What Should Go Here? Empty Ace Hardware Store

Before becoming vacant, the approximately 30,000-square-foot business at 15541 Cicero Ave. was an Ace Hardware store full of tools and home supplies that fulfilled the needs of any do-it-yourself handy man in Oak Forest and the surrounding areas.

However, the store closed 2 to 3 years ago and since has sat vacant, with the title currently being held by a bank.

Though the storefront remains empty, the city of Oak Forest remains hopeful that a business will one day fill the vacant space.

“The city is always open to discussion with anyone, but if we had our druthers, we would like a retail operation in there,” said Adam Dotson, Oak Forest's Community Development Director. “We would like a 'well-heeled attraction' in there. Meaning, a businesses that might be relocating, as opposed to a new business. When you're dealing with such a large space, you'd like to have an experienced operator.”

The storefront is currently owned by a bank, Dotson said, which is actively trying to fill the space.

“We hope that we see some of these prospects that we have been talking to actually move forward, and work with the property owner, to acquire it, ” Dotson said. “The city will be there to help assist with whatever incentive package that we need to provide to help get them here."

With the space currently for sale, we want to know—what should go here?

For more information on the space, contact real estate agent Steve Chrastka, at (847) 348-7800.

And don't forget to deposit your two cents here:

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