Intersection Keeps Radio Flyer on West Side

CHICAGO-It’s no block party, but the city will close off a portion of Grand Avenue to allow Radio Flyer Inc. room for expansion. In a $2.6-million deal, the city will close off the 6500 block of W. Grand Avenue and redo the intersection of Grand and Fullerton avenues as part of an 8.5-mile project.

In return, the family-owned maker of red wagons will at least spend $500,000 on improvements to its two-story, 276,300-sf warehouse and set aside 5,000 sf for a park. Radio Flyer has more than five acres on the West Side.

The deal was made to keep the wagon manufacturer in the city. If Radio Flyer leaves during the next 10 years, it must pay the city’s $1.285-million share of the road project. The state is kicking in $1.315 million for the reconfiguration of the Fullerton-Grand intersection.

In addition, Radio Flyer must maintain a payroll of at least 75. Otherwise, it owes the city $1,000 for each unfilled job below that number.