Marshfield Plaza (Chicago, Oak Lawn, Blue Island: leases, house, neighborhood)

[ajolotl]

I noticed that in addition to a huge new Target and Jewel (both of which are open now), a Dick's and large L.A. Fitness have signed leases in the new Development between 115-119 just west of I-57 (Morgan park/West Pullman Boundary). This is about a five minute drive from my house and the parking lot is extremely large, well lit, and well patrolled, so I have zero complaints. I'm also frequently one of five people in the Target vs. the south loop or north side where I'd rather stick a fork in my eye than deal with the crowds on the weekend.

Still, though, I have to wonder what chance in hell this place has of succeeding. Does that seem to anybody like a credible place for an L.A. Fitness or even a Target to succeed? I hope I'm wrong but I can offhand think of 20 places in the city that seem more logical choices.

[skyeINIL]

Why wouldn't it succeed?

[ajolotl]

Because there is not an obvious market nearby for those type of services. The vicinity strikes me as rather poor. Poorer people tend not to join L.A. Fitness and prefer Walmart (which is relatively close) to Target. Beverly is close but people in Beverly don't seem to like to shop in West Pullman. Also, part of my data is empirical -- it is extremely empty at almost any time of the day.

[ajolotl]

A good comparison is the Chatham Target/Bally's. Modulo Beverly I see that area as more solidly middle and even upper-middle class than the Marshfield Plaza, so it makes more sense to me.

[skyeINIL]

The Target on 86th and Cottage seems to be doing well and that neighborhood is not affluent, either. Oh yeah, that Bally's on 87th is ALWAYS packed.

I think it will do fine. I don't see Beverly residents continuing to drive to Oak Lawn or Crestwood when there is a comparable shopping area to use here. Also, there are the Blue Island, Morgan Park, Cal Park crowds that might keep it going.

[ajolotl]

Great. I hope you are right. It's a godsend for me. I absolutely hate 95th street. Sliding down longwood or vincennes is peaceful. The Target has a great grocery section also. The Jewel is extremely nice. L.A. Fitness would be huge.

[skyeINIL]

Originally Posted by ajolotl

Great. I hope you are right. It's a godsend for me. I absolutely hate 95th street. Sliding down longwood or vincennes is peaceful. The Target has a great grocery section also. The Jewel is extremely nice. L.A. Fitness would be huge.

I need to get over there sometime soon. I have family in Blue Island, so I'm in the vicinity occasionally. Will the Jewel on 127th/Burr Oak and Vincennes stay open?

[LeandroT]

I think the center will be a huge success. It will take a few years to stabilize no doubt, but the Tenant mix is strong: Target, Jewel, Petco, Staples, Marshalls, LA Fitness, Chili's, Fifth Third Bank, T-Mobile, Panda Express, GameStop, Subway, Harold's Chicken, Cosmo Beauty, Nail Works, Simply Fashions, Anna's Linens, and more are coming. I know the center seems slow...but that's because so few tenants are open right now. It's hard to launch 40 acres of retail at the same time, and Target insisted on an early opening. We have our heart and soul into this project...and I have invested 4 years of my life to making sure this becomes the premiere shopping destination on the South Side of Chicago. Everyone said we were crazy to try some thing so large on the South Side, but I believe in the Community and the location, and am eager to see the center stabilize, open up all its tenants, and take it's rightful place as a new the "center" of this Community. We appreciate all your patronage (and honesty) and want you to know this center was built for the Community, and by the Community.

[oakparkdude]

I just want to point out how cool it is that the developer is commenting on this thread.

[ajolotl]

LeandroT: Great work on taking a chance on this area. It is badly needed retail. I'll do my best to sell the idea to my neighbors in Beverly. It is extremely convenient compared to 95th street and much nicer (so far). I hope the patrons can respect the area so that it doesn't go the route of Chatham (shopping district just west of Ryan on 87th). There are some nice stores there but I notice that the area is increasingly overrun by trash and street peddlers. It's really disgusting how little respect people can have for their surroundings. I avoid that area now unless I don't have a choice.