Doors Open On The Right At Frozen Foods

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Jul 17, 2008 3:35PM

Looks like seatless cars aren't the only changes brewing over at the CTA. It seems the CTA is now exploring the possibilities of grocery stores at El stops in the future, as well as mini-banks and restaurants. It's all part of the CTA's attempt to take commercial advantage of its property, especially with the increase in riders. Early candidates for such a development include the Berwyn, Wilson and North/Clybourn stops on the Red Line. Several grocery chains have expressed interest in the idea. Yesterday, the CTA hired Jones Lang LaSalle at a rate of $4.2 million over five years to help assess their property and secure businesses.

Agency officials talked of reaping as much as $100 million over the next five years from new commercial development. Currently it generates more than $6 million a year from retail concessions, Park & Ride lots and parking beneath "L" lines and other sources.

Jones Lang LaSalle will also look at ways of improving "the look and feel and cleanliness" of existing concessions, said Kurt Little, the firm's managing director.

The CTA is also looking into using their large switching yards, such as the one at Midway, for future development.

While the idea of a Jewel at an El stop sounds convenient, the Dunkin Donut stands at some stops is really all we need. Coffee and a Boston Creme? Sounds like dinner to us.