A Look At A TargetExpress In Chicago’s Streeterville Neighborhood
The following post was originally published on UrbanReview | CHICAGO:
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As chain big box stores go, I’ve long-favored Target. But few Target stores stray from the typical suburban big box. Many years ago I visited the 2-story Target in NW Seattle, a decade ago a new Target replaced an older Target in the City of St. Louis with parking below the store. Better, but big with lots of free parking.
In July 2012 a CityTarget opened in the former Carson Pirie Scott department store building at State & Madison, designed by Louis Sullivan in 1899. It’s a terrific store — smaller than most Targets but it covers the basics well. Zero parking. Still, it’s 1.3 miles from the condo where we stay while in Chicago. Too far to stop by quickly for a few things.
In October 2015 the new Streeterville TargetExpress opened at 401 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL — just 4/10ths of a mile away — under a 10 minute walk.
![The new Streeterville Target](http://urbanreviewchi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/streeterville.target01-500x375.jpg)
The space had previously been occupied by organic grocer Fox & Obel, which closed in October 2013:
In court filings last month, Fox & Obel said that it planned to shut down permanently and sell all assets after its heavy debt made it impossible to maintain operations. The grocer said it received notice that its electricity would be shut off, forcing it to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Fox & Obel closed for a time earlier this year after at least a half-dozen failed health inspections.
Despite its trouble, the store still had a loyal following. (Chicago Tribune)
Fox & Obel closed before we began staying in Streeterville. Besides, for a nearby market we like Treasure Island Foods at 680 N. Lake Shore Drive. In July 2014 Whole Foods announced it would open a Streeterville location — it opened in late January 2015. The grocery market it good.
![The entrance](http://urbanreviewchi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/streeterville.target02-500x375.jpg)
![Open until midnight!](http://urbanreviewchi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/streeterville.target03-500x375.jpg)
![Long walkway ramps up to main floor level](http://urbanreviewchi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/streeterville.target04-500x375.jpg)
![The Starbucks cafe is near the entrance](http://urbanreviewchi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/streeterville.target05-500x375.jpg)
![The first Target where you can get a drink -- but you must consume within the cafe -- can't take it around the rest of the store.](http://urbanreviewchi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/streeterville.target06-500x375.jpg)
![It's well stocked](http://urbanreviewchi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/streeterville.target07-500x375.jpg)
![I'm sure the pharmacy will be popular](http://urbanreviewchi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/streeterville.target08-500x375.jpg)
![Looking from pharmacy past housewares toward food](http://urbanreviewchi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/streeterville.target09-500x375.jpg)
![Looking from food back toward the front of the store](http://urbanreviewchi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/streeterville.target10-500x375.jpg)
![The checkout area, you wait in line for the next cashier. Or use the self-check registers.](http://urbanreviewchi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/streeterville.target11-500x375.jpg)
It’s not the biggest, nor the fanciest, but it’s very convenient. It’s the ideal Target for the neighborhood.
— Steve Patterson