Chicago Market Gains 2,700 Signatures In Wilson CTA Petition

CHICAGO, IL — With the Gerber Building at the CTA Wilson Red Line station nearing completion, a petition is circulating to push for the Chicago Market to use the entire retail space. The market—a cooperative grocery store focused on providing local, organic foods and building community—entered its bid for the space in June, and is looking to the community for a "show of support." The petition has gained more than 2,700 signatures.

"We love this space for its accessibility, its unique history, its size, and its ability to deliver on our mission to create a local, sustainable and connected food community," the market states on its website.

Ald. James Cappleman (46th) said he's working with the Chicago Transit Authority to iron out details that would make it possible for the entire space to be used by the Chicago Market.

"The community support is very strong for a cooperatively owned grocery store that hires from the neighborhood, provides access to healthy, local, sustainable products and transparently shares information about where your food originates," Cappleman stated in his newsletter.

The newly rehabbed CTA Wilson Station was a game-changer for the area, and the alderman said it's crucial that its accompanying retail space "captures the essence of the community."

Main image via Chicago Market