Colectivo Coffee on Southport Back on Track After Major Structural Rebuild, Summer Opening in Sight
After months of delays and speculation, Colectivo Coffee is officially gaining momentum again at 3258 N. Southport Ave, the former Schoolyard Tavern space. The company is now targeting a summer opening, and recent activity at the site suggests that timeline is finally within reach.
Structural Setback Led to Extended Delay
The primary reason for the prolonged pause was a significant construction issue uncovered early in the renovation. The south wall of the building had to be completely rebuilt from scratch, transforming what was expected to be a standard café conversion into a much larger structural project.
That level of work required engineering review, new permits, and a full reconstruction timeline—explaining why progress appeared stalled for an extended period.
Construction Now Moving at Full Speed
With the structural work complete, the project has entered a much more visible and active phase. Interior build-out has been ongoing nonstop, with steady progress behind the scenes as the space takes shape.
Recent exterior updates are also signaling forward movement:
- All-new windows have been installed
- A walk-up pickup window has been added, pointing to a more flexible, high-volume service model—especially valuable during warmer months and peak foot traffic times
Together, these updates suggest the project has moved beyond heavy construction and into final build-out and finishing stages.
Hiring Underway Ahead of Opening
Another key indicator of progress: Colectivo is now hiring staff for the Southport location. This typically happens in the final stretch before opening, as teams prepare for training, soft openings, and day-one operations.
A Shift in Southport’s Energy
The conversion of Schoolyard Tavern into Colectivo reflects a broader evolution along Southport Avenue. The corridor continues to trend toward daytime and lifestyle-driven destinations, with cafés and casual gathering spaces increasingly replacing traditional nightlife concepts.
Colectivo, known for its larger layouts and community-focused design, is expected to lean into that shift:
- A sit-down, social atmosphere
- Coffee paired with a full food and bakery menu
- A space designed as much for lingering as for grabbing a quick drink
What Comes Next
If progress continues at the current pace, the remaining steps will likely include:
- Final interior finishes and equipment installation
- City inspections and approvals
- Staff training and a potential soft opening period
Bottom Line
- Delay cause: Full reconstruction of the building’s south wall
- Current status: Interior build-out progressing nonstop
- New features: Updated windows and a walk-up pickup window
- Hiring: Now underway
- Opening target: Summer
After a long and complex build process, Colectivo’s Southport location appears to be entering its final chapter—setting the stage for what could become one of the corridor’s busiest new daytime destinations.
Southport Corridor News and Events - Chicago, Illinois 