Two business have recently closed in the heart of Andersonville. Oddly enough each of the locations have adjoining storefronts that have been vacant, leaving the potential for opportunity to the right businesses.

Byline Bank at 5301 N. Clark (at Berwyn), is on one the busiest corners in the neighborhood. On the door is a big orange sign with the words “this branch is closed.” It directs people to visit their other Edgewater location at 5342 N. Broadway Ave.

Since June of 2014, the storefront next to the bank has been vacant. The previous business, HomeMade Pizza Co., shuttered all its locations due to financial issues.

Also last week, Toujours Salon and Spa at 5224 N. Clark St, closed quietly. On their website they mention that they have changed their name to Sariana Salon And Spa. A sign on their door it says, “we will be moving to a new location.” It directs people to visit their website to find out when and where.

Since late last year the storefront next to Toujours has been available. The previous tenant, Las Americas Jewelry, was one of the longest running businesses in the area. It was in operation for 33 years.

Though the closings add temporary vacant storefronts to the strip, Nick Wolff, Director of Economic Development & Business Services for the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce wants to point out that there has also been strong growth in new businesses as well.

Wolff said, “Turnover is a fact of life even in booming business districts like we have here in Andersonville.  While we’ll certainly miss Byline Bank and Toujours Salon and Spa, we’ve had great locally-owned, independent businesses in TrueNorth Cafe, Defloured Bakery, 11hundred Inc., Neo Moda 5053, and Smashy Hand Car Wash open up since the first of the year.”