It has been 10 years since Piser Weinstein Funeral Home got out of Dodge and left for Skokie. They left a valuable tract of land vacant at 5206 N. Broadway that includes the funeral home and huge parking lot. Most recently, big red X’s were slapped on the front of the building to warn first responders that the building is vacant and could collapse.

The long-abandoned eyesore is now set for demolition by Chody Real Estate Corp, the company that owns the strip mall across the street. According to Chody Principal Bart Friedman, the demolition could start as soon as next month, but no date has been set. Once demolition is complete they will be able to start developing the planned 20,000-square-foot multi-tenant retail complex. The whole project is designed to be low impact on the surrounding community, and works well with current traffic patterns.

Alderman Harry Osterman of the 48th ward has been working closely with the developer. The alderman said in a statement to EVB, “I have shared with the developer the neighbors’ interest to keep the development one-story with no alley access. I will be meeting with neighbors again as soon as the development moves forward to ensure this project is good for Broadway and good for the community.”

Chody has not released the names of any tenants as of yet, but rumors have been swirling about a possible Chipotle restaurant in the space. Through the years the company has tried to break into the Edgewater market and this could be a golden opportunity for them. The space is high profile with great traffic. Community residents have long been in support of having the Mexican food gurus in the area.