Goodbye, Gromer’s — what was left of it

Gromer Supermarket was the anchor of Wing Park Shopping Center on Elgin’s west side for years before it closed in the mid-1990s. Several other businesses, most recently a Blockbuster Video, have since replaced the family-owned grocery store.

But on Wednesday, demolition put an end to the building altogether. The property soon will be home to Elgin’s newest Walgreens.

“I think it’s a great location for a Walgreens,” said Gordon Gromer, whose family owned the supermarket. “I can’t wait for it to open.”

Other Elgin residents were not quite as carefree about the demolition, remembering a beloved grocery store of days gone by.

Gromer Supermarket was in business for more than 50 years in various locations before closing its doors.

The new Walgreens — Elgin’s sixth — will open in the fall, according to Walgreens spokesman Robert Elfinger. “We look forward to opening at McLean and Wing and being able to serve residents there with health and daily living needs.”