When the Dominick’s grocery chain closed in the Chicago area, it left numerous vacant properties in the suburbs. One property in Buffalo Grove that has been empty for over 12 years will soon be renovated:

The first phase will involve the long-vacant Dominick’s site. In its place will be a 34,000-square-foot Club Studio, a high-end fitness center operated by Fitness International LLC, the parent company of LA Fitness. About 27,000 square feet will be reserved for general retail use.

The renovation will include the complete demolition and reconstruction of the building’s front facade, a new roof and loading dock, a redesigned parking lot and replacement of the existing monument sign.

Shorewood’s Louis Schriber III said his firm intends to close on the Dominick’s site Jan. 29. The physical work on the site will begin in the next 45-90 days.

Dominick’s closed its locations in 2013 and the last Google Street View image with Dominick’s at this site was September 2012. This is a long time for a sizable commercial property to be empty. Suburbs do not like having such vacant properties for multiple reasons. It could be generating more tax revenue if a business was operating there. Empty properties do not look as desirable. Local residents can like having more grocery options.

Finding a taker for a larger property can be hard as can finding brick and mortar businesses in the today’s world of online shopping. Fitness clubs have moved into some big retail spaces as they require lots of space. New entertainment options have moved into others.

I wonder if there is a predictable point when communities and developers give up on such properties. How long can they wait? On the other hand, shopping developments are often located along major roadways and/or at major intersections where the volume of traffic and the purchasing power of nearby residents mean it is a good potential spot.