Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood is now home to a brand-new, 140,000-square-foot Whole Foods Market distribution center, marking a significant expansion for the natural and organic grocer in the Midwest. Opened in collaboration with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, this strategic move enhances Whole Foods Market’s service capabilities for its 26 Chicagoland stores and an additional 34 locations across the wider Midwest region and Eastern Canada.
Michael Bashaw, Midwest Regional President for Whole Foods Market, emphasized the prime location of the new facility. “Pullman offers an ideal setting for our distribution center,” he stated. “Its advantageous proximity to major transportation networks and essential business resources will significantly improve our ability to serve our customers and support our stores throughout the Midwest and Ontario.” Bashaw further highlighted the benefits of the new location, noting, “Being closer to the majority of our stores reduces delivery times, and the ample space for future expansion positions us well for continued growth.”
Located on a spacious 16.5-acre site within the historically rich Pullman district, the distribution center is designed with employee well-being in mind. It boasts modern amenities including a fresh salad bar, an outdoor grilling and patio area, and a fully equipped exercise room for the 100 team members who have transitioned from the previous, smaller 5-acre facility in Munster, Indiana.
Beyond operational enhancements, the newly constructed distribution center incorporates significant environmental advancements. By implementing measures such as natural refrigerants, occupancy-based light sensors, high-efficiency lighting systems, thermosiphon oil cooling, and a system to repurpose refrigeration waste for heating, the facility achieves approximately 20 percent greater electrical efficiency. These green initiatives are projected to save over 1.3 million kilowatt-hours annually, translating to cost savings exceeding $150,000 each year.
The enhanced access to major transportation routes afforded by the Pullman location is set to dramatically improve product replenishment times for Whole Foods Market stores. This ensures that shoppers can consistently find their preferred items in stock. The distribution center is projected to handle an average weekly volume of 200,000 cases, serving Whole Foods Market locations across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and the Canadian province of Ontario.
Mayor Emanuel lauded Whole Foods Market’s investment in Chicago, stating, “Whole Foods’ decision to establish its Midwest distribution center in Chicago is a testament to the city’s economic strength and revitalization, particularly in the historic Pullman community.” He further added, “This new distribution center, following the recent openings of Whole Foods Markets in Englewood and Hyde Park, brings further investment and opportunity to Chicago neighborhoods.”
Pullman, with its storied past as a hub for the production of Pullman Railway Cars in the late 19th century, is experiencing a dynamic resurgence. The Whole Foods Market distribution center joins prominent companies like Method and Gotham Greens in this evolving neighborhood. The area’s historical significance was officially recognized in 2015 when the U.S. National Park Service designated Pullman as a National Monument, acknowledging its importance in American industrial history, urban planning, and labor rights.
Bashaw concluded, “Pullman’s community deeply respects its heritage while embracing a progressive vision for the future. We are excited and honored to contribute to the ongoing revitalization of Pullman.”
