Galewood Residents Unveil Bold Counter-Plan for Mars Site — Complete with a Candy History Museum

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Galewood · February 27, 2026

Galewood's fight for its future hit a new high note this week when a neighborhood group stepped up with their own detailed vision for the former Mars Wrigley factory site — and it goes well beyond what any developer has put on the table. Residents packed Redeemer Church on Tuesday to hear the community-drafted blueprint, which calls for a state-of-the-art library, a Mars History Museum celebrating the factory's nearly century-long legacy, a full-service grocery store, and an indoor youth sports center.

The plan stands in direct contrast to McCaffery Interests' proposal for close to 500 residential units on the landmark 20-acre site at 2019 N. Oak Park Ave. Ald. Chris Taliaferro framed the stakes for the crowd, describing it as a potential $300 million project — the largest in Galewood's history. "We love our community, we're Galewood," longtime resident Idella Mister told the room. "We have to make the most of that property. That's why we are coming together." Galewood Montclare Community Organization Vice President Michael Nardello struck a pragmatic note, acknowledging that any viable plan must also make financial sense for a developer — or the site risks sitting vacant.

With Mars Wrigley still holding ownership of the property and multiple neighborhood groups now preparing their own proposals, the community has a real window to shape what comes next. Residents eager to weigh in should connect with the Galewood Montclare Community Organization or Ald. Taliaferro's 29th Ward office for upcoming engagement opportunities.

Sources:
1. https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/galewood-residents-push-back-500-unit-housing-plan-former-mars-site
2. https://therealdeal.com/chicago/2026/02/05/mccaffery-plan-for-galewood-mars-factory-draws-opponents/