Landmark Status Proposed for Mars Candy Factory in Austin

The Spanish Revival facade of the Mars candy factory in Austin would be designated as an official Chicago landmark under a proposal introduced to City Council today by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Located at 2019 N. Oak Park Ave. and fronted by a broad lawn, the factory's clay tile roofs, arched windows and balconets seamlessly integrated the one-story complex among adjacent residential blocks when it opened in 1929. The exotic design by Cleveland-based engineering firm The Austin Co. also belied the industrial innovations occurring inside, including the creation of popular confections like the Snickers, Milky Way and Three Musketeers bars.

The designation would protect the building's Oak Park Avenue exterior, a portion of the northern exterior and a nearby entry gate when the 20-acre factory site is redeveloped following its anticipated 2024 closing by its owner, Mars Wrigley.

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