The development of a new 75,000-square-foot wholesale food warehouse in the Pilsen Industrial Corridor will be supported through a City-owned land sale approved today by City Council.

The one acre of vacant City land near 2639-59 S. Damen Ave. will be combined with vacant property owned by Chicago Produce Marketplace Corp. and both parcels will be sold to Banner Wholesale Grocers to enable construction of the single-story, $10.5 million facility.

The complex will enable Banner to relocate from a less efficient location nearby. It will include eight tailgate loading doors, a drive-in receiving dock, over 460 pallet racking positions, and cooler and freezer space. The building will also include about 4,000 square feet of office space and parking for 60 vehicles. It is expected to create up to 20 new permanent jobs while retaining 45 positions.

Banner will pay the appraised value of $450,000 for the City-owned parcel, with $350,000 placed in escrow to cover potential environmental remediation costs.

Founded in 1926, the company distributes specialty foods and products to restaurants, wholesale and retail businesses. Construction is planned to start this spring.

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