Mars Factory Overhaul Stalls As Candymaker's Chicago Expansion Accelerates
The redevelopment of the former Mars Wrigley factory has not been as easy as taking candy from a baby.
Plans to convert the shuttered factory at 2019 N. Oak Park Ave. in Galewood have stalled after a series of contentious public meetings.
The Mars Wrigley factory has been closed since 2024, with developer McCaffery Interests tapped to redevelop the site. The developer has proposed a conversion of the factory building and development of the surrounding area into roughly 500 housing units, a community center, parks and retail space.
But neighbors have opposed the project as it is conceived, with 29th Ward Alderman Chris Taliaferro pausing future meetings on the project until the community input process is revamped.
“Our meetings thus far have not been productive in that they have been controversial in nature,” Taliaferro told Block Club Chicago. “Folks felt threatened, and they were not able to express themselves and what they’d like to see out of fear of public humiliation.”
The Galewood-Montclare Community Organization, which proposed its own plan for the site, would see the housing component stripped in favor of a new public library, grocery store and 1,000-spot parking lot.
Taliaferro told the outlet that both residents and the developer have agreed to join smaller, focused meetings led by a facilitator who reviews feedback and works to create a timeline for the process. The goal of this is to reset discussions between the two parties, according to the alderman.
Outside of its redevelopment snag, the company is advancing plans to consolidate its workforce in the Windy City.
Mars announced this week that it will close its hub in Newark, New Jersey, by the end of 2027 and expects to let go of 307 positions at the location, effective mid-October. The company has a long corporate history in the state, with its presence dating back to the 1940s.
Mars did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Mars Snacking, a division of Mars Inc., previously disclosed plans this March to expand its global headquarters in Chicago, adding 600 new jobs and investing $100M. The company is slated to open a regional office hub in Fulton Market and a global office downtown, taking over the former Kellanova headquarters.
"This decision is part of our broader strategy to position Mars Snacking for long-term growth and strengthen our operations in key locations across North America," a company spokesperson told VendingMarketWatch.com in a statement.
