Hypocrite Much?

Photo courtesy reader EK

Have you noticed that the Lawrence and Wilson viaducts have been free of tents and homeless for about 8 months now? We have.  

And we have a pretty good idea why that is...

Throughout the Shiller administration and early Cappleman administration, the Lawrence and Wilson viaducts were decrepit and in danger of falling down. While homeless would take refuge under the viaduct at times, there were no tent 'cities' and the biggest viaduct issue we were focused on was pigeon poop. 

Right around the time former Alderman James Cappleman was elected in 2012, however, homeless encampments under the viaducts became a thing. Nearly overnight, people who slept outside were provided tents by homeless 'advocates' and encouraged to relocate under the viaduct. 

For Cappleman's opponents, the tent cities were a perfect political tool. 

You could make the Alderman look bad to local residents and visitors by having a large organized collection of homeless residents under a major viaduct, with trash, open drug and alcohol use and public sex. 

If anyone dared to say that the camps were a public safety issue, you could criticize those people as being anti-homeless. (Eds: read the comments on that story)

If the Alderman questioned social service agencies and good samaritans who facilitated the tent encampments and de-prioritized housing efforts, you could criticize the Alderman as being opposed to homeless people. 

It was win-win-win.

In 2017 things came to a head when the City and State tried to rehabilitate the viaducts. Groups closely aligned with the current Alderwoman filed a lawsuit to prevent the rehabilitation. 

During the lawsuit, the City offered the ninety-seven (97) tent encampment residents two years worth of free housing. Local 'activists' encouraged them to refuse the offer, and most did. The residents ultimately lost the battle in Federal Court, with a judge ruling moving the encampment was a legitimate governmental purpose and having a tent encampment was not protected "free speech,"  as the activists had argued. 

Construction started in fall 2017 and led to reopening of the viaducts in 2018. 

That's where we pick up our story. 

Groups aligned with Alderwoman Clay opposed the inclusion of bike lanes in the renovated viaducts, with op-eds arguing that the bike lanes were "defensive architecture" intended to prevent homeless from moving back into the viaduct, and surprise (!) criticizing Alderman Cappleman for allowing the bike lanes to be installed. 

And so it went, with homeless advocates and people in the greater Helen Shiller-Angela Clay universe criticizing the bike lanes installed by the City and State as anti-homeless architecture. 

Despite the new bike lanes, the homeless returned. Fire after fire after fire after fire followed. We knew Alderman Cappleman was trying to address the situation, and we asked why the City would allow a public safety hazard to continue in April 2022. CDOT and the Chicago Fire Department both determined that it was unsafe for people to continue to live under the viaducts, but once again 'advocates' encouraged the homeless to remain.

When Angela Clay took office in 2023, nothing changed. Tents remained under the viaduct, and new tent cities popped up both east and west of DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Tents under the viaduct caught fire and exploded in 2023, 2024 and 2025. These were met with effective silence and a shrug from Alderwoman Clay's office. New layers of white paint were used to cover up the burn marks. 

But then some strange things happened. 

Tents magically disappeared from the Lawrence Viaduct in early 2025. Some of the Lawrence tents moved to Wilson. In one of our trips to the beach in the summer of 2025 we counted 18 tents. 

Then, all of a sudden, in the fall of 2025, at a time when homeless would normally move back under the viaduct, there were ZERO tents in the viaducts. Wilson was completely free of tents for the first time since Alderman Cappleman was elected 13 years earlier.

This of course got our Spidey-senses tingling! Was there a breakthrough in rehousing people? Nothing made sense, until....

WE REALIZED IT WAS RE-ELECTION SEASON!

Of course!!! The tents curiously disappeared and Angela Clay and Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth all of a sudden started doing news hits and social media thingies and tried to look real busy. 

And the coup-de-grace?  

In a sign of the reelection times, the 46th Ward got very nice signs (like the one above), memorializing that there are bike lanes AND pedestrian lanes under the viaducts. Wow! Who knew!?

From backing federal lawsuits to supporting homeless encampments across from Target to trying to preserve parking lots to this new neighborhood beautification, it's been a long strange trip for the greater Shiller team, which includes Alderwoman Clay and her allies. 

But who cares about principle when you can pretend to be doing something to get reelected? 

The Green Mill Has New Owners

Via a lovely article from Rick Kogan in the Chicago Tribune (paywalled), we learn that longtime Green Mill owner Dave Jemilo has sold the Green Mill to new owners, Jason Cole and Jill Skintges.

June 19th is the date the new owners take over, coinciding with the 40 year anniversary of Jemilo's ownership of the celebrated jazz club. Jemilo is the 5th owner in the club's history. 

From the article:

“This place has been my life for more than 40 years,” Jemilo said one recent afternoon, sitting in a Green Mill booth. “It was time. Nothing dramatic. I just don’t think I have the energy, that high level that it takes to be here every day until sometimes four in the morning. And there is other stuff in life I’d like to do.”

The new owners are Jason Cole and Jill Skintges, and any regular Green Mill patron will breathe a sigh of relief, erasing the anxiety and worry that arose when Jemilo, having in 2021 purchased the adjacent retail spots in the Green Mill building for $5 million, announced last summer that the Green Mill was for sale.

Courtesy Chicago Tribune and Rick Kogan 

Both Cole and Skintges are long time employees of the Green Mill.

“We have great confidence in the future,” says Cole, a native South Sider who grew up in Berwyn and now lives on the Northwest Side. “We have both been able to watch closely how Dave works and that has been an inspiring foundation.”

Says Skintges, who is originally from the West Side and now lives in Lincolnwood, “I like to think of us as stewards, caretakers.”

                                                                                                Courtesy Chicago Tribune and Rick Kogan 

Of note, Cole and Skintges are restoring the 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. closing times that existed before COVID-19. 

The article does not say if the building housing the Green Mill has also changed hands in the purchase. As of publishing, the building's "for sale" listing remains active. 

We are thrilled to see the Green Mill is in good hands for the many chapters to come!

"Hops & Grapes" Now Open at 1027 W. Argyle

"Hops & Grapes" at 1027 W. Argyle

We told you in February 2025 that Foremost Liquors was leaving their longtime 1040 W. Argyle home for the opposite corner.

We can now report that "Hops & Grapes" has officially opened its doors at 1027 W. Argyle in another handsome, historic building.

Check out their website for a complete list of offerings! Be sure to select the "Edgewater" location. 

Chicago Paws District Doggie Daycare Opening Soon on Broadway

Ready to take Rover or Fido to training, daycare, and/or boarding right in the heart of Uptown? 

Chicago Paws District will soon be opening its doors at 4520 North Broadway (the old City Sports, or Beck's Books, if you prefer for us olds) just north of Aldi. They just got their business license and it's all systems "go" from a city licensing standpoint.

A collaboration of the folks behind Smart Paws Chicago dog walking service and The Ranch Dog Training in Los Angeles, Chicago Paws District will open this summer and is now enrolling "campers."

You can check out the website here, and sign up for its launch party on June 20th here.

We wish Chicago Paws District much success! Woof arf drool.

Garuda Opens Today, Bringing Indonesian Food to Uptown and Chicago

Since we first heard a new restaurant was coming, we have been watching activity at 1046 W. Argyle, the former Gusto's space, with interest. We have been in contact with the owner for a little while now, and signs up on the windows revealed the news: starting today, the space will be home to a new Indonesian restaurant, Garuda Street Food. 

Per the Instagram page, Garuda will offer something in short supply in Chicago, food from the Indonesian archipelago. Garuda's owner writes:

"We are very excited to bring Garuda to the Uptown community. Garuda will be an Indonesian restaurant focused on authentic Indonesian street food and flavors."

Garuda will join Rendang Republic, which opened in 2025, as the only two Indonesian restaurants in the city. 

The owners had a soft opening yesterday and are fully open today. Per the owners, expect menu offerings that are a bit more diverse than Rendang, which offers Indonesian foods with an American spin. Garuda's owner promises nasi goreng, mie goreng, rendang, satay, bakso, soto ayam, ayam penyet, and a variety of Indonesian sambals and street food favorites. Menus are below.

Menu Courtesy Garuda

Food Photos Courtesy Garuda

With food ranging from Turkish doner to Venezuelan arepas to Mexican (Oaxacan) cornish hens to Vietnamese pho to Nigerian jollof rice in a 300 foot stretch of the city, Garuda will add even more flavor to an already diverse restaurant landscape on Argyle (and more to come, shhh). 

The Argyle and Broadway restaurant row is pretty exciting these days, and it's of course so close to the rehabbed Argyle Red Line stop, Timeline Theatre and the Aragon and Riviera.

We are excited!

Holiday Club May Have A New Home

Some developments in Lakeview relevant to Uptown. 

Courtesy Facebook / Alexander Raffaele

While Holiday Club strips the last elements off of the facade at 4000 N. Sheridan, they are finalizing plans to relocate to 3044 N. Lincoln in Lakeview. 

The location is a similar one story structure that was until recently the former home of Waxman candles, which closed in March. 

While we are happy that Holiday Club might have found a new home, we are sad that the new home isn't in Uptown, which has some open spots that might have worked. The most obvious, of course, is the former Nick's Uptown spot (already set up for a restaurant/bar) right across the street, but Thorek Hospital seems uninterested in leasing it.

It's Happening!

Trader Joe's usually plays things close to the vest, so in the absence of an official announcement, we've had to rely on sources to confirm our scoop regarding the new Trader Joe's location at 804 W. Montrose.

Now it's officially official, as the new store page for the Montrose location (Trader Joe's 884) is now live.

It's happening, y'all!

And TJ's reapplied for their liquor license yesterday, too.

Major Changes to Clark - Demo of 4740 N. Clark Incoming, Residential Building(s) to Follow

Aerial view of the 4740 N. Clark property (@aproperties)

For many years now, the Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (a.ka. "C4") has operated inside the building complex at 4740 N. Clark. (Eds: The C4 website is no longer active) The three buildings in the complex are owned by a separate not-for-profit, the Edgewater Uptown Building Corporation, which is based out of the C4 administrative office on Belle Plaine. 

As best as we can tell, all three Clark Street buildings have been operating tax-free for a minimum of 30 years.

C4 has had funding issues for many years, and the building was previously for sale. A developer proposed townhomes for the lot, but C4 found new funding, the sale never closed and C4 continued operations.

After a funding crisis in 2020, C4 tried to sell their location at 5710 N. Broadway. With reports of new financial troubles in late 2025, followed by a foreclosure filing on their Broadway location in March 2026, it has been clear for a while now that C4 was on life support. It appears all operations on Clark Street ceased some time in 2025, and a flyer taped to the door in February lists the Trilogy location at 1400 W. Greenleaf as an alternate location for services.

We assumed C4 was looking for a financial lifeline, and we weren't surprised when the large parcel was put on the market again in January. But nearly as soon as the listing appeared, it was marked as pending, suggesting a sale had happened.

Within the last week, we noted the current owner of record (the Edgewater Uptown Building Corporation) applied for a demo permit for the property, and it appears the entire parcel (3 buildings and the parking lot, spanning 4732-4754 N. Clark) will be demolished as part of a sale to a developer.

The sale price appears to be $3.75 million, or approximately $114 per square foot. 

Although the sale is not yet public, documents filed with the State suggest the buyer is Raftery Construction, a developer with experience with condos, townhomes and single family homes. Raftery recently completed the very attractive and historically sensitive project at 4500-4504 N. Clark and is familiar with Uptown. 

We don't know Raftery's plans but current zoning would allow for 3-4 stories by right if they go in the direction of condos. 

If the developer requests an upzone from 47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin, the city's affordable requirement would kick in and affordable units would be required on-site or an in lieu payment to the low income housing trust fund.

Although we are sorry to see a needed mental health services provider close in the neighborhood, we are hopeful the funding will assist C4 in continuing to serve Chicago. We are also happy to see this valuable land next to Chase Park repurposed for more housing, which will add needed units and finally add this land to Uptown's tax base after many years of operating tax free.

The Clark Street development boom continues!

Wilson Yard Target Getting a $15M+ Refresh

The remodel is now underway in sections (UU)

After opening in July 2010, the Wilson Yard Target has served Uptown well. The store was ready for a refresh, however, and after spotting a slew of building permit approvals for the location at 4466 N. Broadway, we are now seeing that work in process.

The permit mentions over $15,000,000 in upgrades, so this isn't just a new paint job. Expect to see construction crews installing new floors, finishes, refrigerated coolers, a new online pickup area, exterior facade updates and new exterior and interior signage.

The work will be done in sections, so get ready to be patient!  Word on the street is things will be wrapped up by September.

What to expect after the remodel (Target)

Halal Food from NYC is 'Halalicious'

 

Ever since "Firebird Piri Piri" closed, we have been wondering what's going on behind the paper in the restaurant space in the Magnolia-Wilson mall at 4546 N. Magnolia.  Firebird replaced "Foodie's Hub" and, despite being pretty good, only lasted a year.

New ownership has entered the picture and construction on "Halalicious" is ongoing. 

Originally titled "Halal Food NYC" in the working stages, Halalicious recently received its license and passed city inspection. 

From the business:

"Halalicious brings the bold flavors and fast-paced energy of New York street food right to your neighborhood. Inspired by the iconic halal carts of NYC, we serve up fresh, high-quality halal dishes—from juicy grilled meats and signature over-rice platters to flavorful sandwiches and sides. Every meal is made with care, combining authentic taste with that classic New York style. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a full meal, Halalicious delivers big flavor, great service, and a true NYC-inspired experience"

Expect an opening soon. No info yet on hours and no menu (so far).

Halalicious is at 4546 N. Magnolia

Might Be Nice to Save this Lovely Old Building

According to a demo permit applied for yesterday, the lovely early 1900s-era greystone at 4841 N. Kenmore is about to be demolished with no clear idea of what is to replace it. 

Exterior Photo Courtesy of Busby Group Listing for 4841 Kenmore

The building, the interior of which can be seen here, appears to be in good shape. This was a HUD building in the 80s and then transferred to the current owner just over 25 years ago in October 2000. 

Interior Photo Courtesy of Busby Group Listing for 4841 Kenmore

Interestingly, the real estate listing linked above is still active and says "coming soon," yet the permit reads "wreck and remove a 2 story masonry multi-unit residence." We suspect a sale has happened but the details aren't public yet. 

We are pro-development here at UU Central, but we also believe the beautiful buildings of of Uptown's past are worth preserving. 

We've been doing this 19 years now and are still upset over losses of homes on Beacon, Magnolia and Malden, beautiful buildings on Lawrence, Wilson and Sheridan and the soon to be lost Holiday Club building. All of us think adaptive reuse and rehab of buildings like this is the way to go. 

We are hoping that cooler heads prevail and this building survives to see another day.

4551 N. Dover Granted Zoning Variance, Construction Ahead

4553 N. Dover with 4551 visible on right (Axios Architects)

For most development in Chicago, red tape makes building a building difficult and things tend to start and stop as various clearances and approvals are obtained. 

In Uptown, we have a good example of the developmental approval process slowing things down. We have all been watching the former Happy Wash lot with great interest after the building was demolished and foundation work began, but as many readers noted, work seemingly ground to a halt.

We now know part of the delay was due to a variance request for the stand-alone building that is part of the project at 4551 N. Dover. The development received a slew of variance approvals back in 2023 but this did not include the setback variance that the building at 4551 N. Dover required. 

We are happy to report the Zoning Board of Appeals met on April 17 and the project was granted the last variance required, one that will ensure the 4551 Dover building has a matching 20.62' setback to the building directly to the south. 

So, very good news. We expect work will resume very soon.

Current view of 4551-53 N. Dover (Google)

NBA Superstar Makes Second Big Uptown Purchase

4501 N. Sheridan

Greek NBA superstar and Milwaukee Buck Giannis Antetokounmpo likes Uptown. He likes Uptown a lot. 

How do we know? He (through his real estate investment corporation 'Ante') has now bought two separate Uptown buildings in two months.

Harmony Apartments, 4513 N. Clark (Loopnet)

First, Antetokounmpo purchased the 56 unit Harmony Apartments, located at 4513 N. Clark, for $21,000,000 in late January. (Longtime readers will recall residents of Dover and local development scolds, including failed aldermanic candidate Marianne Lalonde, opposed the Harmony project vociferously, citing disruption to the neighborhood and blocked views).

At the end of March, Antetokounmpo added to his investment in Uptown, purchasing the Portrait Apartments at 948 W. Sunnyside for $21,000,000. (Readers will recall the opposition to this development, which replaced a nearly abandoned strip mall, came from many quarters, including our current Alderwoman).

So in total, Antetokounmpo has invested a lot - $42,000,000 - in Uptown this year.

Why Uptown? We like what the principals said in discussing the buildings:

"The buyer was drawn to the quality of the asset and the deal reflects strong demand for new-construction, mixed use properties in urban submarkets"

"We saw a neighborhood with real momentum and genuine need for high quality housing and activated street level retail."

Like Giannis, we like Uptown a lot too! There's been a real lull since Alderman Cappleman left office in 2023. Let's get some more new market-rate construction going!