New River North retail venue and food hall won’t be a flash in pan

UPDATED, April 27, 2021, 1:31 p.m.: The pandemic relegated Chicago’s vibrant food hall scene to the back burner. Now it’s starting to simmer again, and Friedman Properties is counting on it returning to a full boil,  one that will include a mix of retail and entertainment offerings.

Friedman has signed Blue Star Properties to a lease at its 135,000-square-foot Medinah Temple in River North, according to Crain’s.

Holocene Chicago will open in the fall as a long-lasting pop-up, with dining, shopping, live performances, art exhibitions and workshops, according to a press release. Each floor will aim to provide an interactive retail experience, the release noted. The venue will remain open for a year.

Blue Star brought on restaurant firm 16 on Center for the project. Blue Star and 16 on Center created Revival Food Hall along with restaurants and event spaces, according to Crain’s.

Friedman Properties’ Albert Friedman saved Medinah Temple from the wrecking ball 20 years ago when he bought the land under the building, as well as the entire block. He then redeveloped the landmarked property at 600 N. Wabash Avenue. In 2019, he acquired the building from Macy’s.

[Crain’s] — Alexi Friedman

Editor’s note: The story was updated to include the added components that will be offered in Holocene Chicago and to note Blue Star signed the lease with Friedman Properties.