Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales closing after 80 years

Family-owned business winds down, put property on market, as large corporations buy up lumber industry

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:38pm

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After 80 years in Forest Park, Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales on Franklin Street is closing up shop, and the property is on the market. The decision to shutter the family-owned business comes as large corporations take over the lumber and building materials business, with the industrially zoned, half-acre lot of Chicago Suburban Lumber being the last independent lumber wholesaler operating in the Chicagoland area.

Why it matters

The closure of Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales marks the end of an era for independent, family-owned lumber businesses in the Chicago area, as the industry continues to be consolidated by large corporate players. This reflects a broader trend of small, local businesses being squeezed out by big-box retailers and private equity-backed chains.

The details

Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales was founded in 1946 by Joe Romano Sr., who started the business with just $350 after World War II. Over the decades, Romano Sr. built the company into a successful lumber wholesaler, known nationally as the "Redwood King" for his expertise in selling redwood lumber. However, the rise of big-box home improvement stores like Lowe's and Home Depot, as well as the 2008 recession, led to the closure of many independent lumber yards. Now, Chicago Suburban Lumber is the last one standing, but the property has been put on the market after the recent death of Romano's son Tim, who managed the business.

  • Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales was founded in 1946 by Joe Romano Sr.
  • In the 1970s, there were a dozen independent lumber wholesalers in the Chicagoland area.
  • Chicago Suburban Lumber was set to close this summer, when Tim Romano, who managed the business, planned to retire.
  • Tim Romano died from cancer in February 2026, leading the property to be put on the market sooner than expected.
  • Joe Romano Sr. worked at the company until 2015, when he was 93 years old.

The players

Joe Romano Sr.

The founder of Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales, who started the business in 1946 with just $350 after World War II. He built the company into a successful lumber wholesaler known nationally as the "Redwood King" for his expertise in selling redwood lumber.

Mark Romano

One of 13 children of Joe Romano Sr., who has worked in the building materials industry for the last 30 years, running a sales rep and consulting business with his own sons.

Tim Romano

The son of Joe Romano Sr. who managed Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales until his death from cancer in February 2026.

Barr & Collins

A company that sold coal and lumber from the early 1900s at the same location where Chicago Suburban Lumber was later established.

Lowe's

A large home improvement retailer that contributed to the closure of many independent lumber yards.

Home Depot

A large home improvement retailer that contributed to the closure of many independent lumber yards.

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What they’re saying

“The entire industry is being bought out by these venture capitalist groups. The old ma and pa lumber stores are gone. They're all owned by these big investment groups.”

— Mark Romano, One of 13 children of Joe Romano Sr.

“It's the emotional connection of having a family business and the memories of it — they were wonderful years. It's sad to see it go, but life moves on. You have to accept that life changes.”

— Mark Romano, One of 13 children of Joe Romano Sr.

“He was an incredible money manager. He had an instinct for it. His investments were always spot on. He balanced his portfolios very well.”

— Mark Romano, One of 13 children of Joe Romano Sr.

What’s next

The property owned by Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales will be put on the market for sale in the coming months.

The takeaway

The closure of Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales after 80 years in business symbolizes the decline of independent, family-owned lumber yards in the face of industry consolidation by large corporations. This trend reflects broader economic shifts that have squeezed out small businesses across many sectors, raising concerns about the loss of community-based enterprises and the homogenization of local economies.