- Credibility:
LINCOLN PARK — DePaul University is repurposing the former Lincoln Park Whole Foods, reportedly using the space to launch its engineering program.
The Whole Foods at 959 W. Fullerton Ave. closed in 2022. The university recently put up branded privacy blockers in its windows, leading to social media speculation about what DePaul had planned.
DePaul owns the building at the corner of Fullerton and Sheffield Avenues, university spokesman Russell Dorn said. Whole Foods took up its first two floors. There are administrative offices for student housing and public safety on the third floor and student apartments on the remaining three floors.
The university is still deciding how it will use the space, Dorn said. Student-run newspaper the DePaulia reported in January the university is eying the space for a new engineering program.
“The future use of this property is still under consideration by the university, and a decision will be communicated to the Lincoln Park community once a plan has been determined,” Dorn said.
Whole Foods announced the Lincoln Park location would close in April 2022, along with five other stores nationwide, including one in Englewood.
The grocery store was closed to the public during much of the pandemic and used as a storage facility for the company’s grocery delivery service. Neighbors created a petition at the time demanding it be reopened.
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