Address: 618 E. Golf Road
Is building standing: No
What is at site: Chicago Assembly of God Church
When was business founded: 1950
Is business still operating: No
If no, when did it close: 1985
Who owned business: John, Joe, and Jake Kellen
In 1950, brothers John, Joe, and Jake Kellen opened a greenhouse at 618 E. Golf Road. This was the third greenhouse opened by the Kellen family. The first one was located in Rogers Park and the second one was located in Des Plaines. Kellen’s Greenhouse was focused on selling wholesale but a shed was put on Golf Road so plants could be sold retail. Due to the increase in sales, a retail business was added in the early 1960s and Kellen’s Greenhouse became Kellen’s Country Florist. In the 1970s, co-owners Jake and Joe left the business, making John the sole owner of the business.
In 1985, due to the high cost of land taxes, John closed his greenhouse business and sold the property to the Chicago Assembly of God. He took his retail business to 1170 S. Elmhurst Road. After a couple of years, he sold the business to another local businessman. The shop changed hands one more time before permanently closing in the late 2010s.
