New Coffee Shop Groundswell Opens in Historic Chicago Building

The opening of a coffee shop may not raise eyebrows, but Groundswell Coffee Roasters setting up at 410 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago is noteworthy. The Fine Arts Building, dating back to 1885, now hosts its first coffee shop. Originally a Studebaker carriage assembly and showroom, the building has evolved into a cultural hub with galleries, theaters, and studios.

Keir Graff, a tenant and a respected writer, commented on the convenience of having a coffee shop in the building where he often worked with an electric kettle. Graff expressed excitement about not only the coffee but also what the shop represents for the historic site.

Jason Foster, Groundswell’s owner, is a former baseball pitcher who ventured into the coffee business after his sports career. He opened his first shop in Ravenswood in 2015 and expanded to the West Loop the following year. Foster stressed the importance of the Fine Arts Building’s history, architecture, and design in his decision to open the new location.

The new Groundswell Coffee Roasters occupies a 1,000-square-foot space designed by Brian Hammersley and Gooch Design Studio, both based in the building. The shop will serve coffee, breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and pastries from Good Ambler. Its opening hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily once the city’s permits are finalized.

The ground floor where Groundswell now stands was formerly the home of the Artists Cafe, a significant spot for Chicago’s cultural scene for nearly sixty years. Owned by George Mitchell, it hosted many famous figures and everyday patrons alike. Irene Makris, involved with the Artists Cafe, recalled the venue’s rich history, including visits by celebrities and countless students.

The new coffee shop will serve the same neighborhood, offering a fresh space while nodding to its predecessor’s legacy. Makris plans to visit Groundswell when it opens, aiming to enjoy coffee while reminiscing about the past.