Where Kiddieland sat, new Costco could rise

By Lorene Yue, Oct. 28, 2009

(Crain’s) — The former home of the Little Dipper and the German Carousel could become a bulk goods mecca.

Costco Wholesale Corp. signed a letter of intent to build one of its discount merchandise warehouses on the site of the now-closed Kiddieland amusement park.

The deal, first reported by the Pioneer Press, would bring the 13th Costco to the Chicago area.

Dick DiCerchio, Costco’s executive vice-president and chief operating officer, confirmed that the Issaquah, Wash.-based retailer is interested in the Melrose Park property, but said that “nothing has been finalized.”

Alan Sohn, a lawyer who represents family members that co-manage the property, said that the 17 acres at 8400 W. North Ave. has caught the attention of several developers over the years.

“We have had other parties that have made offers,” Mr. Sohn said. None has gone as far as Costco, he added.

Mr. Sohn said contract negotiations are under way, but he declined to provide other details on talks between Costco and his clients.

Tom Norini, Kiddieland’s co-owner, said Wednesday morning that while he has observed people checking out the Melrose Park property, he was unaware that Costco had signed a letter of intent to purchase the land. He said he’s "disappointed that we didn’t get" the opportunity to keep Kiddieland in operation. The park has been at the Melrose Park site since 1929.

In May Kiddieland’s operators confirmed they were losing their lease to operate the iconic, 80-year-old amusement park. The land is owned by two of Mr. Norini’s in-laws, and the park must vacate the premises by Dec. 31.

Kiddieland was started by Arthur Fritz, the grandfather of Mr. Norini’s wife and brother-in-law, who began offering pony rides in 1929. When it closed in September, the park had more than 30 rides and attractions, many of them vintage. All the rides and equipment are scheduled to be sold in an auction Nov. 24.

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Joe P. wrote:

Great Location For A New Costco

10/28/2009 12:43:12 PM

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Andy S. wrote:

Sad, sad. I actually love Costco, but I will miss Kiddieland!

10/28/2009 12:52:02 PM

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James L. wrote:

In this case, people should keep in mind that Costco didn't force Kiddieland out--it was the infighting among the Kiddieland family members.

Still, it's sad to see something so unique replaced with something relatively commonplace.

But it has to become something else, Costco is great choice.

I just hope it doesn't end up like Melrose Crossing, a several block long strip mall at North and Mannheim that seems so empty.

10/28/2009 1:09:26 PM

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Vincent M. wrote:

So dumb. County could have done a land swap. The opposite corner has a truck driving school - why don't those in-laws fight??

10/28/2009 1:33:14 PM

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Daniel M. wrote:

James L., I wholeheartedly agree. The Winston Plaza is frankly, dumpy...I pass it everyday on the way home from work, and I have no desire to shop at that K-Mart or Best Buy, as there is often sketchy people just "hanging out" outside of the stores, sometimes hustling for money...no, I take my Target & Best Buy needs to DuPage county in Lombard/Wheaton/Oak Brook, where I also save some dough on sales tax.

10/28/2009 1:43:16 PM

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Daniel M. wrote:

K-Mart??? I meant Target...jeez what is worng with me to confuse K-Mart with Target...Sheesh.

10/28/2009 1:44:29 PM

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peter H. wrote:

If kids want to go on a ride- they can work at Cost-co and drive a pallet jack.

10/28/2009 2:00:17 PM

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Robert G. wrote:

The Cost-go-around. What a waste of land!

10/28/2009 2:04:10 PM

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E C. wrote:

I won't go to that Costco, or anything else on the site. The landowners need to understand that they've stolen something precious from the community. Buyers need to know that it is now tainted property for anything else. Costco - look elsewhere!

10/28/2009 2:12:59 PM

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M. M. wrote:

Hmmm...wonder if it will be unlucky #13 for Costco. Unlikely, people will cry over the loss, then they will shop. And as the years go on, people who didn't ever know Kiddieland certainly won't care what's there now.

10/28/2009 3:31:18 PM

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John T. wrote:

Not Costco's fault. They are just a bidder on the property. Blame the family who owned the land. They wanted to cash out.

10/28/2009 3:37:15 PM

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chuck c. wrote:

17 acres and the best the market can offer is a COSTCO? You would think simple supply and demand would offer a small amusement park great potential and profit in the CHICAGO area since you really have no competitiion except county fairs, and great america. Sounds like a greedy family who wants the payout instead of doing the right thing! Welcome to America.

10/28/2009 3:57:20 PM

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Tim M. wrote:

Seriously, why can't they do the land swap and rip out part of that eyesore that is Winston Plaza for Costco and leave Kiddieland for the kids. Such a shame.

10/28/2009 4:05:43 PM

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John M. wrote:

As with many things, we middle aged people tend to cherish memories from our childhoods that don't exist in reality. Over at least the last 10-15 years, Kiddieland had deteriorated into a dirty stink hole. The same people who decry the loss of an obsolete children's amusement park are the same people who want the Cubs to play in the stink hole known as Wrigley Field for eternity.
Time marches on, kids. Grow up.
FYI, this is nothing but a leverage move by Costco. They'll never build on that site. Know why? Limited road access. Costco only builds its stores where multiple access points are already in place. This letter of intent is a business tactic designed to get other sites and municipal governments to begin pitching their viability in earnest.

10/28/2009 4:42:03 PM

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Eric R. wrote:

The owners of the property have every right to exercise thier option to sell or do what ever they want, that is a privelege of "owning" it. All those who want an amusement park there or something else should put together a group and bid on the property like anyone else. That is one of the great things about America free enterprise.

10/28/2009 4:47:08 PM

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Eric F. wrote:

John M. --

I gathered (and read) they did not do too must investment lately because they knew the park was going to close eventually, but it was always very clean. It might have been populated by lower classes - a poor man's Great America or what-not, but it was always tidy and safe and my kids (2 & 4) loved it when we visited for the first time this past summer.

In any case, I'm no expert and haven't done any real estate analysis on the property of course, but I'm fine with what's happening. But I still hope the vintage equipment & name gets bought up and someone sets up a new "Kiddieland", maybe somewhere where land is cheaper. :-) I thought it's a fine place.

Eric
http://www.WindyChat.com

10/28/2009 7:18:48 PM

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MICHAEL R W. wrote:

Eric, what (lower class) of people do you refer too? I assume you are from the upper class of people, how very nice for you.

10/28/2009 9:10:58 PM

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Michael K. wrote:

WHAT A TRAGEDY A LANDMARK OF THIS TYPE IS TO VANISH.

10/29/2009 5:13:00 AM

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John Weyer wrote:

I think Costco should buy the property and let Kiddieland stay. Build the store around it. It will be like Old Chicago.

10/29/2009 9:08:13 AM

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Laura S. wrote:

Anyone who feels strongly about this should phone Costco and (politely) tell them their objections. Possibilities could be: Therese Wontorek - Phone: (425) 313-8181(real estate) or Richard Galanti
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer - Phone: (425) 313-8203. I phoned Muriel Cooper in Costco Community relations and she suggested I phone real estate as it didn't really involve her. Ms. Wontorek is on vacation until early November however.. Perhaps if Costco understood how unpopular this move is they may reconsider. I'm surprised this amusement park doesn't have protection as a landmark: it really should. This location has been occupied by the same family business / tourist attraction for approximately half the time Chicago has had buildings standing. Many of the fixtures have historic importance (Little Dipper, miniature trains, German Carousel, etc..). It is impeccably maintained and well-loved.

10/29/2009 10:53:21 AM

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B R. wrote:

I'm totally with John T. It's not Costco's fault. The truth is, the family couldn't settle their differences and chose to sell the place instead of make peace with each other. I also agree with Eric R. and Eric F., You must not be from Chicago. Kiddieland looks the exact same way I remember it 55 years + ago. By lower class, you mean people who don't look like you? Extremely poor choice of words, and inaccurate, at that. and John M: amazing how much you know about the Costco business plan and the conspiracy theory that goes with it.

10/29/2009 6:25:31 PM

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