North Chicago City Council Unanimously Approves $10 Million Compass Travel Center Redevelopment Agreement

At a recent City Council meeting, the North Chicago City Council unanimously approved a redevelopment agreement for the Compass Travel Center Development Project; a $10 million investment located within the Skokie Highway Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District.

The proposed development will transform a 7.7-acre site at 3100 Skokie Highway, previously occupied by four abandoned residential structures and the recently relocated Mulch Center, into a modern, full-service travel center designed to serve both commercial drivers and the traveling public. The project is scheduled to open by the end of 2026.

Compass Travel Center is a full-service roadside destination that goes beyond a traditional gas station. The 11,365-square-foot facility will include a convenience store, video gaming lounge, drivers lounge with couches and showers, a full-service restaurant, and a quick-service restaurant with a drive-through. The site will also feature 20 passenger vehicle fueling stations and five diesel fueling stations to accommodate both automobiles and tractor-trailers.

Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr. emphasized the project’s role in revitalizing a long-underutilized corridor of the city.

“This redevelopment represents exactly the kind of strategic investment we want to see in North Chicago,” said Mayor Rockingham. “Replacing abandoned structures with a $10 million, job-creating development strengthens our tax base, improves a key gateway into the city, and demonstrates the effectiveness of the Skokie Highway TIF District in turning blight into opportunity.”

“Compass Travel Center is excited to bring its magnificent new travel center to North Chicago, delivering a modern, full-service facility designed to serve both local residents and the traveling public,” said Phil Brauchla, Director of Operations for Compass Travel Center. “The development will feature a state-of-the-art convenience store, multiple quick-service restaurants, and dedicated fuel lanes for both automobiles and tractor-trailers, enhancing convenience and accessibility for the entire community.”

Construction will start soon, and city officials expect it to be finished by the end of this year.

Compass Travel Center is a company affiliated with Compass Holding, which specializes in the commercial transportation industry. Compass Holding is headquartered in Clarendon Hills, and its flagship travel center is located off I-65 in De Motte, Indiana.