Carter Cadillac of Chicago will be first flagship location outside of New York City and Los Angeles areas

Joseph Nicholas Construction (JNC), in partnership with Jack Carter Auto Group, announces it has broken ground on Carter Cadillac of Chicago, a new dealership at 1400 W. North Ave., part of the former Lincoln Yards. The new facility will be the brand’s third flagship store in the world, after locations in Manhattan, N.Y. and Los Angeles, Calif. Carter Cadillac of Chicago is expected to open in late 2027.

“The opening of the Jack Carter Cadillac dealership is a meaningful step toward accelerating business development in the city,” said Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd), who spoke at the May 15 groundbreaking. “With Cadillac and other companies poised to drive job creation and broaden economic opportunities, we value the ongoing commitment to collaborating with the business community and cultivating partnerships that will fuel long-term growth for Chicago.”

Earlier this year, Jack Carter Auto Group announced it selected JNC to build Carter Cadillac of Chicago on the vacant lot at the corner of North Avenue and Besly Court. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Jack Carter Auto Group is a large independent retail automotive dealership group that operates in locations across Canada and the U.S. Known for its extensive experience in auto dealership construction, JNC was recommended to Jack Carter, founder of Jack Carter Auto Group, by Cadillac Corporate.

“We are fully committed to bringing a dedicated Cadillac luxury experience to customers in Chicago, employing the best people from the local area and working hand-in-hand with city officials to make sure the dealership becomes a draw to the area,” said Jay McKeen, president of Jack Carter Automotive Group. “We see great potential in Chicago for Cadillac and are excited to collaborate with Joseph Nicholas Construction to bring this project to life.”

“Being selected to deliver a project of this magnitude on a site with no comparable parcel of its size in Chicago is a significant milestone for our team,” said Joey Mariconda, director of construction for JNC. “It reflects the trust we’ve built with manufacturers and clients through consistent execution, and our deep familiarity with Cadillac’s sophisticated brand standards. We’re proud to partner with Jack Carter Auto Group to bring this flagship facility to Chicago.”

“Just as Cadillac is known for the outstanding performance and speed of its vehicles, so is JNC known for its construction expertise and fast execution. It makes us the ideal partner for this project.” said Nick Papanicholas Jr., CEO and managing director of Nicholas Family of Companies, parent company of JNC.

The groundbreaking ceremony for Carter Cadillac of Chicago was held on Friday, May 15 and showcased two rare, high-end vehicles: a Cadillac Formula 1^® Team replica race car, and the 2026 Cadillac CELESTIQ, a custom-commissioned, hand-built ultra-luxury sedan. While not all dealerships are authorized to sell the CELESTIQ, Carter Cadillac of Chicago has received authorization to do so.

While ground-up automotive facilities typically follow a five-year path to profitability, Cadillac of Calabasas’ 2024 opening achieved profitability within its first year of operation, an accomplishment that underscores the group’s operational excellence and strategic execution.

The U.S. auto dealership market was worth $2.95 trillion in 2025 and should reach $3.68 trillion over the next five years, per Mordor Intelligence. Currently, there are approximately 16,000 franchised dealerships in the country. Construction is being driven by increased renovation and new builds for luxury, import and domestic stores, according to the American International Automobile Dealers Association.

JNC was acquired in October 2025 by Nicholas Family of Companies and now operates as a dedicated automotive construction studio within Nicholas Family of Companies’ diversified construction division. This alignment strengthens JNC’s ability to meet the growing national demand for automotive facilities and dealership development, while leveraging the broader resources and capabilities of the Nicholas Family of Companies platform.

About The Nicholas Family of Companies:

The Nicholas Family of Companies is a second-generation, family-owned and -operated organization headquartered in Mount Prospect, Ill., with additional offices in Wisconsin and Florida. Joseph Nicholas Construction (JNC) is part of its distinctly different and deliberately personal Family of Companies. To learn more, visit nicholasfoc.com.

About Joseph Nicholas Construction (JNC):

Joseph Nicholas Construction (JNC) is a construction firm specializing in auto dealerships and service facilities. Acquired by the Nicholas Family of Companies in fall 2025, JNC operates as a dedicated automotive construction studio in tandem with Nicholas & Associates, the diversified construction arm of Nicholas Family of Companies. With more than 20 completed dealership projects and more than $250 million in automotive construction, JNC delivers turnkey remodels in three to seven months and new ground up facilities in six to 12 months. About 80% of its work is performed through design-build or construction management engagements, underscoring its role as a strategic partner and trusted adviser to dealership owners nationwide. To learn more, visit josephnicholasconstruction.com.

About Jack Carter Automotive Group:

The Jack Carter Automotive Group is a family-owned Canadian automotive group founded in Calgary, Alberta, where it has been serving its community since 1962. What began as a single dealership has grown to include operations across Alberta and, more recently, into the United States, while staying true to the values it was built on. Rooted in a commitment to exceptional customer service, strong community relationships, and long-standing automotive expertise, the group represents some of General Motors’ most recognized brands, including Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC and Buick. With the development of Carter Cadillac of Chicago, Jack Carter Automotive Group continues to expand its Cadillac presence, bringing a dedicated luxury dealership experience to one of the most iconic cities in the United States.

PHOTOS:       Click HERE to view images that accompany this release via Dropbox.