In other Wilson Yard news, it looks like we may be getting a restaurant at 4436 N Broadway. Just $55,000 more TIF dollars for an "INTERIOR BUILDOUT FOR A RESTAURANT - WITH EXISTING HVAC SYSTEM, NEW REFRIGERATION, NEW ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION WITH EXISTING SERVICE, PARTIAL NEW PLUMBING WITH EXISTING WASHROOM."
The building permit was issued on November 4th. A side note: Wouldn't it be nice if there were some vehicle, besides a volunteer blog and EveryBlock, to convey and enlighten us about what's going on in Wilson Yard? Like, an official website that could give clear and concise details about what's going on in our taxpayer-funded development? Nahhh, too much to hope for in this "transparent" ward. (Please, can May 15th get here already?)
I am not the biggest fan of how Wilson Yard has turned out SO FAR (again, a missed opportunity), but can't blame Pete for the fact that some idiot vandalized the building.
ReplyDeleteFurther, pretty sure it boarded up for build-out, but I have been wrong before.
Having said that, would be nice to see that vandalism painted over or removed quickly. Would send a signal that Wilson Yard Management is willing to be a contributor to the clean up of that stretch.
We ALL know the address of Wilson Yard. Call 311 and report that the east side of the building has been vandalized and get a tracking number. At least then you can say you did your part. Or hell, call Wilson Yard Management if it is not gone quickly.
Vote Early..
ReplyDeleteVote often.
http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2010/12/22/curbed-cup-2010-semifinals-uptown-vs-logan-square.php#comment-689106
Can I point out something else at Wilson Yard? What's with the open windows in the winter months? There's usually a good handful of windows open all day, every day. 20 degrees out? Let's crank up the heat and open the window!
ReplyDeleteLet's imagine for a moment what your and my heating bill would be if we left our windows open every day?
I know there are much bigger problems facing us in Uptown but man, what a waste.
Considering the "graff art" is on plywood it's easy enough to paint over.
ReplyDeletePeter, if you're reading this just send me a subpoena and I'll be right over with a roller and paint.
On the plus side - it's been such a delight to drive along Bway after sunset and see Christmas trees and lights in some of the Wilson Yard apartment windows!
ReplyDeleteI thought the sidewalks were supposed to be pedestrian friendly. Had the architect/engineer graduated from high school yet? Two people walking side-by-side take up the whole sidewalk. (Especially when they each have bags from Target/Aldi.
ReplyDeleteIs this the Broadway facing view?
ReplyDeleteIt looked like (as of tonight) the 'tag' was removed from the plywood facing.
But per UU's observation, the entire Wilson Yard complex (for me) remains an entire mystery. From the missing/promised retail, to the lack of re-purposed vintage terracotta.
For me, the only 'honest' thing about WY, is Target.
These taggers have really been at it-its all the way to Irving Park also.They should pour a bucket of paint on top of their heads and tag the taggers if they are caught.
ReplyDeleteNo, a TIF is supposed to make money for the Mayor and his cronies
ReplyDeleteWell this is 2 steps forward 1 step backwards,
ReplyDeletebut the main thing is
that the area remains moving forward.
What will the restaurant be?
is this permit for the Subway or maybe the speculated Five Guys? could probably tell by square footage of the storefront in question... Subway would be in a much smaller space, I suspect.
ReplyDeleteL Train: if you are talking about the apartment windows they are probably cooling their unit via natural ventilation because it is too hot inside. Large buildings like this have a significant amount of 'thermal mass'. This means the buildings retain heat and, at times, get warmer than desired, even in the winter. This doesn't mean the residents AREN'T using their heat at the same time; this is still possible. However, I like to believe the common person isn't that dumb and their heat is off. Let's hope they are not wasting energy. ;)
ReplyDeleteBradley, that's just people being rude and hogging the entire walkway. City ordinance requires tree planters along main thoroughfares and the sidewalks are pinched by these planters. However, if one makes the proper effort to be courteous, there is plenty of space to walk with bags.
ReplyDeleteWhen I pass rude people who impede on my personal space I just let them bump into me. I like to believe some will learn there are 2 sides of the same walkway...
btw, this goes for the train and escalators as well.
A website would be nice.
ReplyDeleteI hope it is 5 Guys Hamburgers, or a Genuine Chicken Shack of any name.
I just can't get too excited about a new resturant right now. Harold's Fried Chicken a BIG BIG let-down......no wonder they took too long to open, they suck.
38 minutes that is thirty-eight,I spent in their "waiting area" for some greasy beyond greasy food. Eveything was too greasy, even the napkins were greased, except for the cole slaw. The chicken was also slightly UNDERcooked...unforgivable. I couldn't even feed it to the cat.
Chicken is not difficult....they need to turn-up the temp on the fryer...that's all. If oil not hot enough it soaks before it cooks.
If they were only mediocre-at-best I would never say a word, but it was just so past horrible, and others have told me as much. Maybe they will turn around but I need proof first....uuuuughg!
I would love to get out there and take care of the grafitti but might get busted on this one...WY needs to take care of itself.
I must, respectfully, disagree UptownUnity. For a development to purport to be pedestrian friendly and promote foot traffic in the neighborhood, the sidewalks should be wide enough that pedestrians needn't "make an effort" to accomodate other pedesrians. I estimate the "through lanes" to be no more than 8 ft (maybe 6?). I believe they should be at least 15 to accomodate two directions directions of traffic traveling at different rates.
ReplyDelete