According to The Chicago Tribune, a change in a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) ordinance will permit expanded retail shopping offerings throughout its subway tunnels by allowing open marketing through direct brokerage.
Jones Lang LaSalle, a Chicago-based commercial retail services provider, is overseeing the marketing of the spaces for CTA.
Maui Wowi Hawaiian, a coffee and smoothie shop, will open in the spring to serve the Brown, Red and Purple lines at the Belmont station; and Lupito's Juice Bar will open at Dame on the Pink line.
The CTA may install DVD vending machines at select rail stations, according to CTA president Richard Rodriguez. CTA officials hope to appeal to national retail chains with the makeover.
A campaign is currently underway to clean up the vacant spaces to make them more attractive to potential tenants. There are more than 60 vacant spaces, with about 40 of those expected to be available for lease within a month.
