Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales closing after 80 years in Forest Park

The family-owned lumber yard reflects on its history as it prepares to shut down amid industry consolidation.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 5:18am

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Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales, a longtime fixture in Forest Park, is closing its doors after 80 years of operation. The family-owned lumber yard is reflecting on the legacy of founder Joe Romano Sr. and the yard's rail-side history as it prepares to shut down, citing the rise of big-box chains and industry consolidation as factors in its demise.

Why it matters

The closure of Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales marks the end of an era for Forest Park, as the last independent lumber wholesaler of its kind in the area succumbs to the changing retail landscape. The loss of this longstanding local business will impact the community, as residents and contractors lose access to a trusted supplier.

The details

Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales, located on Franklin Street in Forest Park, has been in operation for 80 years. The family-owned business was founded by Joe Romano Sr. and has been a fixture in the community, serving local residents and contractors with its wide selection of lumber and building materials. However, the company is now closing its doors, citing the rise of big-box home improvement stores and industry consolidation as factors that have made it increasingly difficult to compete.

  • Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales opened in the summer of 1946.
  • The lumber yard is set to close its doors in the coming weeks.

The players

Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales

A family-owned lumber yard that has been a fixture in Forest Park for 80 years, serving local residents and contractors with a wide selection of building materials.

Joe Romano Sr.

The founder of Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales, who established the business in 1946 and built it into a trusted supplier in the community.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in Forest Park, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Longtime employee at Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales

What’s next

The family is currently in the process of selling the industrial property that housed the lumber yard, as they prepare to close the business for good.

The takeaway

The closure of Chicago Suburban Lumber Sales marks the end of an era for Forest Park, as the last independent lumber wholesaler in the area succumbs to the rise of big-box chains and industry consolidation. The loss of this longstanding local business will be felt by the community, as residents and contractors lose access to a trusted supplier of building materials.