A $32.4 million warehouse and distribution center that serves Whole Foods stores in the Midwest and Ontario will be built in Pullman through a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan approved today by City Council.

Up to $8.4 million in TIF assistance will help pay for site preparation costs, including grading, demolition, and utility installation.

The 140,000-square-foot facility would replace an existing Whole Foods distribution center in Munster, IN, enabling the natural and organic food retailer to take advantage of Pullman’s skilled workforce and nearby transportation resources. It will employ approximately 175 people when open in 2018.

"We worked hard to get this Whole Foods distribution center to Chicago because it will create jobs and opportunity for the entire neighborhood," said Alderman Anthony Beale. "This development adds to the broader revitalization of Pullman and I look forward to getting started on construction so we can see the economic benefits across the 9th Ward."

The 16.7-acre development site near 107th Street and Doty Avenue was occupied by Ryerson Steel until 2008. Two existing Whole Foods suppliers—Method Products and Gotham Greens—are located nearby.

Site preparation work will be performed by the non-profit development organization Chicago Neighborhoods Initiatives. A third-party developer will complete the facility itself.

Founded in Texas in 1980, Whole Foods has more than two dozen stores in the Chicago area.

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