Aldi to open first West Loop store as it continues broader expansion plans
Aldi will open its first West Loop store at a new mixed-use development, where the discount grocer will serve a growing customer base as residential developments in the neighborhood continue to transform the former industrial stronghold.
Aldi will anchor Mavrek Development’s project 1000 W Jackson, near the intersection of West Jackson Boulevard and South Morgan Street, which was first reported by Crain's Chicago Business. The development includes land at 1000-24 W. Jackson Blvd., 230-38 S. Morgan St. and 1015-27 W. Adams St.
Chicago-based Mavrek plans for 380 apartments, including 76 affordable units, at the $150 million development. Unit layouts will span from studios to three-bedroom units. There will also be about 160 parking spaces.
The developer will break ground in 2025, with Aldi expected to open its 22,000-square-foot space in 2026, Crain's reported.
Batavia-based Aldi did not return requests for comment.
“1000 W Jackson represents the beginning to a wonderful success story in Chicago development,” Mavrek said in a statement to the Sun-Times. “At a time when apartment supply is at an all time low, 1000 W Jackson aims to fill a gap in the market and is happy to do so with ALDI as the project anchor.”
The 25-story tower has gone through several design changes between March 2023 and July. It was first approved to be 28 stories but the height was reduced by 20 feet. During that time, Mavrek widened the building to add more units and parking.
Some of Mavrek’s recent projects include the mixed-use Saint Grand development in Streeterville and Portrait, a residential development in Uptown.
Aldi’s first West Loop store comes at a time of expansion for the discount grocer. A new Portage Park store opened in March. And that same month, the company announced plans to add 800 stores across the U.S. by the end of 2028, investing more than $9 billion. Aldi has more than 30 locations in Chicago. The grocer’s expansion efforts include nearly 330 new stores in the Northeast and Midwest.
Aldi will be the second grocer to move into the West Loop. LG Group’s development at 170 N. May St. and 175 N. Racine Ave. will also be anchored by a grocery store, though the developer has not yet said who. That project will have 667 apartments between the two buildings.
The West Loop continues to be a magnet for new residents and development.
JDL Development and Fulton Street Cos. are planning two new towers in Fulton Market that would bring a combined 1,079 units to market. Meanwhile, more and more companies beyond tech firms are relocating to West Loop to take advantage of the talent pool while touting the ability for employees to walk to work.