Southport Starbucks to Start Construction, Permit Issued

Construction will soon be under way at the  Avenue after the company’s building permit was approved Friday.

The City of Chicago issued a renovation and alteration permit for the new space at 3400 N. Southport Avenue, across the street from its current Southport location. According to the permit, Starbucks will spend roughly $50,000 to combine the three storefronts into one new store.

The work is described as “alterations to (the) existing ground floor retail spaces. Base building renovations (will) combine spaces into (a) single user tenant, as per plans.”

Brown paper has already been taped up in the windows to block out onlookers for months, but sounds of construction will soon echo from the storefront.

The stores formerly occupying the space were Serda’s Store, She One Boutique and Very Best Cleaners.

Starbucks’ expansion was a controversial topic for many business owners and residents on Southport, with some wondering if national retailers would someday take over the street from local business owners.

The strongest voice in the pack was Dave McLaughlin, owner of Safari Cup and future next-door-neighbor of the new Starbucks. After voicing he’d fight hard against the “green cancer”—as he calls the coffee chain—McLaughlin’s storefront went on the leasing market March 4.

Starbucks is expected to complete the renovation and open in April. 

Want More on the Southport Starbucks?

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• Lake View Starbucks Expansion: Neighbors Say 'This Sucks'

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