We are receiving reports of at least two streets (Kenmore and Winthrop) in Uptown that are without power; even the streetlights are out. Be careful out there, folks!
Update: ComEd is estimating the power should be back on by 10:45 tonight.

It's been a really intensely emotional holiday weekend so far. So let's go to our Happy Place (which in this case is Montrose Harbor) and try to remember the good, positive and beautiful things about our community.

The "Police Blotter" section of the News-Star's sister publication, the Booster, includes further information on several stories we've discussed lately:

Dozens (of tires) slashed in Uptown

Police reports show that at least 44 vehicles were damaged by apparent gang activity in Uptown on Aug. 23 between 1 and 2 a.m.: 12 on the 4000 block of Broadway, and 30 on the 800 block of W. Cuyler. The report lists the damage, and most of the cars had some or all of their tires slashed, although a couple also sustained what appeared to be Latin Eagles gang graffiti scratched into their hoods. Witnesses reported hearing a commotion on the street at the time, and one eyewitness reported seeing about seven males and two females moving about. Although the witness didn't see anyone slash tires, they did report seeing one of the ladies pull down a "No Parking" sign.

Shady business in a nursing home

A small fire was started in the closet of a nursing home room on the 4600 block of N. Racine on Aug. 24 at 5:17 a.m. Police reports say that one of the four residences of the room put a lighter, match, or lit cigarette in the closet, which then started on fire. Oddly, the report says that residents either couldn't or wouldn't talk about the fire when police attempted to interview them. Luckily, after firefighters arrived the fire was extinguished in 15 minutes and damage was contained to the closet, wall, and ceiling.

Area 3 detectives now have a composite sketch of a man who is wanted for questioning in several incidents of criminal sexual abuse in the 19th and 20th police districts, encompassing Lake View, Uptown, Edgewater and Rogers Park. The man reportedly approaches women from behind and makes unwanted sexual contact.

He is described as a male white Hispanic in his late 20s to early 30s, 5-feet, 6-inches to 5-feet, 8-inches tall, with a medium build. He has black or dark brown hair and brown eyes. He may possibly have scratches on his face, due to his last attack. The Chicago Police Department is currently investigating several incidents of criminal sexual abuse.

If you have any information about this man or the crimes, call Area 3 detectives at (312) 744-8261.

(Photo, "Uptown Resident - Murder On Her Doorstep" sent in by a reader)

UPDATE: Man wounded in Uptown shooting released from hospital

By LORRAINE SWANSON, 8/30/2008 12:27:00 PM

Chicago Police detectives from Area 3 at Belmont and Western still have no motive in Friday's shooting in Uptown, that left one teen dead and another critically injured.

The homicide victim was identified as Timothy Pittman, 19. A spokeswoman from the Cook County Medical Examiner's office said that relatives had come to identify him Saturday morning. The medical examiner's office did not have an address for the victim, but several residents said that both shooting victims resided in a public housing building on the 900 block of West Lakeside Place.

A police spokesman said that the two victims were walking on the 4800 block of North Sheridan Road at 3:22 p.m. Friday, when the first 911 call was placed. The victims were approached by another man who opened fire on them.

Click here for the rest of the story.

These photos, and some that are linked to in the comments, are of a real person. He was a neighbor to those of us who live in Uptown and a friend to some of our readers. These photos may evoke strong emotions. Please be prepared if you make the decision to click on them or on the links contained in the comments.

UPDATE# 6: Tom Mannis at "The Bench" shares his account of this afternoon's shootings as well as the memorial that took place the evening. Read about it here.

UPDATE #5: Lorraine Swanson just released a News-Star "Web-Extra" on this afternoon's shooting. Read all about it here.

UPDATE #4: A reader just sent in more photos of the scene of the crime which is indeed in front of the proposed Labor Ready location on Sheridan. Another reader tells us that a memorial of candles is now up where the victim was found.

UPDATE #3: Check out Channel 2's coverage here. It mentions the second victim is in critical condition.

UPDATE #2: News crews from many media outlets are on the scene. Sheridan has been closed between Lawrence and Gunnison, and police are directing traffic away from the area. Avoid driving there if you can; traffic's a mess.

UPDATE: Witnesses tell us that one victim was dead on the scene, so one shooting is now a homicide. The body was in front of 4830 Sheridan (the proposed site of Labor Ready). The other victim was gunned down in Weiss Plaza (the JJ Pepper strip mall), and was taken to the hospital in unknown condition.

We're just shaking our heads in sadness, disbelief and disgust with this summer of senseless violence in our community.

Around 3:20 p.m. today, there were two separate shootings within a couple minutes of each other, at JJ Peppers (Lawrence & Sheridan) and a half block away, at Gunnison & Sheridan. Two people were injured, and witnesses tell us that -- judging from the wailing of women who saw the victims being taken away -- these may have been more than "flesh wounds."

We'll keep you informed as we receive new information.

We are sure there are a lot of opinions regarding urban planning, or lack thereof, in Uptown. Now there is a way for you to be engaged in the urban planning process. The "Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning" is interested in facilitating and moderating a live discussion on what residents' vision of Uptown would be. We are told that one of the urban planners involved in this project lives in Uptown and wants our feedback. This is still in the early planning stages and we want to gauge interest in this post.

From the "Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning" (CMAP)

"Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) wants to hear from you and your community! GO TO 2040's regional comprehensive planning campaign, scheduled for completion in 2010, would not be complete without active citizen participation. CMAP seeks to better understand the everyday experiences of our region's residents by opening up these conversations on a local level. This plan will be built on a common vision of how residents want their region to look for future generations."

Those wild and crazy folks who created the "Just Like Mayberry" Uptown t-shirt have come out with three additional designs, two of which feature the marquee of our community's past (and future?) architectural centerpiece, the Uptown Theatre. Click here to visit the store, or click on the picture above for a closer look.

The fine print: Uptown Update has no affiliation or financial dealings with these shirts or their creator (heck, we don't even profit from our own shirt design). We found them on "The Google" and thought our readers might find them interesting.

Next time you are standing outside our crumbling and urine soaked Wilson L station, with its numerous vacant storefronts that now serve as homeless shelters, stop a moment and take this into account. You are standing on the site of a former Frank Lloyd Wright designed building that stood on the corner of Broadway and Wilson for a mere 13 years before it was demolished to make way for our current-day station. Check out the photo above to see how this corner looked in 1917 when the "Stohr Arcade" occupied it. For everything you could ever want to know about the history of our station, check out "Chicago-L.org" for lots of great photos, like the one above, and the history on every station in Chicago.

(Detail photo of the Uptown's interior provided courtesy of Friends of the Uptown. Click on it for a larger verson to get the full effect.)

Is a makeover for the Uptown Theatre waiting in the wings?

By LORRAINE SWANSON, Editor

For decades, the Uptown Theatre's loudest champions have watched a succession of owners mishandle the once "palace of enchantment" as if it were a shabby clown painting on velvet. They remember the bad times, when sheens of ice covered the winding staircases in the Grand Lobby, of burst water pipes and investors that raised their hopes for building's restoration, only to walk away broke and defeated.

Since the announced sale of the Uptown Theatre to Jerry Mickelson of Jam Productions, the Uptown's champions are cautiously optimistic that the architectural landmark will finally get the makeover they've been waiting and fighting for. Mickelson's limited liability company, UTAII, purchased the theater in a court auction for $3.2 million last month. (Read the rest of the article here.)

And don't forget the News-Star's wonderful editorial on the subject:

'Not for today, but for all time': Relight the Uptown Theatre

By the time movie theater moguls, A.W. and Barney Balaban, and their brother-in-law, Sam Katz, opened the doors to their "palace of enchantment" on Aug. 18, 1925, Uptown, as well as the rest of Chicago, were in frenzy.

Upon the presentation of the theater's presentation to the Central Uptown District, one of the magnificent building's architects, George Rapp, declared, "Not for today, but for all time." No doubt many of us, impressed by our parents' and grandparents' tales of its lavish stage shows, or who attended a Jam concert there in our hazy youth, were impressed by the massive Grand Lobby's crystal chandeliers, the gilded décor and "room bosses" whose faces watched us from above as we moved around the mezzanine.

By LORRAINE SWANSON, Editor

The long awaited resurfacing of North Lake Shore Drive between Irving Park Road and Foster Avenue began last week, causing temporary headaches to motorists who must deal with closed access ramps and obstructed roadways during off-peak hours.

- and -

Work begins at Truman College. Construction crews erected temporary fencing around the Harry S Truman College campus at 1145 W. Wilson Ave. on Monday. The college is planning to add a nine-level parking garage for students and faculty along with a student services center that will house the college's administrative departments, financial aid office and tutoring services. Earlier this month, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the new building to be named for the late 13th District State Representative Larry McKeon, who passed away on May 13.

Click here to read all the details contained in the article.

So some Uptown trivia: Has anyone ever seen them work? Ever? If not, why are they there?"

Okay, readers, your turn: Anyone got any experience with seeing these actually monitor a car's speed? Any clues, guesses, conspiracy theories about why they're there if they're not now, and possible never have been, operational?

Permission to land? The years-long debate over the redevelopment of Wilson Yard heats up.
By Jake Malooley Photograph by Matthew Taplinger
Time Out Chicago / Issue 183 : Aug 28–Sep 3, 2008

Though the flames that destroyed Uptown's Wilson Yard bus barn were quelled in 1996, the debate over the redevelopment of the semivacant land bordered by Broadway, Montrose Avenue and CTA Red Line tracks south of Wilson Station has never been more fiery.

Following an appellate court ruling in July in downstate Belleville allowing citizens to sue municipalities for abuse of tax-increment-financing (TIF) districts, a determined group of Uptown residents called Fix Wilson Yard has begun hosting community meetings to raise money for a lawsuit against the city, citing abuse of the TIF plan that's funding the Wilson Yard redevelopment.

Read the rest of the article here. (Bonus points for seeing just how many seconds it takes Jamiko Rose of O.N.E. to play the race and NIMBY cards!)

Bragging rights go out to the person who can identify the location of these two beautiful mosaics.

As long as we're on the subject of Uptown's fast food venues, a reader alerted us to a rather intriguing hole in the window of the former KFC restaurant at Buena and Broadway.

Perhaps someone really had a hankerin' for Original Recipe and took out his frustrations on the window when he found no one's cooking there anymore? Or perhaps the Cuyler Boys gang has been getting rambunctious.

From the Tribune:

After 36 years and 1901 restaurants in 26 countries, Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits is rebranding itself and deciding to play up the fact that this is actually a New Orleans-based fast food chicken joint. And so the new name is… Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, which is meant, apparently, to summon images of home cooking and heritage and local character. If your nearby Popeyes hasn’t made the transition yet -- it will soon (by the end of the month, most likely).

Oh, good gravy. It's T-Shirts Gone Wild!

It all started with the sighting of an "Uptown Update Is Stupid" t-shirt.

That turned into a "Why Don't You Go Blog About It?" joke shirt, which morphed into a real-life Uptown Update online store.

We all know the lengthy and passionate discussion that our "white t-shirts for sale" post invoked.

And now The Bench in Rogers Park has gotten into the act and created a t-shirt just for our little burg: "Uptown: It's Just Like Mayberry." Click on the link to see the whole slogan.

And if you just can't get enough UptownWear, check out the Uptown History Blog's online store for historical images of Uptown to ornament your being.

A reader sent in this photo of gang tags on a building at Sunnyside and Magnolia (4454 N Magnolia) and asks: "Is this is something I should call 311 about it, or is it something the building manager needs to take care of? Further proof of the gang problem on the mall and I'm sure the residents of this building don't like having it tagged by these gangs."

In a perfect world, building management would take care of these matters immediately, but Uptown's not perfect. We recommend that all residents call in gang tags to 311 whenever and wherever you see them, including these. How about it, folks -- want to make a call to 311 and ask that these be removed ASAP?

We're hearing from quite a few readers that they heard sirens around midnight on Saturday and saw lots of firefighting equipment around the Racine/Clifton/Wilson area until dawn. Anyone have any information? We sincerely hope no one was hurt.

(click the image to enlarge) We are amazed at the amount of sponsors taking part in the 2nd annual "Experience Uptown" event. Be sure to visit the WAMA site and buy your wristband to get all the great discounts at your favorite Uptown businesses on September 12, 13 and 14. We will be adding a link off on the right to make purchasing wristbands and getting more info that much easier.

UPDATE: "We just finalized the list yesterday afternoon and postcards are being printed this week to distribute and will have the discount info as well." (click image to enlarge)

WHEN: Saturday, October 18 2-4pm
Contest Registration at 1:15 pm
Costume Parade and Judging at 2pm
$5 contest entry fee, free for Puptown members
No attendance fee

WHERE: Puptown Dog Park, SE Corner of Margate Park
Marine Drive and Lawrence Avenue, Chicago
Parking at Margate Park field house

WHY: Annual Fundraiser to support park maintenance and improvements

ETC: Costume contest participants will receive prizes. There will also be a raffle and Silent Auction.
Visit www.puptown.org for more info

Residents are getting fed up finding their property (this carved into a cement wall) vandalized. We are encouraged to hear that the folks who discovered this vandalism on West Leland are now organizing a "Graffiti-Bustin' Walk" around their neighborhood where they will document vandalism they see and report it to 311. Good on you! We hope that other parts of Uptown will take a cue from these folks and do the same thing in their neck of the woods.

By reader request, we've added a couple links recently to the sidebar:

EveryBlock Chicago - to see what's happening around a particular address

Ward Map of the 46th Ward - because the one on the alderman's website has teeny-tiny type, and this one can be zoomed in on to make it more legible.

A domestic pet rabbit was found today in a reader's alley. He has an infection in his eye and needs his owners to find him! Please contact Courtney to identify and claim Mr. Hoppy.

(Photo not of actual found bunny.)

A reader writes and sent in a photo:

It was reported by my neighbor that both her curbside tires were slashed on Saturday night. She called the police and was told that 10 to 12 cars on the 900 block of Cuyler Ave had the same problem on Saturday. I mentioned this to another neighbor who lives on the 800 block of Cuyler who stated that several on that block also where slashed.

I am sure this took place long after dark but if you are ever driving around looking for parking in the evening and see something suspicious, please call 911. This is not the first time we have had problems with vandalism towards cars on our block. Broken windows, stolen catalytic converters and drunken hit-and-runs have all taken place in the past 6 months. However, several 911 calls have led to arrests after some of these crimes took place.

We wholeheartedly agree. Another reader wrote in to tell us that she heard a noise outside her home and saw two men looking in the window of a parked car. She wasn't sure if what was going on was suspicious, but called 911 to see if they could offer assistance. The men broke the car window with a brick shortly after her call, but the police were able to catch them and they ended going to trial for being part of a GPS theft ring that had been active all over Uptown. So, call 911 -- and let the police take it from there.

CARTER HOYT III Making music lessons affordable (free) in Uptown

Sun-Times, August 18, 2008

The People's Music School in Uptown opened its doors in February 1976 and within a few months, guitarist and music teacher Carter Hoyt III knew he had to be part of it.

"Music is ultimately an intricate part of everyone's soul," Hoyt says. "It's a part of humanity and what sets us apart from other species."

Unfortunately, Hoyt says, he realized not everyone has the financial means to study music, and that's where the school comes in. Students exchange a few hours of volunteer work assisting at the school for free music classes taught by professionals.

"Music has given so much to me, teaching here was a way to give back," he says.

Hoyt, who now teaches the school's music theory classes for adults, figures he has instructed thousands of students in both that subject and guitar.

"I'm here until they kick me out or I fall over from exhaustion," he says with a chuckle.

A reader sent us a copy of the flyer they found on the sidewalk. Sound advice for us all.

Update: We have been told that the Wilson Yard petition previously posted here is being updated and a new petition will be coming your way soon. In the meantime, please note that Wilson Yard developer Peter Holsten has contributed $108,000 to Alderman Shiller according to this video. Why on earth would he do that?

Several readers had mentioned the fact the the "Food Mart" at Magnolia and Wilson catered to the gang-bangers that loiter constantly in front of the store. We decided to stop in and see what sorts of gang-banger apparel we could come across. We were not disappointed.
Hanging from the ceiling are over sized white t-shirts. Where would those come in handy?
At the checkout counter there is a large selection of necklaces, bracelets, do-rags and even more huge, white t-shirts. Whatever happened to just getting a bag of potato chips at a convenience store? Not in Uptown.

The yet to be opened "Stewart School Campus Park" has signs posted near both entrances announcing the fact that the park closes at 9pm. Who wants to wager that this won't be enforced? Also, check out the fact that both entrances (one shown below) have no gate, just pylons to keep cars from entering. The Sunnyside entrance is just steps away from the public drinking hot spot. We hope something will be added to make this park more secure. Those pylons will do nothing to keep loiterers and drinkers out of the park.

Pay no attention to the sign posted in the bus stop. A reader sent us this photo today from Sheridan and Wilson and noted that at least three 151 Sheridan buses passed by with these ladies who appeared to be in no big hurry to get where they were going.

The plywood that has been covering two entrances to the upcoming Bank of America in the Riv building has been removed. We can only assume that opening day is imminent.

"Tapas Las Ramblas" is looking good at Carmen and Clark, in Andersonville.

Right by one of the rusted out trash receptacles (light poles) on Broadway, we spotted a perfect spot for a tree. Sadly, there are quite a few of these "tree grates" up and down Broadway that are barren. There is one outside "Smoke Dreams" on Broadway that is STILL tree-less a year after our last posting. Isn't the 46th ward supposed to be "green?"

We're lucky to have lovely pieces of the past here in Uptown, like this ornate lightpost on Broadway near Sunnyside.

But it's not so lovely when it's neglected for years and allowed to rust nearly completely through. The hole is so big that residents apparently have mistaken it for a garbage can.

An sad present-day reality for a part of the streetscape that once combined beauty and functionality.

We see that the CVS at Foster and Broadway (where Del Rey used to be) is now having its Grand Opening.

We happened to be taking a shortcut down the alley behind 4441 Malden when we came across the famous COURAJ Garage depicting its version of the history of Uptown.

There's the Tent City, where "the Union of the Homeless sawed off the chain on a new black wrought-iron fence [in 1988] and claimed a vacant lot [at 4425 Malden, just a few houses down from the garage's location]. They pitched tents to provide temporary shelter for some two dozen families who huddled in protest of a lack of affordable housing in Uptown." Our newly-minted alderman managed to get herself arrested there for refusing to leave the premises, and she and JPUSA joined forces in the Tent City. It's now CHA scattered-site housing.

Then there's the reference to the practice of landlords burning their own buildings for the insurance money in the 1970s: "No Arson For Profit." One reason Uptown was able to build so much new housing stock, both scattered-site and market rate, in the past 20 years is because there were so many empty lots left after all the landlord arsons of decades past.

But this one kind of confuses us. We're not sure if it's part of the original murals or something added by a "non-authorized artist." Maybe someone from COURAJ can explain what it means: "BUT WITH UNDERSTANDING COMES SHORTIES WITH FISTS DEMANDING NEW USE FOR UPTOWN VENUES."

And sadly, the gang graffiti on the mural is perfectly clear. Is COURAJ really endorsing "Gangster Disciple Killers" and "Conservative Vice Lord Killers"? If not, we wish they'd remove the tags from their property. Because residents who don't appreciate what the gangbangers bring to our community remove gang tags, rather than provide the gangbangers a billboard, right?

23rd District CAPS, Uptown Ministry and Uptown Baptist Church are sponsoring a health fair this weekend. Free health and nutrition seminars on Saturday and free vaccinations for schoolkids on Sunday. If you have neighbors with kids who'll be returning to school, please let them know about this valuable resource. Click on the flyer for important details, including proof of residence requirements in order to receive free vaccines.

Truman Square Neighbors block club is holding a School Supply Drive for the benefit of Graeme Stewart Elementary. Donations can be dropped off through Friday, August 29th, at Chase Bank, 1101 W Lawrence.

Thank you to everyone who's already made donations, either at TSN's quarterly meeting, or to any of the school supply drives in the area. More than 500 children in our area benefit from your donations!

This is a letter the Tribune posted in response to today's article about Uptown's recent crime rate:

Unfortunately Uptown has begun to reap what Ald. Helen Shiller has sown ("Uptown fragile in wake of violence," Metro, Aug. 21). When the current wisdom is to distribute the city's needy among all neighborhoods of every economic stripe, Shiller has packed her ward with social agencies and halfway houses. She has created her own modern version of the plantation: bring in people who are totally dependent upon her for housing and benefits and then make sure that they get to the polls every election. Was there ever a more cynical political model? Who, among the city's other aldermen, is going to fight her for the privilege of housing drug and alcohol abusers in their neighborhoods?

"Uptown packs Chicago's densest concentration of social services amid 63,000 people in a footprint of barely 1.5 square miles -- 87 member organizations providing social services, most in Uptown," according to Tribune reporter James Janega. 87?! Interestingly, you won't find any of these halfway houses on Alderman Shiller's street, a shady peaceful street of expensive single-family houses.

This is not about whether we should help the needy among us. All of us who live in Uptown embrace that responsibility. We like the diversity of our neighborhood; that's why we chose to live here. But all the city's wards must share responsibility for the needy. It is a question of balance in Uptown. Alderman Shiller has chosen political expediency over the safety of her constituents. Time for a regime change.

--Tim Kolly

Wow, lil ol' Uptown is finally getting some attention from south of Irving Park Road. What's up with that? First our portion of Lake Shore Drive gets a paving project (just like a "real" road), and now the Tribune does a story on our violent summer.

Being the Trib, they just couldn't help themselves from playing the "haves vs. haves-not" game, but they also did a nice job of reporting on the shootings and gang violence we've been complaining about for months. They interviewed everyone from the alderman to the security guard at MickeyD's, Jon "Tattoos" Trott to Katharine Boyda. Read on...

"Tensions rising between neighbors, community groups"
By James Janega, Chicago Tribune

Updating Uptown was no easy feat. It took a generation of house-to-house rehabs, a fight to save affordable housing, and exacting police work that for years steadily knocked down crime in the diverse North Side neighborhood.

Then came daylight shootings this summer that unsettled Uptown and widened gaps within the community. Frustrated residents worry they have taken two steps forward and one step back in efforts to improve the quality of life while trying to hold onto its quilt of ethnicities, classes and interest groups.

Battles for gang leadership in the lakefront neighborhood have upset that delicate balance, officials said, fueling an already uneasy political standoff that mainly pits poor renters against professionals and homeowners. At stake, many fear, is the future of Chicago's most diverse neighborhood.

"How do you build a community of people who come from different places and react to the same experiences differently?" Ald. Helen Shiller (46th) said. "The danger we face is not building one community."
Continue Reading:

News-Star hasn't had a chance to ask yet, but we're sure it will be all right if we run the occasional contest inviting readers to identify a location somewhere in Newsstarland.

We'll rustle up some kind of prize, maybe one of the plastic cups or bubbles that we've been giving away at block club parties this summer; or a free, three-month trial subscription to News-Star that's on the back of News-Star's business card.

Whoever the lucky winner is, perhaps you'll settle for this simply being one of the most memorable moments of your life, like when Aunt Bee took flying lessons on the Andy Griffith Show.

Send your guesses to lswanson@chicagojournal.com. (Hint: Tweet, tweet.)

By Lorraine Swanson, Editor, News-Star

The forced judicial sale of the Uptown Theatre was finalized in Cook County Circuit Court on Monday after a years' long dispute over the ownership of the Chicago landmark once billed as "An Acre of Seats in a Magic City."

The deed to the property was transferred to Jerry Mickelson, president of Jam Productions, whose limited liability company, UTAII, purchased the Uptown Theatre in a court auction on July 29 for $3.2 million.

The judge entered an order approving the sale, indicating that UTAII was the successful purchaser, said Mickelson's attorney, Todd Rowland, of the firm Thomspon Coburn Fagel Haber.
Continue Reading:

Also check out "News-Star's Our Views: Renaissance or Practicality?"

By Lorraine Swanson, Editor, News-Star

An attorney for Chicago's Corporation Counsel told a housing court judge in an Aug. 14 hearing that work to resolve 44 building code violations at the Wilson Men's Hotel is "working along nicely."

"Compliance work is in progress," city attorney Judy Devers told Cook County Circuit Court Judge Sebastian Patti. "As far as the drug and gang house issues, we're planning a meeting with the city."

Jay Bomberg, president of Bomberg Property Management, and his attorney, Gary Wigoda, appeared before Patti in housing court on Aug. 14 to update the judge on efforts to bring the hotel in compliance with the city's building code. Bomberg bought the building at 1124 W. Wilson Ave. last September.
Continue Reading:

A must read for Uptown Update readers at Clout Street.

Take a look at what our neighbors to the north are doing. The "Andersonville Development Corporation," or our version of Uptown Business Partners, is offering residents a survey to see what types of businesses the community is wanting to see as well as changes the community hopes to see in the neighborhood. We have a sneaking suspicion that cleaning up the Wilson L stop and getting retail in the countless vacant CTA spots around the station would be top on the list of an Uptown survey.

What could this mean for our "done deal" of a Target at Wilson Yard? Read about it here.

A reader just sent in the following pics showing NEW SIGNS being added at the Wilson L stop. We likey.
Update: We were hoping that the CTA didn't neglect to replace the "Wilson" sign on the Purple Line tracks, which you see as you go eastbound on Wilson under the tracks, but we are sad to report that they did. Let's hope they replace this one as well. Miracles never cease.

Aldermen are being urged to give up their recent pay hike to help balance the city budget. Wonder how Ald. Shiller feels about this? Read all about it at the Sun-Times here.

...edge of the 46th ward that is. Nice we can share our wealth with the folks who butt up against our ward in the 800 block of West Grace in Lakeview. Read about it at the Tribune here
and at the Sun-Times here.

FixWilsonYard is now on Facebook. Simply search for Fix Wilson Yard and add them to your friend list today!

Here is the view at Broadway and Leland under the L tracks from 1926. This is the current day location of the "Majestic Men's Store." It's strange to see this CTA bridge in such pristine condition, but 80 years of wear, tear and neglect will do that to a bridge.
above photo courtesy: University of Minnesota archive
bottom photo courtesy: "Mark2400" at Flickr.

A reader sent in a photo this morning from Graeme Stewart Park near Broadway and Sunnyside. Mmmmmm, that grass looks so green and soft. Looks like the perfect spot to take a nap, or maybe take a load off. To be continued.

"Trip Films," a site that features informative travel videos from around the world, visited Uptown recently. Check out their report here.

A reader sent in a photo from this morning (Sunday) showing the bus shelter at Broadway and Montrose just in front of the world famous Azusa Liquors with the glass broken out. No word if this was from a gunshot, or if someone was tired of waiting on the #36 Broadway bus.

A reader reports from The Raven festival:

If you guys weren't at the Raven yesterday, its not too late! Its really the greatest street fair I've been to in recent years. ALL ORIGINAL BANDS. HUGE kids area with ponies, climbing wall, etc. Great little market vendors, not your average sunglasses & one hitters. A "bags" tournament. A misting tent. Bike valet. Dunk tank. Oh and funnel cake of course.

The M's are headlining tonight.

Yesterday was a great day for Chase Park. Tim Mitchell (CEO of Park District) brought at check for $333,000. Gene Shulter brought a check for $200,000. Chase Park Advisory Council is well on its way to raising the other 1/3 of a million dollars to rebuild the playground (which is only phase one -- think dog park!)

Anyway, all I wanted to say was all the folks reading this, it's a GORGEOUS DAY and there is a fantastic place to get out and see your neighbors and have some wood oven fired pizza or a smoothie - all local food vendors.

Sorry you can't get your photo taken on a giant fake wave, but you can listen to some incredible local indie bands (sorry, no Mr. Blotto here)

Hope to see some of you out there! (James & Richard were working at the West Gate yesterday as volunteers - feel free to come to the volunteer tent and help out!)

A reader puns: "Nice to see that the city's not always talking out its asphalt as far as fixing the streets goes."

Image: (above) CJ from "Uptown Landmarks and Legends" and Google Maps

FI-NAL-LY!

From the Tribune: "The long-awaited resurfacing of a section of North Lake Shore Drive pocked with potholes will begin next week, city officials said Friday. The work will be done during off-peak hours. It will start in the southbound lanes between Irving Park Road and Foster Avenue through November, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation. Work on the northbound lanes between Irving Park and Foster will follow in spring, CDOT said."

In other words, there's a lot to do in the Uptown and surrounding areas this weekend.

There's The Sheridan Park Yard Sale (Montrose to Lawrence, Broadway to Clark) on Saturday, August 16th. More than 50 families /addresses are participating.

With all the money you saved at the Yard Sale, head on over to The Raven Festival at Chase Park, with 19 different bands, and tons of activities. Saturday, August 16th (Noon - 10 p.m.) and Sunday, August 17th (Noon - 8 p.m.)

"Growing 2008," the second bricolage mural at the Bryn Mawr/LSD underpass, will be dedicated on Saturday, August 16 at 10 a.m. The mural on the south wall is the companion to "Living 2007" on the north wall. The dedication will honor the artists, including 31 youth artists from Alternatives, Inc. who worked on the installation, and celebrate the 48th Ward community with music and refreshments.

We also hear that there's something with boats and planes downtown.

Zoom...
You know it's that time of year when you hear the jets flying overhead preparing for the Air & Water Show. A reader just sent in this photo from this afternoon. How many car alarms have been triggered by the noise today? We have heard several at least.

If you haven't done so yet, please visit the WAMA website. You can purchase your "Experience Uptown" wristband for $10 which will get you great discounts at Uptown businesses on September 12, 13 and 14. Click on the "PayPal" icon on the WAMA website to purchase your wristband. The list of participating businesses is growing and the response has been great. Here are just a few of the great deals: Alma Pita, buy any sandwich and get chips and pop for FREE. At Crew you can get a 20% discount off your bill INCLUDING alcohol. There are at least 34 ways for you to save during Experience Uptown.
Please remember that all proceeds from this event will go back into the community in the form of beautification projects on Wilson and business development. Also, check out our Uptown Update Shop and get a great UU t-shirt to wear to show your support for us. All proceeds from these items will go to WAMA as well. The link will stay off on the right.

Lots of activity today at the Riv rehab site. It appears the Riv Theatre is thankfully joining in on the rehab craze sweeping Uptown. A large boom is in front of the theatre and workers are attaching a wire-mesh to the top terra-cotta section of the building. Notice the white plywood boxes that have been attached to the old movie poster marquees on each side of the main entrance. Any restoration junkies out there who care to chime in on what they think is going on? In a related note, check out the Uptown Broadway Building if you get a chance. More glass has been added and the checkerboard tile entrances have made a return.

Several readers have written in alerting us to CBS2's Summer Shooting Tracker. Check it out for yourself. According to the map, we have had one shooting in Uptown this summer. That's news to us.

From the Uptown Crime Blotter:

We have noticed that many of the sidewalks in Uptown have out-of-control weeds. Case in point, these weeds on Lawrence, next to St. Boniface Cemetery which measure at least 3 1/2 feet tall. There are some spots on Lawrence where the weeds tower over the neighboring parked cars. Yikes.

From BPN and the wife of "Uptown Rising:"

I was at Buena Park Playlot with my baby daughter at approx. 11:15 this morning. Walked home, was home for about 30-40 min and my buzzer rang. A woman said she was from the "US Dept of Health" and was here for a "Baby Wellness Check." I inquired why I had not received any prior notification, and she said they "send letters and call." I asked if she had any other information and I believe she said my last name (which she could have gotten from the buzzer). I told her that I was not comfortable with letting her in and she said "this neighborhood is really hard to park in and didn't want to have to come back". I said sorry and wouldn't let her in. It all seemed very shady...

I called several friends with babies and no one has heard of "Baby Wellness Checks". I called the IL Dept of Health and they have never heard of this practice. I called the Chicago Dept of Health and they too said they do not randomly do this practice. I was transferred to 3-1-1 then transferred to the police. If they come back I will call the police again.

If anyone has more information regarding the situation above, please post. If this is legit, I apologize for my cautious nature. It was just very strange and I want all parents in the neighborhood to be aware of the situation. Again, the police are notified...

Update: Just a reminder that there will be a "Fix Wilson Yard" Meeting tonight (8/14) at 7pm at Buena Pointe at 4350 N. Broadway.

In what is, unfortunately, a longstanding Uptown tradition, the News-Star is once again the only paper in town to run a story on "Fix Wilson Yard" and the prospective lawsuit. Thanks, Lorraine Swanson and News-Star, for a community paper that actually deals with the community's concerns!

Fix Wilson Yard

In what is becoming a new trend - residents suing and filing injunctions against the city for projects about which there is demonstrated community opposition - a coalition of volunteers from various Uptown organizations have launched a new Web site called http://www.fixwilsonyard.org/.

According to the Web site, the Fix Wilson Yard organization claims an urban disaster in the making, and has been quietly holding SRO meetings throughout the neighborhood regarding the Wilson Yard development and a pending lawsuit. In 2004, 10 Uptown block clubs went on the record opposing the redevelopment in its current form, which includes a Target and two high-rise developments for low-income senior and family housing.

The Fix Wilson Yard organization has also lined up two law firms that specialize in fighting municipalities and land use issues, and the other in tax increment finance issues. According to the Web site, both law firms "have utmost confidence in our case and have offered their services at greatly reduced hourly rates."

Molly Phelan, an attorney and Uptown resident, stated in an e-mail reply that the goal of the group is to stop the development in its current form. A possible lawsuit, which so far only names the city as a defendant, may also be imminent.

Organizers are trying to raise funds for the six-figure invoice that they say is needed to wage this latest legal battle. Graceland-Wilson Neighbors Association (GWNA) which is a registered 501(c)3 organization, has offered to collect donations for the legal fund until Fix Wilson Yard's own application as a registered not-for-profit organization is approved.

UPDATE from the comments: "I was in court this morning. The owner of the hotel is working on making the required improvements to the building. His manager is keeping people from loitering outside the hotel and Mr. Bomberg (the owner) also sent a rep to court for a graffiti charge when his building was tagged. He seems interested in working to improve the hotel. To address what happens beyond the doors of the hotel and on Wilson, it was my understanding that there will also be discussions with other city departments to work on the larger issues the residents of the hotel and the rest of the neighborhood, in general are facing. The next court date is December 11th-mark your calendars!"

The current issue of News-Star has an article on today's Wilson Club Hotel hearing, including an interview with Jay Bomberg. It sounds like he intends to make a difference in how the hotel is run; we hope that today's court case provides some backing for his optimism.

Here are a couple excerpts from the article; the entire piece can be read here.

Before the May hearing, Bomberg said he evicted four residents for alleged criminal activities; a fifth resident was asked to leave in June, and four more residents have since been evicted. "I think the community will already have noticed that there is a whole lot less loitering in front of the building between ourselves and working with our two (commercial) tenants," he said.

Bomberg said he has instructed front desk staff to call 911 more quickly before incidents inside or outside the hotel can escalate. Security cameras have been installed in front of the hotel. Use of that camera resulted in the arrest of a graffiti tagger from the neighborhood, who was convicted and given 90 hours of community service.

"We call 911 a lot more often than prior management did. Check the statistics from the first six months of last year (under previous management) and this year, and calls are up 50 percent," Bomberg said. "Our own residents know now that they cannot hang out in front of the building. If people are out front loitering they are not going to be our residents.

"The house rule (for residents) is that if you want to take it somewhere, take to the park and go somewhere else. (Residents) can wait in front for a ride, then can wait for the clinic to pick them up, but hanging out is not going to be done," Bomberg added.

[...]"We're not asking anything of the (outside) community other than understanding and respect," Bomberg said.

The housing court hearing for the Wilson Men's Hotel is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Aug. 14, in room 1111 at the Daley Center. News-Star will do a Web extra and follow up on the results of that hearing in the Aug. 21 edition.

We posted the picture of the Uptown Update t-shirt just for yucks, but a few people actually wanted one! So we just set up our own online "Uptown Update Shop." Check it out now and dazzle your friends with the latest craze to sweep Uptown. We will be adding new styles and items as they become available.

If you'd like any styles or designs not shown on the site (like reversed logos between the front and back of the shirt), let us know via email and we'll see what we can do about setting it up. All profits made from the CafePress items will be donated to WAMA for their beautification project of Wilson Avenue.

More info on the yard sale:
Anyone within the Sheridan Park boundaries (Montrose to Lawrence, Broadway to Clark) can be part of the Sheridan Park Yard Sale on Saturday, August 16 (rain date August 17), but they have to be registered. We’ve flyered and emailed, but lots of people still don’t know. If they want to sell – they need to be on the Master List, and I need it ASAP – just send me name, address of where they’re selling, phone and email address. Send to kiffer71@yahoo.com. And of course everyone else can come and shop!! (on their way to or from The Raven of course!)

Just a reminder that the court time for the Wilson Club Hotel's case in Housing Court is on Thursday, August 14 at 9:30 am, Room 1111 of the Daley Center. This will be the second court date for the hotel, and Jay Bomberg (the new owner) is expected to be there to detail what he's done to clean up the previous code violations and make the hotel better.

If you would like to go observe the proceedings as a court advocate, please know that your silent presence speaks volumes to the court about the community's level of concern.

We've been encouraged by Bomberg Properties' appearances in other court cases, and we hope that Mr. Bomberg will be able to show significant progress in improving the conditions that got the hotel into Housing Court in the first place.

We couldn't believe it when we saw this photo that a reader sent in. It seems that the CTA is out today working on the Wilson el station. It appears that the cracks in the structure are being patched. Will wonders never cease?

Would it be too crazy to hope that they clean the windows? Remove the graffiti? We could really shoot for the moon and hope that Uptown gets retail in our el stations, just like other parts of the city. But this is a good beginning. Stay tuned.

Update: We are also wondering what ever came from what was promised in this 2005 press release from the CTA regarding a Wilson L rehab, particularly this section:

"In addition to the design contract, the Board approved lease agreements for three companies running existing retail businesses at the station, American Fast Foods, Inc.; Charles Stempien (Lakeview Foods); and Wilson-Broadway Mall, Inc.

The new agreements will bring an additional $732,687 in rent and capital improvements to the CTA for a period of up to five years or until renovations begin at the Wilson Red Line station. The leases were competitively bid.

As part of its agreement with the CTA, American Fast Foods, Inc., will lease, operate and make capital upgrades on a 3,065-square foot store front located adjacent to the Red Line Wilson station. The vendor will continue to operate a Popeye's Chicken restaurant at this location.

Charles Stempien (Lakeview Foods) will continue to operate a convenience store in a 2,467 square-foot store front located at 4612 N. Broadway. The business recently made capital improvements to the property.

The Wilson-Broadway Mall will make capital upgrades to the store front at 1114 W. Wilson, and will lease and operate Alpha Electronics in the 8,445 square-foot space."

UPDATE: Chicagoist has an article about the bands taking part in The Raven.

A note from 47th Ward Alderman Gene Schulter:

Experience the Magic of Ravenswood at The Raven

Join in the fun and experience the magic of Ravenswood at The Raven, the 47th Ward's newest street festival. Located in the Ravenswood neighborhood, The Raven launches on Saturday, August 16 and continues through Sunday, August 17.

The Raven, 4700 N. Clark Street and Chase Park

Saturday, August 16, Noon to 10:00 pm
Sunday, August 17, Noon to 8:00 pm

A $5.00 donation is requested. Bike parking will be available. Proceeds from the event will benefit a new playground in Chase Park.

Please note, festival grounds will be fenced off beginning on Friday, August 15 at 7:00 pm. This includes the 4700 block on N. Clark. Please be aware of all no parking signs.

Note: We hear that volunteers are still needed. Visit the Raven's website for details on volunteering, and also for a full schedule of activities and bands.

courtesy: Fix Wilson Yard.org (click image to enlarge)

Update: And in case you've missed this gem of a video from a few years back, for your entertainment:

... this would be it.

A commenter mentioned that a JPUSA member had been seen wearing a t-shirt reading "Uptown Update Is Stupid." If this is true (and we hasten to add that we haven't seen it with our own eyes), well, we're kind of stunned that JPUSA seems to think they're having a flame war with us.

Huh. Who knew?

In any case, it led to a conversation (punctuated by much laughter) about what the Uptown Update official-issue t-shirt would say. We thought the words of Ald. Shiller's very own bat-man, George Atkins, summed up our philosophy best.

Today Uptown Update welcomed our 500,000th visitor.

Thank you for reading (and reading, and reading, and reading). We'll keep blogging news and commentary about our neighborhood (the good, the bad, and the ugly), and we appreciate all that our readership has done to help us in this endeavour. Keep those photos and comments coming. We appreciate your support.

Some form of construction is underway at Wilson Yard. Remember this quote from developer Peter Holsten last summer? We have to wonder where the sign announcing Target could be.

“We asked to put an announcement in the newspaper. It’s bizarre,” Holsten said.

Shiller backed Holsten, who reiterated that his firm did indeed have a contract. “Do you think he’d go forward if Target wasn’t on board?” Shiller asked.

Holsten said that once construction is underway, a rendering of the proposed Target would be posted at the construction site.

“(Target’s) policies on this side are absurd. We’ll put up a rendering and to hell with them,” Holsten said.
Source: June 13, 2007 News-Star

It's sad that most of the mural that was once on the west side of TCF Bank on Wilson has been covered up with brown paint to counter the graff artists that continually strike in this location. Looks like they will be needing another coat of paint.

Today's Sun-Times has an article on how businesses can make it even in a tough economy, and focuses on Soggy Paws as an example: "Shops must find niche, focus on basics to make it"

A retail success story, Soggy Paws at 1912 S. State has secured its niche with the utmost in customer service. The business, co-owned by Paul Rathe and Kevin Richardson, offers dog owners luxuries such as raised dog tubs for washing so owners don't have to kneel; dog facials featuring a mango-scented foaming face wash from the retailer's proprietary product line, "Growl and Meow," and guidance for owners in checking their pets for bumps or other medical concerns while they are washing the pets.

"We create a custom blend of shampoo for each dog, based on the skin condition and whether the dog has been on the beach or in the woods. We're the experts on helping with a dog's coat and condition," Richardson said.

. . . .

Soggy Paws, which is profitable, relies on dog-washing for one-third of its revenues, with the rest divided between grooming services and products such as food, toys, leashes and apparel. Soggy Paws makes special efforts to participate in community events and surprises some of its customers by keeping its product prices below those at discount pet stores, Richardson said.

The strategy has paid off. Soggy Paws will open its third location in Logan Square by Sept. 1. Its other store is in Uptown.

Welcome to the 1st edition of Fix-Wilson-Yard e-news. Our goal is to keep interested citizens updated on the latest Fix-Wilson-Yard
legal updates, meetings, and fundraisers.

Fix-Wilson-Yard Meetings
We have two meetings to announce:

Thursday, August 14, 7 pm
Buena Pointe, 4350 N. Broadway

Monday, August 18, 7 pm
Soggy Paws, Leland & Racine

If you'd like to host a meeting for 15 or more people, please
email info@fixwilsonyard.org

Meet the Legal Team
Representing FWY are two leading law firms with expertise in different
areas of law. Davis McGrath is a boutique firm with experience in Tax
Increment Financing (TIF) Issues, while Ramsdell & Associates focuses more
on land use litigation (Ramsdell & Associates is most recently known for
having defeated the Chicago Park District, the City of Chicago and the Latin
School in the Lincoln Park soccer field debacle). Both firms are leading attorneys
in their respective fields and the combination of their strengths gives this
community the broad range of talents needed to cover this case in depth
without any one attorney facing an uphill learning curve and additional cost
to the FWY legal fund. They have the utmost confidence in our case and have
offered their services at greatly reduced hourly rates.

Fundraising Success!
With no fanfare and only three community meetings, the donations are flowing in.
We have now raised more than $20,000.

We seem to have hit a good nerve with the announcement of Fix-Wilson-Yard.
People know Wilson Yard is the turning point for either making or breaking
Uptown's future. While we are thrilled at the early enthusiasm, we know
we are still far away from reaching the estimated six-figure sum we will have
to raise to see this suit through trial. So please visit www.fixwilsonyard.org
and make your donation today!

Tell Me More....
If you're new to Uptown and want to learn more about the history, details,
and just how the Wilson Yard TIF has radically changed since its beginning,
visit www.uncchicago.org and click on the Wilson Yard link. Scroll to
the bottom and read up. You can also sign up for UNC E-News for more
detailed information.

TIF Tidbits
A recent downstate court ruling now empowers Chicago taxpayers to sue
the city for TIF abuse. The Reader article, Three Million Lawsuits Oughta
Do It, gives taxpayers a light at the end of the dark, long TIF-tunnel. To read
the entire article, click here.

A reader sent in this photo showing a new condo development at 1313 W. Carmen. A cool $599,000 will get you a unit in this building "in the heart of Andersonville." Who wouldn't want to live on a beautiful tree-lined street on Carmen in the heart of Andersonville? There sure are alot of lovely single family homes there.

We spotted this little squirrel hanging out on top of a trash receptacle in Sunnyside Mall. Just a few yards away, we spotted this gentleman passed out next to a tree. 911 was called for a wellness check.

A reader writes in with the following photo:
Not really. But if you need shampoo and bath gel, head on over to Broadway and Wilson in front of the currency exchange (where else?) and meet up with the lady in the blue chair. She has a wide assortment of bath products to meet your every need. Where have we seen this lady in the blue chair before?

A meeting was held today between Uptown's block clubs, CAPS, and various important Uptown groups along with Rep. Greg Harris. Another Uptown Town Hall Meeting for residents is in the works. Alderman Shiller was in attendance today and she was heard to say, "Well, let's hope we can work together to accomplish some things."

A reader writes in:
The Chicago Tribune just reported that the City of Chicago has been awarded $2M of federal monies to fight gangs (whether prosecuting serious offenders or providing assistance for prisoners re-entering society, etc.). Local agencies will have the opportunity to apply for use of funds.
Is the 46th Ward eligible for these funds? Considering all of the violence in Uptown this year, will Alderman Shiller issue a press release communicating her plans to apply (or not) for these funds? Uptown is experiencing the highest level of violence that I've witnessed in my three years living in the 46th Ward, with more than a dozen separate shootings in the last thirty days. This seems like a great opportunity to combat the gangs in our neighborhoods and make our neighborhoods safer for all of our residents.

A reader writes in with the above photo:
"Just got home and noticed a crew of roofers replacing the shingles on the Cafe Too/Inspiration Cafe building. Heads up, that the alley east of Sheridan adjacent to this building (between Leland and Lakeside Place) is blocked by a dump truck and lots of roofing debris. Be careful, even after they're gone, in case any sharp roofing nails are left behind!
Great to see this (once) lovely building getting a facelift. If there is any info available on how extensively this building is going to be updated, I'd love to know.

Downtown Chicago, as seen today from Montrose Harbor.

Check out the Uptown neighborhood profile HD video on the "Chicago Neighborhood Explorer." As if you did not know, we live in a wonderful neighborhood.

Real estate developer Scott Whelan has come up with a clever way to help sell condos on Agatite. Buyers will get a $3,000 credit at nearby "Bar on Buena." Read all about it at the Sun-Times here.

News from WAMA:
WAMA welcomes you to participate in the exciting Experience Uptown WalkFest on September 12th, 13th and 14th.
The Aragon Ballroom on Lawrence Avenue and Pegasus Players Theatre on Wilson Avenue will be providing amazing tours to those individuals who purchase Experience Uptown bracelets for $10 for the weekend of September 12, 13th and 14th. The Aragon Ballroom will be hosting a tour on Friday, September 12th at 2pm for up to 20 people and another on Saturday, September 13th at 2pm for up to 20 people. This guided tour will take you throughout the entire theatre as well as educate you on the history of the theatre. Pegasus Players Theatre will be hosting rehearsal tours. Watch as teachers guide you through the wonderful world of acting. Times not yet set. RSVP is mandatory for both the Aragon Ballroom and Pegasus Players Theatre to info@wilsonareamerchants.org. Please specify date and time and for which event you will be participating. Also, don't forget about all the other wonderful restaurants and retailers offering tremendous discounts off food, services and alcohol for the entire weekend. Buy your bracelet now, they are only $10 and you must wear your wristband in order to receive discounts and participate in the tours. You may buy your tickets online at www.wilsonareamerchants.org or at any one of the following locations: Unique So Chique located on Wilson Avenue, Tiztal on Clark Street, and both The Spot and Marigold located on Broadway. See you soon!!!!

We heard from the "FixWilsonYard.org" folks, who asked us to print this:

"Our next Fix-Wilson-Yard meeting is this coming Thursday, August 14.
Details attached. Our earlier meetings have been a huge success.

Uptown citizens, once they learn the truth about what's going on with
Wilson Yard, have jumped on band wagon to take back their voice
in this development.

We are building momentum every day! Thanks to incredible community
support of volunteer time and donations."

Please give a call to 773-769-6617 or email the_EP@hotmail.com to identify and claim this kittie from its temporary quarters.

The "Uptown Crime Blotter" has the details. Shots were fired in the 4400 block of Malden and also the 1300 block of Wilson.

We have heard that the owners of "Rayan's Liquors" at the corner of Clark and Wilson are planning to open up a fresh produce market in the former spot of "Rayan's Eatery." Workers have been replacing the brick along the top perimeter of the building. This will be a welcome addition to Sheridan Park. There is also activity just across the street in the spot of the former currency exchange. Has anyone heard what is planned for that location?

Several readers have written in wanting us to give a quick plug to "The Fix Cafe" at 736 W. Irving Park, near Irving Park and Clarendon. They serve organic coffee and feature vegetarian items, salads, sandwiches and breakfast. Check out their website for more info here.

We noticed a new restaurant under construction in the South Andersonville/North Uptown corridor in the 5000 block of Clark next door to Head 2 Toe tattoo parlor. The sign indicates that "Hillbilly's Smoke House" is coming soon, but no other information is provided. It appears to be a BBQ restaurant.

Does anyone know additional information about this new business?

The only info we have on this photo that was sent to us, is that it was in the mid 1950's and at the corner of Lawrence and Broadway. Enjoy.

A reader writes in:
"I called in this problem on July 16th and got the case #. I followed up with 311 and was told that the city inspector didn't see a problem with the fence. I was once walking with a blind friend through a similar situation, and had I not alerted him, a metal rod would have gone through his head.
I'm wondering if others could let 311 know that this is a problem, and perhaps it will get the needed attention.
The address is 1063 W. Lawrence. Here is the photo that highlights the problem. Uptown Update has helped to highlight problems in the past that were ignored, so maybe this fence will get some needed attention as well."
-a concerned citizen

A reader writes in:

"Saw this on the East side of Kenmore across from Dib sushi. It’s ironic how a stolen shopping cart needs to be “protected” from thieves."

Looks like a job for Don Nowatny and his bolt cutter to us.

We love how so many of Uptown's historical buildings are named. Where can you find this building named "Helen?"

James Cappleman joined Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann on "Outside the Loop" radio to discuss the sale of the Uptown Theatre. Check out the audio here. The discussion begins at about 22 minutes into the show.

Dave Ochal is being investigated by the city. Read all about it at the Tribune here.

Read a 1989 press release from the Alderman's office mentioning her former chief of staff Dave Ochal here. They go waaaaaaaay back. Sounds like a great guy.

Update: Dave Ochal just resigned from his city job.

A reader writes in:
"Just wanted to give some good news. I met with Amer today who is opening Fontana Bar and Grill at the corner of Wilson and Beacon (looks great inside). He plans to be open between September 1st-15th (but leaning closer to Labor Day). He said that he has his license for liquor but just waiting for inspectors to come out which should be any day. He hopes to participate in the Experience Uptown WalkFest event too.

His food concept is Italian with one traditional back home dish which will be Bosnian. His wine concept is very cool too. You can buy by the ounce for either $1 or $2. So, if you drink 7oz. you either pay $7 or $14, etc. He said no bottle will ever be more than $22 or $44. He has a machine that will be weighing by the ounce."

Sounds good to us!

Just as beach goers arrived for the start of a great weekend with beautiful skies overhead, lifeguards raised the red flag signaling the close of Montrose & Wilson beach fronts due to high e-coli counts. The “swim ban” started at 9:45 a.m. Friday so be sure to check their statuses at 311 or the Park District phone number before heading out for a swim. Mondog beach is open for dogs to play on the sand but neither people or animals may enter the water.

The folks at "Fix Wilson Yard" just sent us this email, which sheds some light on their goals and course of action:

"In response to questions posed by some concerned Uptown citizens, Fix Wilson Yard wanted to provide some background and insight into our organization and mission.
The Fix Wilson Yard organization evolved as a grass-roots effort by dedicated volunteers in the Uptown community. For years, many of us have been diligently tracking the direction of the Wilson Yard redevelopment, and involved in actions focused on creating a project that was desired by the entire community.
Recent developments have made it clear that the most viable way to stop the current Wilson Yard Redevelopment Project is through legal action. Despite years of trying to work with the public officials to develop a responsible use of taxpayer dollars, they were not willing to listen. This summer, without announcement, they began pre-construction preparation, leaving us no choice but to start the legal battle.
After a lengthy and diligent search for appropriate counsel, Fix Wilson Yard chose two different law firms: one which specializes in fighting municipalities on Land Use issues, the other in Tax Increment Finance (TIF) issues. Both firms are leading attorneys in their respective fields. Rather than choosing one attorney who is an expert on one issue and would have to spend endless hours of research (and the FWY’s legal fund money) to properly educate themselves on the other laws, we chose the best in both fields. They have the utmost confidence in our case and have offered their services at greatly reduced hourly rates.
There is some confusion regarding the organization which is leading this cause. The founding members of Fix Wilson Yard are involved in several organizations throughout Uptown, but we have come together to take on this important challenge. Since the organization itself was formed quickly, we have not yet finalized its not-for-profit status. Graceland-Wilson Neighbors Association (GWNA), which has not-for-profit status, has offered itself to collect donations for the legal fund until Fix Wilson Yard’s paper work is finally approved.
Within the last 45 days, Fix Wilson Yard has conducted three neighborhood presentations regarding Wilson Yard. Despite limited advertisement, these meetings were all standing-room-only and raised a significant amount of money. However, Fix Wilson Yard is still far from the estimated six figure invoice it will have to pay to see this suit through trial.
As with any large endeavor, this is a process which will evolve as it moves forward. We anticipate being able to offer more specific information on our legal grounds soon. However, information regarding the law suit must be tempered with strategy as well as concern for the attorney-client privilege.
We are concerned community members, just like you. We understand your concern and caution regarding this endeavor. Still, the time is now. The flawed Wilson Yard Redevelopment Plan was not going to wait for the people of Uptown to raise all the money required to pursue this greatly needed law suit. Wilson Yard was not going to wait for more legal decisions to come out which highlight TIF abuse by municipalities. Wilson Yard was not going to wait. We couldn’t either. Can you?"

Truman College's TIF-funded parking garage/administrative building is now known as the "Larry McKeon Administrative Building." Groundbreaking for the structure will take place on August 19. The rendering above shows the view looking at the building from the west towards the L tracks.

We received this very cool announcement and never-before-published picture from the Uptown Adviser, the newsletter of Friends of the Uptown:

'For All Time'
83 candles for Chicago's UPTOWN THEATRE

Friends of the Uptown will celebrate the 83rd anniversary of the opening of the UPTOWN THEATRE, Chicago, with a free screening of the documentary film "Uptown: Portrait of a Palace" on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008, at the Kinetic Playground nightclub at 1113 W. Lawrence Ave. in historic Uptown Square.

The club will be open for socializing and a cash bar at 5:30 p.m. The program will begin at 6 p.m. and last approximately one hour. This event is open to all "friends" of the Uptown who are 21 and over. Participation is limited to the first 500 people.

Preceding the dvd film by John Pappas and Michael Bisberg will be a brief 35mm slide presentation to help orient new friends to the UPTOWN THEATRE building.

• Venue: http://www.thekineticplayground.com/
• Synopses: www.compassrose.org/dvds/uptown-portrait.html and
  audience.withoutabox.com/films/uptown
• Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU8VjEwuSgU
• Dining in Uptown: www.uptownbusinesspartners.com/uptown_business_directory.php

(Photo courtesy of Friends of the Uptown)

Read all about it at the Chicago Reader here.
Is there any TIF abuse in Uptown that comes to mind?
Also, check out "Progress Illinois" and their post entitled, "What To Do About TIF." You can voice your opinion in there, as well.

Uptown Residents Sound Off on Crime at Town Hall Meeting

By LORRAINE SWANSON, Editor (8/6/2008)

More than 400 Uptown residents representing all walks of life sent a clear message to elected and city law enforcement officials at a town hall meeting last week in response to the summer's rise in crime and two midday shootings last month.

The message was simple: We're not going to put up with it anymore.

- - - - -

Neighborhood residents asked for funding for more police on the streets and state legislation that would offer vouchers to private business owners to install security cameras on their places of business, adding to the two existing police cameras allotted to each ward in the city. Residents also relayed stories of witnessing gang fights, hearing gunshots, and being verbally harassed by panhandlers drinking in the street.

Read the entire article here.

One night after the National Night Out, a person was injured from a gunshot wound in the 1000 block of West Lawrence, in front of the Lawrence House Retirement Hotel. Around 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday evening, a young African-American male was shot in the leg almost directly in front of Lawrence House. According to a witness to the crime, the victim continued to run away from his assailants before falling to the ground in the middle of the street. He was able to walk with the assistance of paramedics and taken away in an ambulance. No report on his condition. Neighbors reported hearing a series of three gun shots. While there has been no police comment on this shooting, it does appear to be gang-related based on the eyewitness reports received.

Please send any information you may have on this shooting to Uptown Update and be sure to contact the police with any vital information as well.

Update: The Uptown Crime Blotter has some details from the police scanner.
Update #2: A reader has verified with 2 tactical officers that 3 shots were also fired at 7:30pm last night at Sheridan and Ainslie.
Update #3: And while the bullets fly, head on over to Ald. Shiller's website to take a very important "Recycling Survey." Are bullets recyclable?

From BPN: Our thanks to "IndyRob" and Michilla Blaise for information on the rehab at the corner of Broadway and Irving Park.

"The southeast corner of Irving Park and Broadway is zoned for no more than three story building with retail on the first floor. Dunkin Donuts has signed a lease for the first floor, but there will still be space for additional retail as well. There will be residential units on the top two floors."

We are surprised to hear that 2 floors are being added to this existing one story building. If anyone is comes across an updated rendering for the building, send it our way.

The www.fixwilsonyard.org site is up and running. For those of you who are concerned about what this project will do to our community and wonder what you can do to help, check the website out and donate to the campaign to halt this long-delayed project. We are working on adding a special link to the site so it will be more prominent on Uptown Update. Read on about the negative impact this will have on our neighborhood:

Failed Housing Model: The misguided housing model of the past, all low-income housing in high and mid-rise buildings, is being torn down everywhere else, so why is it being built here? Uptown currently has 6,000 units of subsidized housing (25% of all rental units). Similar projects have been recognized as magnets for crime and safety problems.

Criminal Activity: Uptown has an ongoing problem with drug traffickers and gang recruiters/members easily accessing our neighborhood from Lake Shore Drive. The placement of this proposed development will act as a beacon for drug traffickers and gang members, increasing criminal activity in Uptown and endangering all residents.

Lost Economic Development & Community Retail: This plan which should have been the gateway for Uptown's commercial district fails to continue the organic flow of Broadway retail development we see just north of Leland in the 48th ward. Instead it brings dead, negative space with high empty walls and narrow sidewalks that discourage pedestrian traffic.

Poor Urban Planning: The project is dramatically out of scale with the neighborhood. Planning elevations show the housing will be ten stories of sheer brick walls that overpower Montrose from Broadway to the Red-line tracks, and Broadway from Montrose to Sunnyside. Design standards typically used to create safe welcoming spaces were ignored.

Traffic Congestion: The City's traffic study was conducted in September, not during the peak summer months.

A reader alerted us to this story from the Tribune. They also sent in these photos showing the fire-ravaged area on Argyle.
Check out CBS2's coverage of the fire here.

THE BLOTTER 8:14 AM CDT, August 6, 2008
Two restaurants were destroyed Wednesday morning by an extra-alarm fire in Uptown, fire officials said.

No injuries were reported in the fire, which broke out shortly before 1 a.m. in the 1100 block of West Argyle Street, according to Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford.

The blaze started in a three-story building, which had a restaurant on the first floor, Chicago police said, citing preliminary information. WGN-Ch. 9 reported that the building houses six storefronts, four of which were destroyed. It said some residents in nearby apartments had to be evacuated because of thick smoke and the fast-moving flames.

The building is near a CTA Red Line stop, but CTA officials said there was no disruption to morning commuter service.

The fire was upgraded to a second alarm about 1:15 a.m. and was brought under control at 3 a.m.

About 120 firefighters responded to the scene.

The cause of the blaze was under investigation.

Jeremy Gorner, Tribune reporter

Alderman Shiller was a scheduled speaker at last Saturday's block club convention as you can see from the official schedule. She must have had something better to do, since those in attendance say she was a complete no-show. Block clubs are obviously not high on her list of priorities.

Photos are starting to fill our inbox from residents who attended tonight's Beat 2311 Meeting that was held in conjunction with National Night Out on Sunnyside Mall. Those in attendance judged the crowd to be close to 100. There were delicious hotdogs, snowcones and sodas for residents to munch on and opportunities to get to know new neighbors. Local kids enjoyed a bean-bag toss and glow-in-the-dark bracelets. We are told this is the first of many such meetings as Uptown residents begin to utilize what Sunnyside Mall was originally intended for, a place to relax and chat with neighbors, not an open-air drug market. If you were there, let us know what you thought in the comments. We are also still verifying whether or not Alderman Shiller attended any of the National Night Out events in her ward. We are fairly certain she was not on Sunnyside Mall. If you saw her at other events, please let us know.
In related news from Magnolia Malden Neighbors Block Club:
Magnolia Malden Neighbors is organizing daily/nightly walks around our neighborhood. Our goal is to foster awareness, get to know our neighbors, help deter crime by making our presence known, and identify issues in the neighborhood that should be addressed.
We want this to be an ongoing program. If you'd like to participate, please email Mike McElroy at MikeOnMagnolia@gmail.com. Responses should please include: name; time available and preference; contact info.; and, any other comments/suggestions.
Join us walk with our neighbors, our families, our dogs, to be VISIBLE and show that we care about our neighborhood! Together we can make the difference!

(click to enlarge)

Update: Sen. Steans' office has answered some questions with this email.

The volunteers from your site have been amazing. The office hours are 9 to 5, but we can arrange other evening times, if needed. We are accepting supplies until August 25. Also, I saw that someone asked about where our supplies are going. Our donations are going to Care for Real food pantry, which is an Edgewater organization, but the kids we are sponsoring are from Uptown, Edgewater and Rogers Park. They will have some 500 local kids stop by for school supplies this year.

Many kids who are returning to school can't afford basic school supplies. Many in Uptown are homeless. If you'd like to help out, there are three ways that we've heard about. Sen. Steans' office is researching more and will let us know:

• Kits for Kidz. $11 buys a year of supplies for your choice of a primary schooler, middle schooler, or junior high student. $6 buys a backpack. This organization has teamed with CPS for a few years now.
• State Rep. Harry Osterman and State Sen. Heather Steans will be hosting a school supply drop-off at our service office (5535 Broadway). We encourage donations of school supplies such as pens, pencils, folders, wide ruled notebook paper, supply boxes, highlighters, erasers, spiral notebooks, markers, colored pencils, crayons, assignment notebooks, Kleenex, glue sticks and scissors, which are all recommended for each student by the Chicago Public School system. There is also a high need for items such as TI-80 series calculators for high school students and backpacks.
• In addition, Sen. Steans and Rep. Osterman are asking individuals, block clubs, churches, businesses, and other organizations to "adopt a student" and purchase that individual student's entire list of school supplies. Volunteers will get a list of supplies to purchase for their student and the student's gender, grade, and age. The lists run about $30 to $40 without a backpack and $60 with a backpack. These supplies will be distributed to the child by local organizations that help low-income children. Please e-mail Jen Walling at jen@heathersteans.com if you would like to participate in "Adopt-a-Student." All donations are tax deductible.

You may remember the downspout that poured directly onto the sidewalk at 4447 Hazel from the Assyrian Christian Church. Well, the situation has been fixed. Residents will not have to worry about an ice-skating rink forming in this spot this winter. A reader sent us a cellphone photo that shows where the downspout was previously. Crisis averted.

A savvy reader wrote in to tell us that the stop light at the corner of Leland and Broadway is not working. If you are in heading towards that area, use caution. 911 has been alerted.

A reader emailed us this photo and said:
"My friend’s garage on Winnemac was marked by gangs last weekend and I would like to share the picture with everyone. If Shiller thinks there are no gangs in uptown, I have news for her… This is not too far from where she lives so they might be at her door soon."

Here's a view of the Uptown Broadway Building in 1977. Notice the buildings that are on the left side along the L tracks have since been demolished to make way for the parking lot that runs toward Lawrence.
(photo credit: "Uptown Landmarks and Legends" and CJ)

A reader writes in:
"On W Windsor Ave between Hazel and Clarendon, these signs have been placed for 3-4 consecutive weeks without any work being done. Today, tow trucks were either towing or moving all the vehicles on the street."

Click the image for more details

A reader who was at Block Club University this weekend tells us that the Chicago Police Department has rolled out a new website (CLEARpath). Go to http://www.chicagopolice.org/, which redirects the user to the new site.

"The Chicago Police Department's CLEARpath web site offers various online resources that help community members learn more about their Districts, Beat Meetings and Events, learn how to protect themselves against crime, report crime anonymously, get reports, and chat with the Department."

A reader writes: "I came across this last night while walking in the 'hood, and immediately called 311. Happily, the 311 operator told me that it had already been reported and was in the queue to be removed."

A message from Kahawa House Coffee Lounge, 838 West Montrose, which is fast becoming one of our favorite new additions to the neighborhood:

"Would you like to rediscover the joy of reading? Join Kahawa House Book Club!

We are recruiting avid readers and even those who are developing an interest and appreciation for the literary arts. Join us as we tour and journey through the wonderful world of print.

Our diverse group of members will foster discussions that will OPEN YOUR MIND'S EYE TO VARIOUS PERSPECTIVES, WORLD VIEWS, AND CREATE DISCUSSIONS THAT WILL LEAVE YOU FEELING EUPHORIC.

Our 1st Meeting will be held in Kahawa's rear lounge area on Sunday, August 3rd, at 12:30pm. Get there a little early, settle in, get your favorite drink/pastry and introduce yourself to the newest members of Kahawa Book Club.

If you are unable to attend the first meeting, no worries. Please send an e-mail to kahawahouseevents@yahoo.com and I can fill you in on all the details regarding the book selection, next meeting date and an overall agenda of items discussed.

Kindly R.S.V.P. I would like to have an idea of interested participants."

We've gotten some emails in the days since the Town Hall meeting asking how residents can locate the right CAPS meeting for their area. So here are the beat maps for the 23rd and 20th Districts:

Meetings are usually held once a month (once every two months in some beats). We try to list the Uptown beat meetings under "Events" in the sidebar. Beat Facilitators: If we're not listing your meeting and you want us to, write us!

If you don't see your beat meeting listed, please call the Community Policing office for your district and ask for the time and location.

23rd District Community Policing : 312-744-0064
20th District Community Policing : 312-742-8770

FROM STNG WIRE REPORTS

An argument on the street in the Lawndale neighborhood on the West Side early Saturday ended with a 28-year-old Uptown man fatally shot in the head.

About 12:50 a.m., the victim and another man got into an argument, which escalated into a scuffle on the 2100 block of South Pulaski Road, according to police News Affairs.

One of the men involved in the scuffle took out a handgun and shot the man in the head, police said.

Nawez Muhammed, of the 900 block of West Winona St., was pronounced dead at the Stein Institute at 3:30 a.m., a Cook County Medical Examiner’s office spokesman said.

Harrison Area detectives are investigating.

We have received several emails from folks wanting a forum in which to discuss coming up with a slogan for Uptown residents to display on buttons, bumper stickers, or signs, to show our solidarity in fighting crime in our neighborhood. Any ideas?

From CPNA:

"Thanks to everyone who came out last Thursday night, July 24th to celebrate a beautiful evening and help support our effort to have a Dog Park built at Clarendon Park. We also want to thank all our donors and sponsors, including: SOGGY PAWS, THE SPOT, UPTOWN BIKES, THE HOUNDRY, DANNY'S DOG WALKERS, OUT-U-GO DOG WALKERS, KATHERINE ANNE DUNCAN CHOCOLATIERS, ROBIN AND THE STAFF AT DRIFTWOOD.

We were able to give away gift certificates and dog food samples to everyone who attended and our raffle helped us net even more funds for the park. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!

We also wanted to include some photos from the event. We hope to see you at our next fundraiser, coming in September."

Just a reminder that Block Club University will be in Uptown on Saturday morning, from 10:30 a.m. 'til noon. It's a good, and nearby, way to make contact with other block clubs and learn what they're doing to address some of the issues, both positive and negative, that we're experiencing in our own back yards (literally).

Build on the momentum of the Town Hall meeting and help build a strong Uptown, block club by block club. Click here for details.

Wilson Area Merchants Association (WAMA) has changed the dates of Experience Uptown WalkFest to September 12, 13 and 14. This event will be in conjunction with the Magnolia/ Malden/ Racine Block Club Party. Bracelets for Experience Uptown are $10 and may be purchased in advance at Marigold Restaurant, Unique So Chique and the Spot, and on the weekend of the event at several outdoor locations. This is a great way to show support to businesses within our own community as well as have a fun-filled, less expensive weekend without even leaving Uptown.

The bracelets will allow individuals to receive discounts at over 40 businesses throughout Uptown. Some discounts are: Annoyance Theatre with 1/2 price midnight shows, Marigold with 1/2 price select appetizers and $4 martinis, Crew with 20% off all food and alcohol, Subway with a free drink with purchase, 10% off the entire menu at Express Chicken and Ribs, and much much more.

A good portion of the monies raised at this event will be used to give back to the community this fall and spring by holding even more future events in Uptown, as well as to continue much needed beautification on our major arterial streets such as Wilson, Montrose, Lawrence and Broadway. While the SSA has been doing a great job, we could still use more improvement. WAMA is hoping to add more holiday decorations in December, flower/planter boxes in the spring, and hopefully assist those businesses (when we can) with the necessary funding to make improvements.

Oh, how the times have changed! We were tipped off to a really cool 1926 Gangland map of Chicago. And Uptown was noticeably free of gangs. Looks like most them in the vicinity were located west of Ashland, with a couple around Argyle and Marine, and one at Wilson and Broadway (okay, some things haven't changed that much). Uptown was a "Bright Light Area" (i.e., theatre and entertainment district) and also was Chicago's "Hotel Coast" (makes sense... many of our old buildings were hotels in previous lives).

Seems like there was a little gambling problem located around the back of the Uptown Theatre ... and we're not at all sure we want to know why Wells Park was known as "Pussyfoot Park."

The handwritten notations of various areas of the city ("No Man's Land," "Polack Town," "Bum Park," "Death Corner" and the like) are colorful as well as horrifyingly politically incorrect. If you're interested in Chicago history, as we are, this is a fascinating snapshot of 1926 Chicago.

Vice Lord Nation graffiti dissing the Gangster Disciples, carved in the sidewalk on Winthrop. 311 has been contacted, and will be contacted again and again until this is removed.

This is the sort of thing we need to look out for and have removed when we see it, as part of making our neighborhood a safe and healthy one. Baby steps, but important and easy ones.

(Photo by mycatispunk at flickr)

[Editor's note: Jerry Mickelson of JAM Productions sent the following email and asked that it be shared with the Friends of the Uptown. If his purchase is approved by the court, JAM will become the new owner of the UPTOWN THEATRE in Chicago. His message is fowarded here in its entirety.]

July 31, 2008

Words can't properly express my feelings of gratitude for the incredible efforts that all of you who are part of Friends of the Uptown have put forth on behalf of saving the Uptown Theatre. As all of you know, this is not just a theatre but a work of art that will never be built again which must be preserved. This masterpiece of [architects] Rapp & Rapp should live on and never ever be allowed to deteriorate to the pitiful condition it is in today.

I immediately fell in love with the Uptown Theatre the very first time I set foot in the lobby in 1974. I knew then there was something very special about this building and have felt that way ever since.

It took some time for me to convince Plitt Theatres [the owner at the time] to let Jam use the Uptown Theatre for concerts but I did succeed in 1975 when we presented the Tubes on Halloween. Some of the acts that Jam brought to the Uptown included Genesis, Bob Marley, Steve Miller, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Leon Russell, Foreigner, Boston, the Grateful Dead, Hall & Oates, Lou Reed, the Electric Light Orchestra, the Kinks, Supertramp, Roxy Music, Bryan Ferry, Frank Zappa, Peter Gabriel, Rod Stewart, the Allman Brothers, Dire Straits, Rick James and Santana. The last concert that Jam presented was with the J. Geils Band on December 19, 1981 since the owner did not pay the heating bill, the washrooms were barely working and there were other issues which we felt made the theatre no longer safe for anyone to use.

As we all know, since that date the theatre began to slowly deteriorate. The Uptown fell into the hands of some very onerous owners during this chapter in time who did nothing but continue to let the Uptown waste away. I met with [Rudy] Mulder and [John] Terzakis and also with the not-for-profit run by Michael Morrison and then by Paul Warshauer to try to strike a deal for Jam to become involved with the theatre but all of them were impossible to deal with and ultimately each one of them helped contribute to the sad state of the Uptown as it sits today. It wasn't until Bob Lunn took control that things for the Uptown started to move in the right direction.

Over this period of time Alderman Mary Ann Smith was there to protect the Uptown Theatre through this very dark phase of ownership. Without her a developer would have torn down this treasure but thankfully Alderman Smith stood up to defend this landmark time and time again. Through her efforts the City came to understand the importance and significance of the Uptown Theatre.

It's only been one day (now going on two) since the foreclosure sale occurred. You should know there was only one bidder who showed up on July 29 to purchase the Uptown Theatre and that was UTA II, a company whose members include but are not limited to Arny Granat and myself. While initially being surprised that we were the lone bidders, we fully understand why others did not show up. The fact of the matter is that the Uptown Theatre is a daunting project that faces many challenges for it to re-open. Not only will this be a very expensive project, it will take an incredible amount of time and effort to put the pieces of this intricate puzzle together in order to ensure the Uptown Theatre's future.

We don't have all the answers today about how all of this will come together but we do know a couple of things; (1) the Uptown Theatre now has owners who truly care about saving and preserving this architectural gem; and (2) we will reach out to all of you at the proper time to have you hopefully join with us in our effort. The Uptown Theatre would not still be here today if it wasn't for you and Alderman Smith and probably won't be here in the future without you and the Alderman.

Jerry Mickelson

An Uptown Update reader who was at the Town Hall meeting was kind enough to take notes and summarize the discussion on how we all can work together to create a safer community.