Tenant Lineup Forming at 108 N. State

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CHICAGO-The long-awaited tenant roster at 108 N. State St. is beginning to take shape. Master developer Mills Corp. has unveiled the first eight tenants for the mixed-use project at the site known as Block 37, including one well-known national clothing chain as well as new names to the Downtown retail mix.

Banana Republic will open its first store south of the Chicago River in the 417,000-sf retail portion of the $336-million project. Also, David Barton Gym, which has a River North location, also is coming to the Central Loop site.

Final details of the leases, including space blocks and locations within the retail complex, are still being worked out, according to a spokeswoman for the Arlington, VA-based REIT. However, the first names indicate Mills Corp. is following a directive by city officials to seek tenants unique to the market.

Italian clothiers Boggi Milano, Sisley and Andrew’s Ties will set up their first Chicago shops at 108 N. State St. In addition, Rosa Mexicano will open its first Chicago restaurant, having already established itself in New York and Washington, DC.

Meanwhile, another restaurant will have a local flavor. Gibsons Steakhouse and Hugo’s Frog Bar creator Steve Lombardo plans to launch a new idea at 108 N. State St. Likewise, Lucky Strike Lanes and Felt billiard hall creator Steven Foster is lining up a location.

The tenants join CBS owned-and-operated WBBM-TV Channel 2, which has committed to a 100,000-sf office with ground-floor studio. “The first group of tenants represents the start of what we know will be a new, unique shopping, dining and entertainment destination,” says Chicago department of planning and development commissioner Denise M. Casalino.