A new hospitality concept is being planned for the former Engine Co. #102 fire station at 1721-23 W. Greenleaf Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood.
The city-owned property is set to be purchased by developers Ryan Cummings and Michael Salvatore for slightly more than $350,000, according to Block Club Chicago. Their proposal was selected by the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development after a request for proposals was issued last year. While an exact opening timeline has yet to be announced, the team is exploring food-and-beverage-focused uses for the ground floor, including a café, bar, or similar hospitality concept. Customers can also expect community-oriented gathering spaces as plans continue to take shape.
The project brings together two Rogers Park residents with backgrounds in real estate and hospitality. Cummings works for Nicholson Construction and has experience in development, while Salvatore is the founder of Heritage Hospitality Group. Salvatore is known for operating several Chicago concepts, including Heritage Coffee & Bikes, Heritage Outpost, and Larry’s. The pair said they hope to create a destination that serves both neighborhood residents and visitors.
The building has remained vacant since 2009, when the fire station relocated to a new facility on Clark Street. Originally opened in 1915, the property served as the home of Engine Co. #102 for nearly a century. Several previous redevelopment proposals were considered over the years, but none ultimately moved forward. The latest proposal marks the closest the property has come to securing a long-term future.
Although the final concept has not yet been determined, the developers have indicated that hospitality will be a central component of the project. Early plans call for a food-and-beverage operation on the first floor, while the second level could be used for event space, co-working space, or other community-focused uses. Financing efforts are still underway, with Cummings planning to pursue a Community Development Grant later this summer.
This could be an excellent landing space for a hospitality concept given the building’s history, character, and location in Rogers Park. The development team also plans to preserve many of the property’s historic features, including its original staircase, marble shower dividers, and metal lockers. According to Cummings, restoring the building will be a lengthy process due to its current condition, but preserving its architectural character remains a priority as plans move forward.
