New Appliance Store Scheduled for Late Summer, Early Fall Opening

Work on both the exterior and interior of the former Ultimate Electronics building, 4585 S. 76th St., began last month as crews convert it to a different big-box electronics and appliance chain store.

Renovations on the new hhgregg will continue through the summer, pushing the opening of the store to late summer or early fall, according to Kim Paone of the company’s public relations firm.

With more than 100 models of flat panel televisions and more than 350 models of brand name appliances on display, hhgregg stores are designed to appeal to consumers who seek a broad selection of video products and appliances. The typical hhgregg store is 25,000 to 30,000 square feet.

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Based in Indianapolis, the chain currently has 210 stores open in 16 states. The chain is expected to open 20-25 new stores surrounding the Chicago distribution center and in markets such as St. Louis and Milwaukee.

Founded in 1955 by H.H. and Fansy Gregg as a small appliance store on Indianapolis' north side, the first store initially carried only washing machines, clothes dryers, refrigerators and outdoor grills. But not long after opening, the family began selling television sets, along with other electronic products.

Ultimate Electronics in the building before closing its doors for good in April 2011 after the company filed for bankruptcy two months earlier.

A few months later, Exchange Street, a Minnesota-based pawn operation, had its proposal go all the way to the Common Council amid concerns of the extra burden a pawn shop would have on the . Some city officials also questioned whether a pawn shop was the "right fit" for the city's biggest shopping corridor.