Lululemon plans new Lincoln Park store with restaurant, workout space

Lululemon, the athletic clothing brand, is moving into a three-story building near a shopping corridor along W. North and N. Clybourn avenues.

The renovation plans call for a build-out of 938 W. North Avenue, according to a $4.5 million permit issued Tuesday listing Lululemon as the owner-occupant. The work on three floors includes minor exterior changes and allows for a workout space and a small restaurant, perhaps a cafe or coffee bar.

Previously, a Restoration Hardware and Z Gallerie occupied the space but the building has been vacant except for a Sephora store that takes up a small part of the property.

If Lululemon takes over the remaining space the new store will be huge, three levels totalling more than 25,000 square feet, according to a marketing flyer from RFK. It’s possible but unlikely that the retailer will be sole tenant. The Gold Coast flagship location is just 5,200 square feet, and that’s after the company doubled the square footage last year.

Stores throughout the Chicago regularly host free yoga classes and events, so it’s not unusual that the permit calls for a “health club use.” One of Lululemon’s largest stores, a flagship location in New York City’s Flatiron District, features “The Concierge” where shoppers can hang out and drink coffee, charge their phones and get recommendations on nearby workout classes.

Lululemon, RKF and the architect of the build-out, Jonathan Splitt Architects, did not respond to requests for comment.

• Building permit for 938 W. North Avenue [Official]