The 111-Year-Old Montgomery Ward Building to House New Daytime Dining and Bar Venue

Chicago’s historic riverside Montgomery Ward catalogue building has a new tenant, the latest in the national landmark’s 111-year tenure. Sterling Bay, one of the city’s most noted developers, plans to open Lombard-based school dining company Quest Food Management Services’ first retail location. The Farehouse Market, slated to open this winter, plans to cater to the tech workers of 600 West Chicago as well as local office denizens and residents, according to a news release.

The market will include “artisan” dining selections like Pan Asian dishes, pizzas, a single-origin Colombian coffee and espresso spot, and a full bar with cocktails, wine, and beer. Busy workers will be able to order ahead on mobile and grab their items to go. The space, located on the building’s retail floor, will offer a range of seating options for individuals and groups. More renderings are available on the market’s Facebook page.

Sterling Bay [Official Rendering]

Originally erected in 1908 and opened the next year as the national headquarters of Montgomery Ward, the country’s oldest mail order firm, the building complex was named a national historic landmark in 1978. Sterling Bay purchased the Prairie School-style warehouse for $510 million in early 2018. The building already houses corporate tenants including Groupon, Echo Global Logistics, and Big Ten Network.

Known for its massive $6 billion Lincoln Yards redevelopment project, Sterling Bay boasts a $5 billion portfolio and is involved in multiple Chicago projects in Fulton Market and the West Loop, including venues from Four Corners Tavern Group (Benchmark, Brickhouse Tavern, WestEnd, and more).

The Farehouse Market is slated to open this winter on the Near North Side. Stay tuned for more news as it moves closer to a launch.