Friday, November 8, 2013

Long Overdue Renovation Has Begun?

A reader sends us this photo of McDonald's at Wilson and Sheridan from this morning. We've been hearing for quite some time now that a total renovation was in the works. Probably safe to assume that this particular McDonald's will end up looking just like the recently rehabbed franchise at Sheridan and Foster. Could the impending arrival of Chicago's first Sonic next door be putting pressure on McDonald's to up its game? We'd like to think so.

8 comments:

  1. Let's hope that the restaurants across from the Sonic on Wilson will also go some clean up renovations, in order to make them more appealing to those who want variety eating.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed- That chain of dumps accross the street is an eyesore...
      as property taxes and rent increases, you may see some of these places go. Lot's of change coming to Uptown

      Delete
    2. Any family business that has served delicious, nourishing food in Uptown for 35 years is well worth keeping in the neighborhood and supporting in a general sense—if not with our money & appetites, then at least with our words.

      As this story represents, it's very hard to have any influence on what chains do in your neighborhhood, much less to keep a location open when a parent company undergoes bankruptcy or retraction. On the other hand, a polite inquiry or suggestion at a locally owned business can help foster the kind of relationship that keeps a neighborhood going through all kinds of conditions. Take a look at the Andersonville Study of Retail Economics (http://www.andersonvillestudy.com/) for info on some of the benefits offered and challenges faced by those who commit to running local businesses.

      Higher rents & property taxes don't guarantee a resilient local economic environment, a lasting commitment on the part of proprietors, or even an interesting place. A retail location as "desirable" as the 800 block of North Michigan Ave is a good illustration.

      Delete
    3. The truth is that there are two different models of development for Uptown: Buena Park model (Lincoln Park, Old Town, Streeterville) vs. the rest of Uptown (similar to Lakeview and Edgewater but with more diversity). In the Buena Park model residents boast yearly incomes of over $150,000, live in million-dollar (one-family) residences, and have the capacity to drop $500 on a pair of boots at their favorite suburban chain store. The other model of uptown features an integrated and desegregated Uptown comprised of multi-family residences, high-rise condos, and community-supported local shops that meet the needs of the community. Both models technically "work", but they both hold disparate visions for the future of Uptown.

      Delete
    4. Victoria, as someone that has lived in Buena Park twice, where do you get your statistics? Just because there are a couple of streets with single family homes - which by the way, is not evil - does not make it like Lincoln Park. Most are apartment buildings, a number of CHA and Section 8 housing units and some condos. I can make up figures too, but I choose not to embarrass myself...

      Delete
  2. Slowly but surely, the mansard roof look of the McDonald's of yore, is disappearing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm actually quite surprised! I figured as dilapidated the parking lot fence to the building itself are/were allowed to be, that level of neglect would only continue so long as the masses were still consuming there. Double entendre intended.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I hope they take down the tall MCD's sign

    ReplyDelete