The one at the Blommer Chocolate Factory in River West.
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Chicagoans rightly mourn the expected loss of the Blommer Chocolate Factory, an icon that has made the River West community smell so sweet for years.
The loss of at least 250 jobs that accompanied the plant’s closure in May was a major reason when the company decided to invest $100 million in plants in East Greenville, Pennsylvania; Union City, California; and Campbellford, Ontario, but not here. Blommer says the plant at 600 W. Kinzie St. es too old and outdated.
“The location and age of the Chicago plant, coupled with increased maintenance of construction and equipment, have increased operating prices and created production reliability issues,” Blommer said in a statement.
But Chicagoans get something positive out of this deal: rebuilding the Blommer site in a way that benefits the city. And it turns out that the mayor’s workplace has the preference — and maybe a little clout — to make sure that happens.
Blommer has won $5. 8 million in grants, raised since 2004 from the Monetary District where the plant is located. Public assistance helped Blommer realize $40 million in innovations for the plant.
A city spokesperson said Mayor Brandon Johnson’s management met with Blommer officials prior to the closure announcement and is reviewing the TIF agreement in light of the closure.
At the same time, an official with the city’s Planning Breakdown states that the Blommer site is “an opportunity to continue the mixed-use transformation and long-term improvement of the infrastructure of this downtown component. “
It’s smart to hear that. And the position has a lot going for it, as it’s close to CTA, Metra, the Chicago River, and many of the most recent developments that have taken place in River West.
And Blommer is leaving Chicago. La company has announced that it will build offices and a studio and progression lab at Merchandise Mart.
If Blommer and the city manage to work together, it could result in a smart deal for the plant site.
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