The development of a new 75,000-square-foot wholesale food warehouse in the Pilsen Industrial Corridor would be supported through a City-owned land sale introduced today to City Council by Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

The one acre of vacant City land near 2639-59 S. Damen Ave. would be combined with vacant property owned by Chicago Produce Marketplace Corp. and both parcels would sold to Banner Wholesale Grocers to enable construction of the single-story, $10.5 million facility.

The complex would enable Banner to relocate from a less efficient location neraby. It’s planned include eight tailgate loading doors, a drive-in receiving dock, over 460 pallet racking positions, and cooler and freezer space. The building would also include about 4,000 square feet of office space and parking for 60 vehicles. It is expected to create up to 20 new permanent jobs while retaining 45 positions.

Banner would pay the appraised value of $450,000 for the City-owned parcel, with $350,000 placed in escrow to cover potential environmental remediation costs.

Founded in 1926, the company distributes specialty foods and products to restaurants, wholesale and retail businesses. Construction would begin in the spring of 2017.

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