Leopardo Completes 240,000 SF Ravenswood Station Retail Center

CHICAGO, Ill. — Leopardo Companies, Inc. has announced that construction is complete at Ravenswood Station, a 240,000-square-foot retail center anchored by Mariano’s Fresh Market, LA Fitness and Sears Auto.

Located at 1800 West Lawrence, the $43-million Ravenswood Station is directly across the street from the Ravenswood Metra station, which is also in the final stages of an upgrade. The 80,000-square-foot Mariano’s, reportedly the largest in the chain, includes unique features such as a wine bar, an oyster bar, a spice bar, a smoothie bar and a BBQ bar.

“Urban infill projects carry extra challenges, but there’s also an extra reward when you complete something the community is so enthusiastic about,” said Steve Smith, vice president of Leopardo.

Ravenswood Station was built to LEED Silver-certification standards with sustainability features that include permeable pavers, electric car charging stations, 80 bike racks, and a pre-vegetated modular green roofing system.

In constructing Ravenswood Station, Leopardo used heavy-gauge metal stud framing and architectural metal cladding, partially assembled in advance of installation to shorten the construction schedule. Leopardo also installed an underground 21,000-cubic-foot water retention tank to limit stormwater runoff.

As general contractor, Leopardo worked with the development team of Seymour “Sy” Taxman, Timothy Barrett and Gene Porto, as well as architect Antunovich Associates and attorney Paul Shadle of DLA Piper. This same team previously completed another Mariano’s-anchored retail center, the $34-million Gateway to the West Loop at 40 South Halsted.