Growing Chicago suburb lands a Jewel-Osco
The website of St. John, Ind., just 25 miles southeast of Chicago, close to the shores of Lake Michigan, bills itself as a nest of quiet neighborhoods, well-equipped parks, and large retail stores. Next week it will unveil one its biggest retail gems to date.
Agen Development Group and DeMao Retail have finished construction of a 70,088-sq.-ft. Jewel-Osco grocery store at 9548 Wicker Ave on a site that had been empty for more than a decade.
The new Jewel-Osco property includes a Starbucks and a pharmacy, both with drive-through stations.
Agen and DeMao, along with the Peterson Company contributed roughly $27 million to the project, with Jewel-Osco investing an additional $5 million to $7 million.
“Delivering the new Jewel-Osco in St. John took focus, discipline, and outstanding execution from every partner on the project,” said Agen executive Bryan Foxworthy. “After nearly 15 years of sitting vacant along one of St. John's most highly traveled thoroughfares, this site is once again something the community can be proud of.”
The town of Saint John approved a contribution of $3.5 million in economic development revenue bonds to be repaid through tax increment financing revenue generated by the property's increased valuation.
Saint John also supported a series of infrastructure and access improvements ahead of the opening. These included a larger pylon sign required by Jewel-Osco for new developments, redevelopment of a local intersection to allow additional semi-trailer access, and a new access road connecting the property to adjoining Chase Bank and Great Lakes Orthopedics lots.
DeMao retail’s Del DeMao claimed that Saint John is one of the fastest-growing communities in Indiana with an estimated population of 25,700—a 26% increase since 2020. He noted that the town has drawn strong single family home construction with a home ownership level above 97% and a median household income of $131,467.
“Saint John's leaders were enthusiastic and supportive at every step, genuinely excited to bring a world class amenity like Jewel-Osco to their residents,” said DeMao. “We look forward to Jewel-Osco opening its doors to the community on Sept. 16.”
