Retail development pitched for former Wicker Park gas station

After shutting its doors following 40 years of service as a Wicker Park staple, the Shell station at the northeast corner of Division could be replaced by a low-rise commercial development.

According to a marketing flyer from real estate firm RKF, the site can offer 10,000 square feet of divisible retail space and 180 feet of wrap-around sidewalk frontage particularly well-suited for restaurants.

The redevelopment of the corner has been the topic of much speculation since a major rent hike prompted gas station owner Gaspar Gomez to close his business last October. A demolition permit for the station’s garage and canopy was dispatched that same month.

RKF

While many assumed the site would give way to a taller, multi-unit mixed-use building, a construction permit issued for the corner in November specifies a new three-story structure consisting of retail topped by just two residences. Chicago design firm Pappageorge Haymes Partners is listed as the architect.

The property at 1950 W. Division Street is owned by developer Paul Utigard while the planned redevelopment is registered to an LLC located at nearby 1611 W. Division Street—a transit-oriented apartment project developed by Utigard and partner Rob Buono. The duo were also behind Logan Square’s two-tower MiCa apartments.

• 1950 West Division Street [RFK]
• What can we expect to see at this Wicker Park location? [Curbed Chicago]
• Previous Wicker Park coverage [Curbed Chicago]