The 12th Sendik’s family grocery store was located on one of the last pieces of land available on South Miller Park Way, which had become a busy shopping destination for many of the near downtown neighborhoods. Significant TIF funds were set aside by the local government to clean up the area and various buildings. $2.1 million dollars in village financing went towards removing the existing building foundations and contaminated soils from the site. Money was spent to improve traffic lights, relocate utilities, and add sidewalks.
The result was an entire city block transformed. Sendik’s built a 42,300-square-foot store attached to a 16,150 sq ft Goodwill Industries retail store for the vacant lot at 4200 W. Burnham St. An outlot building was also included in the development for future development.
To show respect for the heritage of the former industrial corridor, the design of the store was detailed to look like one of the previous warehouses that used to inhabit the area. The strong repetitive spacing of the masonry piers and window openings helps organize the various interior programs. Large openings of glass on the main level allow passing traffic to see activities on the inside of the store, while the clear story windows above bring in the highly desired southern light deep into the open spaces. The grocery store experience is activated by a central deli island with a decorative wood ceiling cloud to drive your eyes down onto the tasty-looking food. The open produce department is highlighted by the clear story windows.
The overall exterior color palette is inspired by the Sendik’s family trademark red brick to match their red bags and charcoal window framing, with exposed steel and decorative wood canopies. The overall interior color palette consisted of gray tones, dark painted exposed steel structure and natural materials like wood and concrete to reinforce the refined design.
