Distribution warehouse planned for Knox Ave.

by BRIAN NADIG

Construction of a 50,000-square-foot distribution warehouse is planned for a 1.6-acre parcel in the Knox Industrial Corridor in Portage Park.

The site once was occupied to Chicago Imports, 4150 N. Knox Ave., but the company’s warehouse was destroyed in a fire in 2007. Railroad tracks run along the rear of the property, and during the extra-alarm fire Metra stopped trains from running through the area.

Alderman John Arena’s chief of staff Owen Brugh said that the property is vacant except for the foundation of the former Chicago Imports building. A construction permit for the warehouse is pending with the city Department of Buildings.

Brugh said that the company that acquired the property plans to construct the warehouse before it has a tenant for the site. He said that the developer’s willingness to proceed without a guarantee of rental income is an indicator that the local economy is improving and that the area is suitable for commercial development.

In 2014 a makeshift sign was temporarily posted on the property stating that a homeless shelter would be built there. A local resident had been seeking support for a shelter to serve homeless people who congregate along the railroad embankment.