The North Shore is Getting a Mariano's Fresh Market!

Skokie has been asking for a Trader Joe's or Mariano's for some time. At one point, there was even a Facebook page created, asking the former to come to Skokie.

That never happened, and Trader Joe's went to Evanston instead. But that's OK now, because Skokie is getting a Mariano's Fresh Market. The popular grocery chain will replace the now vacant Klein Tools, 7200 N. McCormick Blvd., which will be demolished.

Klein Tools closed its doors in December 2011.

Meanwhile, Skokie is still on track for Touhy Marketplace, which includes a Super Walmart, large bank and several smaller stores. Touhy Marketplace will be a stone's throw from the new Mariano's and will generate about $1.2 million in tax revenue during its first year, according to village officials. 

How big will Mariano's be?

The new store will be approximately 75,000 square feet and feature produce, meats, a bakery, a deli and other amenities, including an Italian coffee shop, serving authentic gelato, a wood-fired pizza oven, sit down sushi bar, cook-to-order food service and even a pharmacy.  

The nine-acre redevelopment site also will include a restaurant on the corner, likely from a national chain, a bank and additional retail.

Plan Commission hearings are expected in late spring 2013; Mariano's projected opening is late 2014 or early 2015.  There is no village incentive or subsidy for this project, but the village said it is working closely with IDOT and other involved parties on issues involved in securing the development. 

The village said it was in discussions with Mariano's to develop a market in downtown Skokie, but could never pinpoint a location large enough. Ultimately, the village worked with Mariano's and Centrum Partners, LLC to find the location at 7200 N. McCormick Boulevard.

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