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Costco mulling new store at Kiddieland location

Category: Preservation

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Written by Randy Garbin

Just when you thought the "Great Recession" might have finally snapped us out of our consumptionist insanity comes word that yet another treasured piece of our culture will become a big box store. This story comes from the Chicago Tribune.

Kiddieland's property in Melrose Park may become the site of a new Costco store, a company official confirmed today, addressing weeks of speculation over the fate of the popular former amusement park land.

"Yes, we have interest, but there is nothing finalized," said Dick DiCerchio, senior executive vice president and chief operating officer for Costco, which currently has 13 warehouse-style membership clubs in the Chicago area.

DiCerchio added that plans for the Melrose Park location could evaporate if the company's CEO, Jim Sinegal, decided not to pursue the site.

Melrose Park Mayor Ron Serpico said the company has not approached the village with a formal proposal.

"Maybe they're getting a little closer... but if they've inked a deal, I have not talked to anybody," said Serpico. "Ultimately they'll have to come to us, of course, but maybe the heavy lifting right now is getting price and terms."

Kiddieland, at the corner of First and North Avenues, closed its doors after 81 years last month after a dispute between the faction of the family that operated the amusement park and the other that owned the land. Popular rides from the park will be sold in an auction Nov. 24, as Kiddieland operators have been ordered to vacate the property by the end of the year.

Original story and comments here.