D
an McCaffery, a real estate veteran with Chicago-based McCaffery Interests, is poised to repurpose the historic Galewood candy factory at 2019 North Oak Park Avenue. Mars Wrigley had previously planned to donate the site but has since agreed to sell it to McCaffery, who has won approval from local officials.

    The prime location, adjacent to a Metra station, offers opportunities for mixed-use development, including residential, retail, and industrial spaces. McCaffery's company is known for managing large-scale projects that require community engagement, as seen in the redevelopment of the former Children's Memorial Hospital in Lincoln Park.

    "We're going to talk to a lot of people before we put pencil to paper on this," McCaffery said, referring to his process as a "dating spree" of meetings to gather input from alderpersons and neighborhood groups. The Galewood factory, which has been producing Snickers and Milky Way bars since 1929, is expected to receive landmark status due to its Spanish Revival design.

    McCaffrey plans to incorporate the building's unique character into the redevelopment while creating modern spaces that serve the community. Mars Wrigley will continue to be involved in the planning process, with a company spokesperson stating that the site's redevelopment should benefit Galewood residents. McCaffery expects to start meeting with stakeholders soon and aims to have plans ready for city approval by next year.