Galewood Residents Are Shaping the Future of the Old Mars Wrigley Site — And the Neighborhood's Voice Is Getting Louder

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Galewood · July 21, 2026

Galewood has never been a neighborhood that sits quietly on the sidelines — and when it comes to the future of the former Mars Wrigley factory at 2019 N. Oak Park Ave., residents are making sure their vision leads the way. Neighbors have been packing community meetings to advocate loudly for a redevelopment plan that prioritizes community amenities over a proposed 500-unit housing development, citing concerns about congestion and neighborhood impact. Residents have specifically called for a new library, retail space, and a job training center — the kind of anchor investments that could reshape the Northwest Side for generations.

The Mars Wrigley site, a beloved neighborhood landmark where candy was made for nearly a century, is expected to become a Chicago city landmark, and developer McCaffery Interests has been enlisted to craft plans for the building's future. That historic designation gives the community real leverage — and Galewood residents are using every bit of it. Alderman Chris Taliaferro (29th Ward) has been a key voice in ensuring neighbors have a seat at the table as plans evolve.

This is community advocacy at its most Galewood: organized, passionate, and rooted in a deep belief that the neighborhood deserves nothing less than its best possible future. Want to stay informed and add your voice to the conversation? Follow the latest updates at galewoodneighbors.org and keep an eye on 29th Ward announcements for upcoming community input sessions.

Sources:
1. https://www.fox32chicago.com/tag/us/il/cook-county/chicago/galewood
2. https://abc7chicago.com/place/galewood/
3. https://chicago.suntimes.com/galewood