Wagreens has canceled a project that would have demolished a landmark building in downtown De Kalb and replaced it with a drugstore and parking lot.
De Kalb Mayor Greg Sparrow said the Deerfield-based national drugstore chain told the city of its decision Thursday after protesters picketed the project Tuesday.
The reason the company gave was that the one-acre lot at 100 W. Lincoln Highway wasn’t big enough for a 13,500-square-foot store with 68 parking spaces, Sparrow said.
At that address is a massive, copper-domed former post office building that since 1906 has been one of the most recognizable structures in downtown De Kalb.
A group of about 75 area residents picketed outside the building last Tuesday, demanding the structure be saved because of its architectural value.
Leaders of the organization contended their picketing and letter-writing campaigns helped to persuade the drugstore chain to change its mind.
“This effort would not have succeeded without the scores of volunteers who unselfishly gave ther time,” said Militsa Samardzija, a leader of the effort. “Democracy has been well-served by these citizens.”
More Top Picks Nespresso Vertuoplus
Sparrow said Walgreens told the city it may consider other sites in De Kalb to build a store. But Sparrow said the the city probably won’t offer the company any economic incentives for this.