Tesla to Open Midwest Regional Sales & Service Center in Chicago | SYS-CON AUSTRALIA Google map Looks like it used to be a GE building.
I think that the place looks a little dumpy to me... but I'll bet they will clean it up well. http://maps.google.com/?q=1053+W+Grand+Ave,+Chicago,+Cook,+Illinois+60622&ie=UTF8&hl=en&cd=10&geocode=FRw1fwIduYDG-g&split=0&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=23.875,57.630033&ll=41.891656,-87.654204&spn=0.00861,0.019312&t=h&z=16&iwloc=addr&layer=c&cbll=41.891116,-87.654205&panoid=egCs4tH_GDD_oX1BvZGyog&cbp=12,204.95065354092708,,0,5
It's a good location for accessibility and to get a decent amount of space for a reasonable price. No foot traffic or "high profile". It does happen to be about 3/4 of a mile from my office. I'll be sure to post some pics once they really get to work on the space, as I drive by it every day.
Looks like a building with potential that could be nicely converted. I wonder what the budget is. That four story structure it's connected to appears to be primarily an apartment building, with a first story storefront occupied by Mark's Pest Control. Is that huge billboard still going to be there when Tesla moves in? Not quite as nice of a vibe as being next to a Starbucks under a big iPod ad. As an aside, it's interesting how the person who did this listing consistently misspells the words frontage, visible, and available. "Traffic count visiable to this location is over $250,000 cars per day" Is that a typo, or do you really measure traffic count in dollar cars per day?
That reminds of the time I saw a man selling orchids out of his car. He wrote, in massive letters, "orkhyds" all over the windows. Also, it seems like once again the Tesla Store is going to be just across from a gas station.
Looks to me like it should be visible from the interstate. They busy, busy interstate. I've driven I-94 during rush; now I take the train whenever I go downtown on weekdays. Tesla would be wise to put up a big (tasteful) billboard because there's a lot of money on that road refusing to take public transportation. It looks like a brisk walk up Clinton, Kinzie, Milwaukee, and Grand from the train station. But I'm not too sure of the neighborhoods. Maybe after they get established and my wife and I are downtown for a show or festival, we'll buzz over there.
Is that only cars that are over $250k can see the sign or does the sign shut down after $250K worth of cars drive by? I was told by the way that the LA store was offered the 'Apple" billboard.
Well based on what mt2 had to say, visible to 250 thousand cars a day sounds reasonable. It will be interesting to see if/how they maintain the same design themes. Jalopnik is being cynical, as has been their pattern in recent months: Tesla: Tesla To Open Chicago Dealership
Chicago blogs comment on the location: Tesla to Open Chicago Dealership This Spring - KickingTires Tesla Motors Announces Chicago Showroom - Chicagoist: Chicago News, Food, Arts & Events
The parking at the LA store is non existent, they really don't need it except for themselves. The term MSRP no longer applies with this model.
other coverage Tesla To Open Chicago Dealership | Chicago News on WindyCitizen.com Tesla: Tesla To Open Chicago Dealership
Can anyone comment as to whether Tesla sent specific invites to a grand opening event for the LA and other store(s) to those who had made deposits for the Roadster? Just wondering if you think they'll have a premier type event at the Chicago store for those of us from the midwest who've made a deposit. Thoughts?
In the past, Telsa has invited everyone that had a Roadster on order to both store openings. I skipped the LA opening, but attended the Menlo Park one. I expect that they'll continue that tradition, including also people that ordered the Model S. They will request a RSVP, to know how many attendees to plan for. Since my hometown is Champaign, I may just use this event as an excuse to come back and visit the relatives.
It's a little bit of a trip for me, but an excuse to go to Chicago is a good thing, and I have family in the burbs so I'd have free lodging. Hopefully they do have a nice big opening.
