Have a Specific Concern in the 48th Ward? Here's Who to Contact:

48th Ward Office - General Information
(773) 784-5277
info@masmith48.org

Doug Fraser
(312) 744-6860
doug@masmith48.org
* Chief of Staff: city-wide policy, finance and funding,
legislation and policy, troubleshooting

Marge Britton
(773) 293-8412
marge@masmith48.org
* Residential and commerical development: staff 48th Ward Zoning
and Planning Committee; review proposals and initiate process for
residential and commercial development requests; zoning changes and
neighborhood rezoning
* Preservation and historic districts
* New businesses

Ernie Constantino
(773) 293-8411
ernie@masmith48.org
* Environmental Issues: tree trimming, public gardens,
environmental and beautification projects
* Infrastructure: streets, alleys, sidewalks, curbs and gutters,
large utility projects
* Commercial development: loading zones, parking meters, chamber
of commerce issues, new businesses

Nancy Meyerson
(773) 293-8415
nancy@masmith48.org
* Education: school issues, enrichment programs, school
partnerships, after school programs, early childhood education
* Special projects: farmers' market, communications

Bess Sagartz
(773) 293-8414
bess@masmith48.org
* City services: CTA, sanitation, rodent and animal control,
garbage collection, street and alley lights, abandoned autos, water and
sewer
* Utilities: ComEd, Peoples Gas, telephone, cable
* Senior/disabled issues: senior housing, nursing homes, handicap
parking permits
* Permits: block parties, yard sales

Tom Samuels
(773) 293-8417
tom@masmith48.org
* Transportation: Traffic calming, safe routes to schools,
infrastructure, resurfacing, planning, parking, safety, bicycles, pedestrians, transit, signs & markings, signals, streetscaping, special
events, construction staging
* Public Right-of-Way: sidewalk cafes, awnings, street furniture, alley access
* Parks: planning, construction, maintenance, dogs, playlots, lakefront, campus parks
* Buildings/Construction: permits, code enforcement, landscape ordinance
* Housing/Social Services: legal aid, landlord-tenant, Fair
Housing

Sandy Thomas
(312) 744-6860
sandy@masmith48.org
* Secretary for Committee on Parks and Recreation
* City Hall: City Council filings, ordinances, resolutions,
vouchers, refuse and senior citizen rebates

Alex Wyman
(773) 293-8413
alex@masmith48.org
* Public safety: police relations, crime, CAPS, community
prosecutions, gang graffiti, homeless matters
* Building code: violations
* Problem buildings: manager and owner issues, criminal code
compliance, leasing standards
* Licenses: business and liquor

48th Ward Streets and Sanitation Superintendent
Conrad Suerth
(312) 744-2130
conrad@masmith48.org
* Garbage pick-up, sanitation, street sweeping, fallen trees or
branches, garage or yard sale permits, temporary no-parking sign

Seen Around Uptown

An "Updater" sent us this picture today. This was taken outside the "Dearborn Wholesaler" this morning near Broadway and Montrose. We also noticed another shopping cart brigade loitering outside the old Aldi site this evening. We counted at least 15 people.

"Just Tires" Lot at Lawrence and Broadway Reportedly Sold

A "little updater" informed us of the sale of the "Just Tires" auto repair shop at Broadway and Lawrence. We are awaiting word of what we can expect to take its place. As soon as we get word from Mary Ann Smith's office, we will pass it along.
Looks like this stretch of Broadway is up for even MORE changes. Stay tuned.

How About an "Uptown Square" Monument?

We wondered today whether or not this location in the heart of "Uptown Square" would be a good spot for an Uptown related memorial or monument, or even some sort of planter. The concrete pylons have obviously seen better days judging from the one that is now broken in half. We think this spot would be better utilized this way than as just an illegal parking space for concert goers. Thoughts?

Also, it looks like there won't be an outdoor seating area at Borders yet again this year. We had heard that during the summer that the seating was available, at least one patron had their laptop stolen. We can hope that with the new outdoor seating in the area, maybe Borders will give it another shot.

Update: Uptown Broadway Building

For those of you interested in the progress of the Uptown Broadway Building, it now appears that more headway is being made.

We walked past the site today and noticed that all of the scaffolding has been removed and the entire front portion of the building is now covered in black netting. If anyone knows what this is for, please let us now. We hope that at this rate, the building could be ready for occupants by the end of summer or early fall.

Should This Sign Be Allowed?

We believe that a temporary sign is already up on the new "Sunlight Nail Supply" at 4833 N Broadway. Now the question is whether or not a permanent one in the same style will be allowed.

Here is the email received by Argyle Winmore Block Club residents which was sent to Tom Samuels at 48th Ward Alderman Mary Ann Smith's office:

Tom:

This type of signage is not acceptable to our community neighbors of the Argyle Winmore Block Club. We need to stop these "in your face" light-ups and focus on a plan to transform our community into a neighborhood. ..not a neon strip. This sign wouldn't see the light of day on BrynMar and shouldn't be acceptable in our neck of the woods. We would like the same consideration and community planning that is set in these other areas like BrynMar.

Many of the store fronts on and around Argyle have started to utilize awnings that promote their businesses and at the same time, fit nicely in the community. Even the awning utilized by Tank Noodle seems to fit into a neighborhood look while it has writing all over it to advertise its business.

We cannot imagine that this type of sign is acceptable to Alderman Smith any longer, and we ask for your assistance in setting better standards for new businesses in our community.

Thank you very much.

Very truly yours,

David J. Farina
President/Argyle Winmore Block Club

UPDATE 5/31: Alderman Mary Ann Smith has reportedly turned down the owner's request to use this type of signage on the Broadway storefront

National Recognition For an Uptown Treasure

CHICAGO -- For fans of '70s country music, Carol's Pub in uptown Chicago will make you feel like you've stepped right back into the glory days of George Jones, Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard. If Conway Twitty were there to personally greet you, he'd say, "Hello darlin', nice to see you. It's been a long tiiiime."Yes, it certainly has been a long time. This nondescript building has been a "country and western" bar for 35 years, at least. Carol Harris, 49, has owned the place since her husband, Ted, died 14 years ago. He had run it since 1972. If you were to darken the doors on Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights now, you'd still hear a lot of country music from the 1970s with longtime band Diamondback gliding through classics by Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Ray Price, Tanya Tucker and Hank Williams."It just seems like there is no more live music in the city, at least country and western," Harris says. "There are very few places and it's always been country and western here. In fact, a long time ago, people said, 'Turn it into a disco bar or rock,' and we just stuck with country and western."

Continue reading at CMT.com:

Coming This Summer to Uptown...

From "Chicago Magazine"

In June, Cynthia Oldham, one of the partners in Silver Cloud (1700 N. Damen Ave.);plans to open The Fat Cat, a 130-seat bar and grill with outdoor dining, at 4840 North Broadway (next door to Marigold). Expect the same kind of American comfort food that Wicker Parkers love at SC. “We’ll specialize in spicy fried chicken, Friday fish fries, hand-cut fries, Cuban pork belly Sammies,” says Oldham, who is teaming up with Howard Natinsky (Five Star Bar & Grill). The building was completely gutted and the interior is currently under reconstruction; expect a restoration of Uptown’s striking prewar architecture.

"Fat Cat" website

Aldermen Assess the New Blood on the City Council

From Pioneer-Local:
By PATRICK BUTLER Staff Writer

Don't expect the new crop of aldermen to be pushovers. But at the same time don't expect another Council Wars either, a sampling of veteran aldermen agreed after their nine new City Council colleagues were sworn in last week.
Reactions ranged from 50th Ward Alderman Bernard Stone's belief that the City Council is already as independent as anyone wants it to be to 26th Ward Alderman Billy Ocasio's argument that "we need to stir things up" even more.
"There was terrific debate on affordable housing and Big Box (proposal) and in the end, the council voted against the mayor on Big Box. I don't know what you'd expect beyond what we've had," said Stone, 80, the longest-serving alderman with 34 years under his belt.
Most, however, were somewhere in the middle.
"I think we're going to see more aldermen willing to speak out. Many of the new aldermen don't owe the mayor anything. They got elected on their own, or with the support of labor," said Alderman Joe Moore, 49th. But while the mayor is still a potent political force, "he doesn't have the armies of campaign workers he once had," said Moore, an alderman since 1991.
"It's going to be different," said Alderman Helen Shiller, 46th, but not with the kind of fireworks some observers have predicted. While the new crop of aldermen are raising different issues, "they're serious about learning their jobs and being effective. And 90 percent of what we do is responding to people on a day-to-day basis.
"I think it's going to be more my kind of thoughtfulness," said Shiller, a 20-year council veteran.
Aldermen Dick Mell, 33rd, and Tom Tunney, 44th, agreed.
"Some of the new aldermen will have what I consider their non-negotiables. However, in terms of their own wards, I truly believe they will be as responsive as they can to the people who put them in office, whether it be the community groups or organized labor," said Tunney, an alderman for the past five years.
While some of the new aldermen "came in fighting against the (regular Democratic) organization, and I think they will probably be concerned about issues that go beyond their wards," they seem to realize they're housekeepers as well as lawmakers, said Mell, a survivor of 32 years in the council. "During the welcoming presentation Alderman Ed Burke, 14th, and I held for the new aldermen, I told them that if they think all they are is legislators, they're only going to be serving one term."
"I think they'll put the city ahead of everything else, but I do think there will be a lot more creativity. I think some of them (the newcomers) are going to be coming up with some really original ideas. I think they're going to be a breath of fresh air," predicts Alderman Gene Schulter, 47th, who joined the council the same year as Mell.
But nobody last week was predicting another Council Wars reminiscent of the parliamentary bloodletting that marked much of the Harold Washington years.
Not even Alderman Ocasio, a 14-year council member who pushed to expand the affordable housing set aside ordinance last month to the chagrin of Mayor Richard Daley, sponsor of the ordinance.
"I hope the new council speaks its mind and its conscience. If that leads to confrontation, it leads to confrontation."
And in the unlikely event of another council wars?
"It might be fun," he said.

An Aldermanic Primer

From Pioneer-Local:

In a year when a number of longtime Chicago aldermen were shown the door and several others barely held onto their seats in tight runoff races, the time seems ripe to offer some friendly advice to new and veteran faces on the City Council.
A refresher for some; a warning about developing bad habits for others.
We know aldermen are inundated with phone calls, letters and e-mails, but their first priority should be to get back to their constituents. Unreturned calls and letters equal angry residents. Even if there is no immediate resolution to a complaint, people need to know they have been heard. An on-the-ball aldermanic staffer who responds to residents is a must for every council member who wants to keep his seat.
Communication is key. Aldermen not only need to get the word out about important meetings, but they need to do so well in advance of the event. Residents don't like to find out after-the-fact. E-mail blasts are a good idea, but often don't reach senior citizens or others who have yet to embrace the technology. Networking with community groups and blanketing schools, police stations, churches and senior centers with announcements is still critical.
An alderman is only as good as his Web site. Residents who do have computers rely heavily on these sites for information on ward services. Some sites are comprehensive and up-to-date, while others might as well have cob webs hanging on them. Having an Internet-savvy staff member to update the site is a must.
Several aldermen who were ousted this year were notorious for not including residents in important zoning/development matters. North Siders realize they live in rapidly-morphing neighborhoods, but they want a say in those changes. Aldermen would be wise to include neighbors in the decision-making process, or next time around, residents will elect someone who will.
Some of those same aldermen got a little too cozy with real estate developers pitching projects in their wards. Bad idea. Sooner or later, residents will figure out where an alderman's priorities lie.
We agree with veteran Alderman Richard Mell, 33rd, who warns new council members that, "if they think all they are is legislators, they're only going to be serving one term." Crafting new laws is all well and good, but you better make sure the garbage is picked up, the pot holes are filled, and the street lights are working first.
There is no shortage of community meetings, but we suggest at least sending aldermanic reps to neighborhood CAPS meetings. They are a good touchstone for neighborhood issues--often before they become full-blown problems.
The bottom line is that our City Council should never lose sight of the reason they were elected in the first place: To serve their constituents.
Let the aldermanic games begin.

Check Out This 1984 Uptown Documentary "Talking Walls"

See if you can pick out the Uptown landmarks in this video from 1984, most of them are still here.
Our thanks to "Anita Mandalay" from BPN for finding this video.

Compare and Contrast...

Now that the new Aldi has had its official unveiling, we thought it would be interesting to compare and contrast the new Aldi with the official rendering shown to the public (click photos for larger view). Comments, anyone?

We also added a rendering of the Jewel-Osco opening up on Southport (formerly part of the 46th Ward). Notice any differences?

Wilson Yard Task Force Meeting

The Wilson Yard Task Force meeting that was scheduled for today, May 29 has been postponed. It has been rescheduled for Wednesday, June 6, at 8:30am in the faculty lounge of Truman College. We encourage all Uptown residents to attend, although we realize it will be difficult since most people work during these hours. We also think it would be beneficial for the community to have dates of times of important meetings listed on Alderman Shiller's website. Please contact Alderman Shiller's office at 773-878-4646 for more information.
(Our thanks to BuenaLawfield from BPN)

What's The Time and Temp, Harris Bank?

Wouldn't it be nice to be at Broadway and Wilson and be able to look up at the either of the Harris Bank signs and know what time it was or even the temperature? We have lost track of when the last time this was possible. Both signs have been burned out for a very long time and we question if this is the case at other Harris Bank branches throughout the city, or just Uptown. We also wondered if the sign at the corner of Broadway and Wilson even rotated at one time. Does anyone know? Anyone?

Also, if you are tired of seeing people sleep in the grass/parking lot (like in the top photo above) of Harris Bank and feel this establishment should be held responsible for loitering on their property, give this branch a call at 773-561-0800.

Aldi's Grand Opening Day

We thought we'd take a walk and check out the new Aldi that had its grand opening today. The exterior of the store leaves much to be desired although anything is an improvement over the old store. Today there was no sign of the atom-bomb sticker seen last night on the east-side signage. The store was bustling and the parking lot was rather full. The landscaping in front of the store had been cleaned of all trash seen last night which hopefully means the store will keep on top of the external appearance. There was also no sign of the Arai student's artwork to be placed on the east side of the brick wall facing Broadway.

In Case You Haven't Seen It...

Why the Zoning Changes on Broadway?

Once again, our thanks to "Hugh" over at BPN as well as "CRCC" for bringing this zoning change to light. Anyone else want to speculate on Alderman Shiller's reasons behind it?

Check the full document out here:

NEW BUSINESS PRESENTED BY ALDERMEN

BY ALDERMAN SHILLER (46th Ward) :To classify as a B3-2 Community Shopping District instead of a B3-5 Community Shopping District the area shown on Map Number 11-G bounded by:West Wilson Avenue; a line 178.5 feet east of and parallel to North Sheridan Road; a line 141 feet south of and parallel to West Wilson Avenue; and North Sheridan Road.To classify as a B3-2 Community Shopping District instead of a B3-3 Community Shopping District the area shown on Map Number 11-G bounded by:the public alley next northeast of and parallel to North Broadway; the public alley next north of and parallel to West Wilson Avenue; North Winthrop Avenue; North Kenmore Avenue; West Wilson Avenue; North Broadway; the east line of the Chicago Transit Authority Railroad right-of-way; and West Leland Avenue.To classify as a B3-2 Community Shopping District instead of a B3-3 Community Shopping District the area shown on Map Number 11-G bounded by:a line 19 1 feet north of and parallel to West Wilson Avenue; the public alley next east of and parallel to North Kenmore Avenue; West Wilson Avenue; and North Kenmore Avenue.

New Places to Eat in Uptown

In the same location as the short-lived Uptown Sweets in the 1200 block of Wilson is Faz's Bakery. Faz's has been open for about a month and offers a wide variety of bakery items, sandwiches and coffee. For breakfast, Faz's has fresh-baked muffins, scones and other sweets, as well as fresh-brewed Gevallia coffee. Faz's also has a rotating menu of sandwiches on fresh-baked bread with a variety of interesting ingredients. It's a great deal too - $5.25 gets you a fresh sandwich, bag of chips and a drink.

It's great to have a bakery right in the heart of Uptown. Let's patronize Faz's to ensure that they will become a staple of the neighborhood.

A little northeast of Faz's on the corner of Lawrence and Kenmore is dib, a sushi bar/thai restaurant. Many locals were sad to see the delicious, fast and cheap Thai food from Preaw Whan disappear. Fortunately, dib has kept many of the same Thai items on the menu, which only a slight increase in price. The dining room has been transformed from a purple kitchenette to a sleek, contemporary black and white dining room in a Trading-Spaces-esque makeover.

The food at dib is very good. As previously mentioned, the Thai is great, with most of the usually Thai dishes on the menu. The sushi is good as well - the fish seems quite fresh and there are some inventive rolls on the menu. This is definitely a neighborhood sushi spot, so don't expect the same culinary creations (or high prices) found at Sushi Samba Rio. If you're in the mood for reliable and reasonably priced sushi on the northside, dib is a worthwhile option.

"AlderTrack" Sheds Light on Agendas, Proposals in Uptown

Thanks to Hugh over at "Buena Park Neighbors" for bringing this to our attention. We, as well as he, recommend saving this link (which we added to our Links as well) to stay up to date on zoning proposals and agendas in Uptown. The most recent addition is the application from "Jesus People USA" for a private elementary/high school with Alderman Shiller voicing her support in audio soundbites. Our hat's off to whoever keeps track of "AlderTrack."

Status of Theatre District Lofts Phase 2?

We were wondering where the Theatre District Lofts Phase 2 stood in terms of progress. The website shows all but 9 units sold. This building, when complete, will dwarf the Bridgeview Bank nearby at 21 stories and become a landmark building at Broadway and Lawrence. We have an email in to the developer and are awaiting a response. Feel free to comment here as well.

City Set to Boost Subsidy for Wilson Yard

From Crain's Chicago Business:

The city is poised to increase its subsidy for the long-delayed Wilson Yard development in Uptown to offset rising construction costs for the project, which is to include a Target store and 178 units of affordable housing.
The Daley administration agreed to raise the subsidy to $43.1 million from $35.6 million in a deal that goes before the Chicago City Council on Wednesday and would allow construction to begin no later than July. Costs for the 5-acre development are now expected to be about $150 million.
In addition to rising costs, the Wilson Yard project has endured the pullout of a movie theater and concerns that Target might walk over the controversial "big-box” ordinance.
Located near Broadway Street and Montrose Avenue, Wilson Yard includes a former CTA maintenance facility. Redevelopment of Wilson Yard has been contemplated since two fires at the site in 1996. The development, considered vital by some for the gritty Uptown neighborhood, has also been a source of controversy in an area that's become a fierce battleground over gentrification.

Since the original redevelopment agreement was struck with the city in December 2005, the project's costs have jumped 15% to $150.1 million, primarily because of rising construction costs. The administration has agreed to raise its TIF (tax-increment financing) subsidy to help offset the increased costs. The project's developer, an affiliate of Holsten Development Corp., agreed to defer some of its fees until the completion, now planned for 2009.
"It'll be a huge boost that will bring a lot of people to the area," says Peter Holsten, president of Holsten Development, who was marketing the development's retail space this week at a trade show in Las Vegas. "It will spill over and help the stores up and down Broadway."
Minneapolis-based Target Corp. has an agreement to buy its 180,000-square-foot store. The additional retail component involves moving the existing Aldi grocery store to an adjacent site, where the discount grocer is to open next week, Mr. Holsten says.
The project's residential component includes two apartment buildings, one with 80 units of affordable housing for families and another with 98 units of affordable housing for the elderly. Plans also call for a multi-level parking garage that can accommodate 382 cars and an additional 173-car surface parking lot.
Kerasotes Showplace Theatres LLC last year dropped its plan for a 12-screen movie theater, citing the high construction costs of plans to build the theater atop the Target store. Mr. Holsten says the economics of the theater didn't work, and that its withdrawal meant parking could be downsized from the original plan, which called for a 700-car garage.
The Wilson Yard project hit another speed bump last year when the City Council voted in July to mandate a new minimum wage requirement for large retailers, a move that had Target mulling whether to drop its expansion plans in Chicago.
Mayor Richard M. Daley vetoed the bill in October with help from local Alderman Helen Shiller (46th), the only City Council member who didn't vote on the original ordinance. She then voted against overriding the mayor's veto.
Ms. Shiller, whose office estimates the project will create about 200 new jobs, didn't return a call Tuesday afternoon seeking comment.
Mr. Holsten says he's confident the City Council will approve plans for Wilson Yard when it votes Wednesday, which he says would put completion at about 22 to 24 months from now.
"We've done everything the city has asked of us, so we'll be fine," says Mr. Holsten, who has also done mixed-income redevelopment projects near the Cabrini-Green public housing project. "It's going to be a good thing for the area."

Better Late Than Never...

We just stumbled across 46th Ward Alderman Helen Shiller's new "website." While it seems to be a rehash of the same content used on her campaign site, it appears her office is trying to enter the age of internet. Be sure to check out the "recycling fact sheet" and the Cricket Hill Summer Movie schedule. From the looks of her site, there isn't much else going on in Uptown.
We will be adding links for both Alderman Shiller's site and also 48th Ward Alderman Mary Ann Smith. You can use these to easily get contact info or updates from either office.

How Much Longer Will It Stand?

We were wondering how much longer the El tracks over Broadway at Leland will stand. Re bar is clearly visible and concrete has been falling onto the street below (click picture for larger image). The small light pointing down on the support beam in the foreground does not seem to be serving much purpose either (see above). It appears that one of the support beams closer to Leland has been repaired in the last several years but the rest of this bridge is long overdue for repairs. Is this what we want greeting visitors to the "Uptown Square Historical District?" CTA, are you listening?

Rainbo Village Update

The Rainbo Village project at Lawrence and Clark has been going gang-busters lately. Progress has been quick and the south portion of the building has already sold out. There will be street level retail with "Panera" rumored to be interested. Also note the building right on the corner. The developers of Rainbo Village have allegedly purchased this building although it is uncertain whether or not it will be rehabbed.

New Bar Coming From Owners of Crew?

We spotted some activity outside the Broadway-Lawrence Food and Liquor store today. Workers were seen cleaning out the building and a dumpster was put outside. The worker there explained that the owners of "Crew" were opening a new bar there. He also noted that the space inside the building was quite large and it was a big job to gut the space. More info as it becomes available.

The outdoor seating area recently added to "Fiesta Mexicana" is also a welcome sight!

Well Worth Another Look...

"The Architecture of Dreams and Waking" by Lynn Becker... Check it out.

Uptown Theatre Draws Crowd of Suitors

From Crain's Chicago Business:

The historic Uptown Theatre, which has defied redevelopment attempts and slowed the resurgence of its neighborhood since closing in 1981, is suddenly a hot property.Local concert promoter Jerry Mickelson and Block 37 developer Joseph Freed & Associates LLC are battling a group led by real estate investor David Husman over control of the foreclosed 1920s-era landmark, which also has attracted the attention of national concert promoters.Mr. Mickelson, co-founder of Jam Productions Ltd., wants to restore the 4,500-seat theater, which once hosted Prince, the Grateful Dead and other big acts, as a concert venue. In a foreclosure sale, a buyer may have to pay upward of $3.5 million to satisfy the outstanding mortgages, liens and money the city is owed for repairs. Renovation would cost about $40 million.
The fight for control of the theater reflects the Uptown neighborhood's improving fortunes. That revival would gain momentum from a redevelopment of the cavernous 1925 movie palace, which sits prominently on Broadway, Uptown's main drag.In addition to the court fight between Messrs. Mickelson and Husman — a matter complicated by uncertainty over who actually owns the building — the New York owner of Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall tried to buy the Uptown last fall. The deal fell through in February. Los-Angeles concert giant Live Nation Inc. also considered buying it, sources say."Everyone in the business has looked at this theater," says state Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, who worked on saving the Uptown as an aldermanic staffer for 14 years before being elected last year. "The community is hoping somebody will step up to the plate."Mr. Mickelson, whose company last year bought the nearby Riviera Theatre and owns the Park West and Vic Theatre, declines to comment. So does Mr. Husman, a former director of MB Financial Inc. and chairman of real estate firm Equibase Capital Group LLC.Mr. Mickelson's bid for the Uptown began in March when he paid $50,000 for a company with a stake in the land trust that owns the theater. His group then acquired a defaulted $500,000 second mortgage on the property.He then sought to pay $1.3 million owed on a first mortgage, a debt taken over in December by Mr. Husman. But Mr. Husman promptly returned the check, saying the would-be buyers didn't have the right to pay off the mortgage because his company, Broadway for Uptown LLC, had already obtained a foreclosure judgment in February. Mr. Husman tried twice, in October and February, to buy the stake in the land trust that Mr. Mickelson now owns.Broadway for Uptown is using the "court as an instrument for its extortion," Mr. Mickelson's attorney, Rick Rein, a principal with Schwartz Cooper Chtd., wrote in a May 3 court filing.
Last week, Cook County Circuit Associate Judge Darryl Simko blocked Mr. Mickelson's attempt to take control of foreclosure proceedings and questioned whether the concert promoter actually has an ownership stake in the property.After the ruling, an attorney for Mr. Mickelson handed another $1.3-million check to Mr. Husman's lawyer. That check also was returned, Mr. Rein says.In March, Mr. Mickelson's group acquired Robert Lunn's interest in a dissolved company believed to own a land trust that holds the title to the property. Mr. Lunn, Scottie Pippen's former financial adviser who filed for bankruptcy in 2005 after the former Bulls star sued him, got his stake in the Uptown several years earlier from real estate developers John Terzakis and Rudy Mulder.Madison Square Garden Entertainment may have triggered the current spat in September when it offered $300,000 for Mr. Lunn's interest, a letter from its president, Jay Marciano, shows. His spokeswoman declines to comment.Such sagas are not new to the Uptown, which after it closed was owned by convicted slumlord Lou Wolf. In 2002, the president of a non-profit group created to buy and renovate the theater was charged with using $40,000 of the project's money for personal use."This was an asset that nobody thought had any value," says David Neff, a partner with DLA Piper US LLP and lead attorney in Mr. Lunn's bankruptcy. "It's interesting to see that there are two parties fighting over it now."

New Sidewalks: The best use of Menu funds?

Anyone who has walked down the 800-1200 blocks of Lawrence over the last two weeks will notice that a significant number of the sidewalk curbs have been replaced. Most of these are at intersections, where sidewalks with raised bumps were added to aid the visually impaired as they cross the street. Given the number of people in Uptown with visual or other physical impairments, these improvements are positive for the neighborhood as accessibility is improved.

Instead of just replacing the sidewalk panels where the new raised bumps were installed, approximately three to four sidewalk panels were replaced that adjoined the corner. In addition, several alley cut-outs were replaced as well. Several of these alley cut-outs were in good condition and I was quite surprised to see them completely replaced.

New sidewalks that replace broken sidewalks are great. New sidewalks that replace otherwise good sidewalks raises questions how the ward's streets and sanitation budget is allocated. These projects were also completed six months after Lawrence was resurfaced, resulting in patching on the brand new asphalt. It seems that money would have been saved if the sidewalk cut-out project was done just prior to the street resurfacing.

Maybe the cost savings could have been used to paint a few light poles...

Uptown Banners To Be Unveiled...In Two More Months

Are we at "The Uptown Update" the only folks who will be glad to see the barren "blight poles" spruced up with new banners representing different neighborhoods of Uptown? This must have been a monumental task for the Uptown Business Partners, formerly the Chamber, as this project was announced well over a year ago. We guess good things come to those who wait.

From the Uptown Business Partners' Chambergram:
"Save the Date -- Annual Event July 17Mark your calendars for Tuesday, July 17, 5:30 p.m. at the Bridgeview Bank Rotunda. Uptown United and Business Partners will hold it's Annual Event--UPTOWN, Flying High! Flying Proud!! where the new banners for the community will literally be unfurled. "

Where We've Been, and Where We're Going

We think its important to know where we have been to know where we are going. Many of the buildings in these photos are long gone, but most of you will be able to recognize the vantage point. Enjoy.






Wilson and Sheridan Road. The Billiards building on the right is where the current day McDonald's stands. You can see the North Shore Congregational Church on the left (nowadays the Uptown Baptist Church).






Another view of Sheridan and Wilson facing north. Notice there is no sign of a boarded up Burger King on the corner.







Election night returns being projected on the current day Border's Book Store.

Photos Courtesy of: Chicago Historical Society

What Might Have Been...

...And thankfully did not come to fruition. The above rendering shows the proposed 12 story building for the 1100 block of Leland. Thankfully there was a change of heart and work is well underway on the rehab. It appears that most of the ornate terra-cotta was saved. Below you can see the progress made so far.

A website is in the process of coming online for the development. We think it is wonderful when our historic architecture is saved from the wrecking ball. Its truly what makes Uptown unique.

The Blight Poles Of Uptown

Take a walk down any main street in Uptown and you're sure to notice them: rusted out light poles and traffic signals. A true eye-sore for our neighborhood and one that could easily be remedied. The three photos featured here are a small sampling of those found in Uptown (click for enlarged image). How much could paint possibly cost? It takes so little to make a neighborhood more pleasant for residents and those who visit it. Contact 311 and report any leaning, broken or rusty light poles or signals.

Movies on Lawrence?

According to Alderman Shiller's office, the developer of the property at the southeast corner of Lawrence and Winthrop is proposing a parking garage and movie theatre for the empty lot that is used as parking for shows at the Aragon. Apparently, Kerasotes Theatres, a midwest-based movie chain, has signed a letter of intent with the developer. While a letter of intent may sound formal, this is the same movie theatre company that had a letter of intent to build the proposed theatre at Wilson Yard, but pulled out of the project. Kerasotes did contribute $1,500 to Helen Shiller's re-election campaign in 2007.

Anyone who has tried to navigate traffic on Lawrence during a show at the Aragon will be opposed to a movie theatre at this location. Lawrence is gridlocked during shows at the Aragon, and adding a 10 to 14 screen movie theatre will create chaos for anyone living (or travelling through) a four-block radius of the property.

Most disturbing is that the last community meeting regarding zoning for this property was held in August, 2005 when plans for a parking garage with medium-sized retail space were proposed, with Trader Joe's mentioned as a possible retail tenant. Hopefully the community will have an opportunity to voice their concern about this project before the necessary zoning changes are made.

A modern movie theatre would be a great addition to Uptown (possible use for the Uptown Theatre, similar to the Century Mall in Lakeview?), but the location needs to carefully selected due to the substantial pedestrian and vehicle traffic that a movie theatre would bring to our neighborhood.

No Liquor at Aldi...For Now

From Pioneer Local:

A decision to lift a moratorium on the issuance of new liquor licenses in the new Wilson Yard TIF development has been put on hold by Alderman Helen Shiller, 46th.
Last month, Shiller petitioned the Committee on License and Consumer Protection to lift the moratorium on the west side of Broadway between Leland and Montrose Avenues that will enable Aldi's to sell wine and beer when the Wilson Yard store opens in June.
"We don't anticipate opening with liquor," said Chris Stair, director of Real Estate for Aldi Group's Batavia, Ill., division, that oversees stores in the Chicago region.
"(The Wilson Yard Aldi's) will only sell a combination of domestic and imported beers and wine," Stair added.
The discount supermarket chain has retained an attorney to help in securing a liquor license for the Wilson Yard Aldi's, that will replace its existing Uptown store at 4450 N. Broadway.
The decision to lift the moratorium came as a surprise to some block clubs and community organizations. Residents who live near Wilson Yard have complained of debris and crime resulting from public drinking in the area.
"If you walk down Montrose between Broadway and Clifton, it's just full of bottles and cans. It's a mess," said Pat Reuter, of the Graceland Wilson Neighbors Association block club adjacent to Wilson Yard.
"There are packaged liquor stores (all) around (Wilson Yard). Why do they have to put another one there," Reuter added.
Several years ago the Uptown Chicago Commission visited 28 Uptown liquor establishments and asked businesses to voluntarily stop selling individual cans and bottles of beer and malt liquor, as well as half-pints of hard liquor, maintaining that it contributed to public intoxication.
"We haven't publicly taken a stand," said Kathy Cook, president of the Uptown Chicago Commission, a community group focused on public safety, development and land use for the Uptown neighborhood.
"That particular site has a lot of public drinking and all the other problems that evolve from that. Aldi's in the past hasn't been helpful in terms of call 911 or getting problem people off their property. They're not watchdogging their property," Cook said.
Yvonne Odell, a staff assistant to Shiller, said the proposal to lift the moratorium was deferred because of a change in personnel at Aldi's corporate office. Stair recently assumed responsibility for Aldi's real estate interests a few weeks ago.
"We want to make sure we have a working relationship with (Stair) and see if he's on the same page," Odell said.
"One of the issues on the table is making the new Aldi's more attentive to patrolling its lot," Odell added.
Odell could also not confirm if a community meeting would be held in the future to gather residents' input into lifting the liquor license moratorium in the Wilson Yard area.
The Wilson Yard Aldi's, one of the anchor stores in the Wilson Yard development, is tentatively scheduled to open on June 4, pending final city inspections. Other Aldi store throughout the city carry both wine and beer.

Uptown Broadway Building Rehab on Track?

Update : Workers were seen leaving the basement of the Uptown Broadway Building today and work seems to have resumed. Good news.

Just south of the Riviera Building is the famed Uptown Broadway Building. It was purchased by Thaddeus Wong, co owner of the @properties real estate firm, and up until several months ago appeared to be going full steam. Since then, not much activity has been seen on the site, much like the nearby Riviera Building.

Uptown Update recently emailed 48th Ward alderman Mary Ann Smith who assured us that the project is on track. We hope to hear the pitter-patter of hammers in the building soon. No definitive word yet on retail although a club is rumored for the large basement portion of the building.

Riviera Rehab Running into Problems?

Anyone who frequents Lawrence and Broadway has surely noticed the Riviera Building on the corner. It was previously covered in awful tan colored siding that was removed during the planned rehab to the building...and so it has sat for months. The developer has supposedly run into problems with zoning for the building and the planned Bank of America is in danger of backing out. More updates as they become available.

Visions of Uptown by DStratis

Another great video from DStratis. Great clips of Uptown past and present.

Lights on Broadway Development Temporarily on Hold

According to Yo Chicago, the Lights on Broadway development at Leland and Broadway is temporarily on hold due to the developers moving slower than anticipated. Robert Darrow, an
@properties agent handling sales for the project, expects the sales to resume in the next several months once the developers finish the model units.

Wouldn't It Be Nice?

According to sources in the ward, the design phase for the rehab of the Wilson El stop is now at 30%, up from 10%. The existing Popeyes restaurant would be moved from its current location and a new entrance to the station would replace it. No word yet on where Popeyes will be relocated. We have heard about this rehab for years now, so we, like many others in Uptown, will believe it when we see it.
For those of you wondering, the above photo shows the Wilson El station before the clock was removed, and the lower photo shows the station in 1959 after it was sadly removed.

Welcome to the First Posting

We hope that this can be a resource for the citizens of Uptown to get up to date on the latest happenings in the 46th Ward and maybe become inspired to make our neighborhood a better place to live. A little sarcasm and wit never hurt either.