The corners of two of Andersonvilles’s busiest intersections on Foster between Clark and Ashland are buzzing with new businesses that are all opening soon. Sitting vacant for a while now, Nelson Funeral Home at Foster/Ashland and both Vitamin Outlet and Icosium Cafe at Foster/Clark have left people wondering when these prime local spaces would be occupied.

Now those same storefronts are alive with activity as construction is in full swing with the anticipated businesses. All are expected to breathe new life into those spaces.

La Colombe Coffee will be taking over the space at 5158 N. Clark. This will be their third location in Chicago as they bring their unique blends to the neighborhood. The store will be twice the size of the other locations in Chicago and ready to satisfy our caffeine addictions.

Many were bummed to see Icosium cafe close, but our spirits were rejuvenated when we found out long time local favorite Middle Eastern Bakery next door at 1512 Foster was expanding into the space with a cafe all their own. They have been a staple in the community for quite some time and they are promising to be open for business soon.

Lastly, after five months of construction, Nelson Funeral home at Foster and Ashland has been completely revamped into Great Lakes Clinical Trials. The state-of -the-art and ultra-green facility will be one of the first of its kind in the area offering trials on issues such as alzheimer’s disease and fibromyalgia to dietary studies. They are expected to open within the next couple weeks.