions, support for public art and vibrant local businesses that appeal to wide demographics. but no i think a target will be all right

---

By Bill from McDowen
Posted: 07/01/2010 11:40 AM

I can't wait for it to open. What a great idea and use of the land. Jobs, Revenue, and more will come as another addition to the area that is up and coming. I think flooding the market with condos is worse for the area residents who alreasy have a tough time selling. Can' wait to see the day when it opens.