WEST RIDGE — Misericordia is moving forward with plans for a new cafe in West Ridge, where it will sell its famous cookies and baked goods.

The Catholic nonprofit focused on providing care and opportunities for people with development disabilities received approval this week to begin building a new three-story building at 6130 N. Ravenswood Ave.

Eventually, it will house the cafe, a baked goods shop, a drive-thru and space for additional programing and job opportunities for Misericordia’s clients, according to the group.

Work is expected to begin at the site in June. If all goes well, the site could open in fall 2021, said Julie O’Sullivan, marketing manager for Misericordia.

Renderings of Misericordia’s new West Ridge cafe show a second-floor balcony and a drive-through at the building’s rear. [Courtesy Misericordia]

The cafe will be located down the street from Misericordia’s main campus, where the charity provides housing and programing for children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The West Ridge campus also houses the group’s Hearts & Flour Bakery, where Misericordia clients produce baked goods that are sold throughout the city and country — and which have developed quite a celebrity following.

The new cafe will allow Misericordia another avenue to sell its baked goods, Sullivan said. Selections from the Hearts & Flour Bakery will be available at the cafe, as will sandwiches, coffee and other drinks.

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There will be space for dining in at the cafe, including outdoor seating. A drive-thru will also be built, and the cafe plans to open early to serve customers driving to work, Sullivan said.

Misericordia’s cafe building will have a second and third floor, with renderings showing a large balcony overlooking Ravenswood Avenue.

The cafe, located on the building’s first floor, will employ about eight to 12 people a day, Sullivan said.

Misericordia’s mission is to help those with disabilities receive support to live the best life possible. Its efforts include housing, training and work opportunities.

Hearts and Flour Bakery’s original location at 6300 N. Ridge Ave. is generally open to the public, though it is closed now due to the coronavirus outbreak. Misericordia also has a retail location, called the Misericordia Sweet Shoppe, in Glenview.

Misericordia is also eyeing a major expansion of its West Ridge housing campus, with plans to build 16 new group homes in the area.

The site of Misericordia’s new cafe and bakery at 6130 N. Ravenswood Ave. [Courtesy Google Maps]

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