McCaffery Plan for Galewood Mars Factory Draws Opponents

Dan McCaffery’s redevelopment pitch for the former Mars Wrigley candy factory on Chicago’s Far Northwest Side is running into resistance, as neighbors question whether another large housing project is what the area needs.

His Chicago-based firm McCaffery Interests proposed redeveloping the 20-acre former Mars plant at 2019 North Oak Park Avenue with close to 500 residential units, according to FOX 32 Chicago. The plan would include a mix of senior housing, townhomes and apartments, at a site that for nearly a century anchored the Galewood neighborhood with industrial jobs.

The factory, which produced Snickers, Milky Way and 3 Musketeers bars, shut down in 2024 after about 95 years in operation. Chicago-based McCaffery was selected as developer shortly after the closure. While the Spanish Revival-style administrative building along Oak Park Avenue has landmark status and will be preserved, the rest of the campus is up for redevelopment.

McCaffery outlined its concept during three community meetings in December, but some residents said the proposal leans too heavily toward housing in an area already seeing a wave of residential development.

“We have developments at Sears, we have developments at U.S. Bank, and now we have this development,” Michael Nardello, vice president of the Galewood Montclare Community Organization, told FOX Chicago.

He was referring to the major overhauls that included some combination of multi-story rental apartments and retail, including at the former Sears location at the northeast corner of North and Harlem avenues, and the former U.S Bank site at 6700 West North Avenue. Those projects attracted more opposition than support from residents, who were pushing for single-family homes or condominiums, arguing that apartments could harm the neighborhood’s quality of life.

“The community is kind of concerned about the impact with density, safety, the streets, the parking,” Nardello said.

The community group is calling for a local referendum, as well as traffic and parking studies, before the McCaffery proposal moves forward. Residents said they want investment that brings services and amenities, not just rooftops

Resident Thomas Simmons told the TV station that a library or a youth center that could provide recreational or apprenticeship programs is a higher priority for the neighborhood than more housing.

Alderman Christopher Taliaferro, who represents the 29th Ward, said the proposal is far from finalized. In a statement, he noted that McCaffery’s concept followed earlier community meetings — some held years ago — that generated ideas ranging from light manufacturing and green space to retail and mixed-use development.

Given recent changes in the neighborhood, Taliaferro said more discussions are needed, particularly around the residential component. He stopped short of endorsing the plan, saying continued community engagement will determine whether it ultimately earns his support.

— Eric Weilbacher