Mars Wrigley selects developer for historic factory on Northwest Side

Mars Wrigley has announced that McCaffery Interests Inc. will spearhead the redevelopment of its iconic factory on the Northwest Side of Chicago. This site, nearly a century old and the birthplace of Snickers and Three Musketeers candy bars, will undergo significant changes.

Community planning takes center stage

The candy giant plans to cease operations at the historic factory this year, shifting production to other U.S. locations. McCaffery Interests Inc. will collaborate with local community groups to devise detailed plans for the 20-acre Galewood neighborhood site, which includes the distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival building, according to a Mars Wrigley spokesperson. 

As reported in the Chicago Tribune, Galewood Neighbors board member Tom Drebenstedt expressed mixed feelings: “We’re going to miss the smell of chocolate,” he said, but acknowledged the shutdown creates an opportunity to reimagine the space for the community.

Residents expressed a desire to preserve the historic building at 2019 N. Oak Park Ave. during preliminary meetings in 2022. In July, the Chicago Plan Commission designated the 1928 building a landmark. Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago, underscored the community's enthusiasm: “It almost doesn’t look like a factory, and the community really liked the idea that the building would be preserved,” possibly as a community center or library, he said.

Vision for the future

Plans for the site, now mostly parking lots, include potential uses such as senior housing, townhomes, a wildlife habitat, renewable energy options, or light manufacturing. Drebenstedt highlighted the importance of senior housing: “When it comes time to give up that single-family home, maybe the answer will be to just move down the street into new senior housing.”

The redevelopment process hinges on approval from the Chicago City Council for rezoning and ongoing community engagement. A Mars Wrigley spokesperson confirmed, “Mars remains committed to the city of Chicago and working collaboratively with all our stakeholders to redevelop the site for the benefit of the community.”

The company reassured stakeholders that it will continue its presence in Chicago with its Goose Island headquarters and a newly established research and development center. Jonathan Snyder, executive director of North Branch Works, cautioned about eliminating manufacturing districts: “I’m wary of it, just because we know how good manufacturing jobs are, and how they build up neighborhoods,” he said.