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Harlem Irving expansion experiences complaints
Construction is underway on a 100,000-square-foot expansion of Harlem Irving Plaza in Norridge. | Cathryn Gran~Sun-Times Media
Updated: February 19, 2013 1:32PM
NORRIDGE — Expansion continues at Harlem Irving Plaza.
Framing for one of the buildings on the southeast end of the property now occupies the space once held by a marble-clad bank.
On the west side, crews are clearing the way for the construction of another building that will accommodate a one-story, 32,500-square-foot Sports Authority and a two-story, 45,000-square-foot XSports fitness club. The area also has room for smaller retail shops.
Harlem Irving Cos. is adding nearly 100,000 square feet of space to the north end of the plaza and eliminating the space occupied by Claire’s Boutique to make room for a corridor connecting the plaza to the expanded area.
The site is bounded by the plaza on the south, Octavia Avenue on the west, Cullom Avenue on the north and Harlem Avenue on the east.
Residents along Cullom have been vocal in expressing their displeasure about the project, voicing concerns about dirt and blowing dust harming the quality of life in the area and construction causing cracks in walls and foundations.
Village Engineer Brian Gaseor said the village has received complaints about homes shaking.
“That could be from trying to dig in frozen ground,” he said. “There has been no drilling, no (use of) explosives.”
Village President Ron Oppedisano has praised the expansion as a way to bring new and different businesses to Norridge.
He noted Sports Authority and XSports would fill a niche that currently is not served in Norridge.
Oppedisano stressed the new businesses would not be taking away sales from existing stores like Kohl’s or Carson’s.
The addition should be completed sometime in November, according to Edan Gelt, spokesman for Harlem Irving Cos.
“Just in time for Christmas and for those New Year’s resolutions,” she said, referring to the new opportunities that will be available for those wanting to fulfill those fitness resolutions.
