For years, the former Two Penny Blue boutique at 3738 N. Southport Avenue has appeared empty. The once-distinctive storefront has a connection to the Chicago Cubs’ championship era, but what is keeping the property from finding a new chapter?
From neighborhood boutique to longtime vacancy
Southport Corridor Chicago documented Two Penny Blue’s arrival in November 2013, when the shop announced plans to move into the former Tula/Kooky Kids space. By December, the storefront was decorated for the holidays. See our original coverage and photographs.
The fashion label was founded by Marie Whitney, whose luxury jackets and blazers were tied to a charitable mission supporting girls’ education. The shop also operated a distinctive upstairs concept called the Babe Cave. A 2017 profile described the Southport boutique as an important part of Whitney’s Chicago life.
A connection to the Cubs
Whitney is married to Theo Epstein, the former Cubs president of baseball operations who helped lead the team to its historic 2016 World Series title. Epstein departed the Cubs in November 2020. A longtime neighborhood observer recalls the store going dark around the period of his departure. That is a recollection, not a verified closing date, and there is no established evidence that Epstein’s departure caused the closure.
What do the property records tell us?
Publicly available property information identifies 3738 N. Southport with parcel number 14-20-114-030-0000 and B3-2 zoning. Separately, a listing for unit 2 reports a $855,000 sale in October 2013. These records do not establish who currently controls the storefront or why it remains unused.
Curiously, some online business directories still list Two Penny Blue at this address. Such listings can remain online long after a physical business has stopped operating; they should not be treated as proof the store is open.
Why has it stayed empty?
We have not confirmed a current leasing campaign, redevelopment plan, building violation, ownership dispute, or other official explanation for the apparent prolonged vacancy. It would be premature to attribute it to any one cause. Questions remain about the commercial space, the upper floors, and whether there are plans to reopen, lease, sell, or redevelop the property.
Southport, what do you know?
Do you remember when Two Penny Blue last welcomed customers? Have you seen activity in the building or heard of plans for 3738 N. Southport? Share your memories or verifiable information in the comments. We welcome a response from the property owner, representatives of Two Penny Blue, or anyone involved in the site’s future. We’ll update this article as more information is confirmed.