Barrington approves supermarket, dealership expansion

Even as renewed fears of recession continue to be the buzz across the nation, Barrington officials Tuesday quietly and confidently approved two new projects expected to bring significant economic growth to the village.

Trustees gave the nod to both a 20,000-square-foot expansion of Wickstrom Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram's existing 13,000-square-foot facility and Ohio-based grocery chain Heinen's Fine Foods' use of the 38,000-square-foot former Staples store.

Though Heinen's has 17 stores already, the Barrington location at 500 N. Hough St., Suite 150, will be its first outside greater Cleveland.

Barrington's Economic Development Director Peg Blanchard originally went to Ohio in 2007 to meet with the company's owners and encourage them to consider Barrington if they ever decided to expand to the Chicago area.

Though it took four more years, the company did decide to come here after finding there were only limited opportunities for further growth in Cleveland.

Blanchard explained that retailers usually have first- and second-tier priorities in their plans for future development.

“What you're always trying to do is get on their radar and into their planning cycle,” she said.

The Chicago area was targeted by Heinen's to still be within range of the company's existing distribution center, said Jeff Heinen, a member of his family's third generation to run the business.

He added that Barrington was chosen as the first location because it met the criteria of a community that put equal value on quality and price.

The Barrington store is expected to open next summer and bring 80 new jobs to the village.

Wickstrom Auto Group began eyeing an expansion of its existing local business on Northwest Highway due to the relative success the auto industry has been experiencing since the recession of 2009, partner Colin Wickstrom said.

Since that low point two years ago, sales at Wickstrom Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram have grown by 126 percent while those at its neighboring Ford and Lincoln dealership are up 102 percent, he said.

The building expansion will take about six to eight months to construct and include increased showroom space and corporate training rooms.

“It's not surprising,” Blanchard said. “The auto industry is doing well. Their growth is very positive for the community.”