The building on the corner of Lawrence and Clark is being demolished, as these pictures taken today show. The building to the west (next door to Crafty Beaver) and to the immediate north (formerly housing the african restaurant) have also been demolished. No word on what the developer has planned for this corner. It will surely never look the same.
According to "Citizens Clear Map," the 46th Ward has had 5,797 crimes reported in our ward as of today, December 30, for the year 2007. You can check out the stats for our ward and other wards at their website. Just make sure to select "All Crime" under category. How does this compare to year's past? Is crime truly down in our ward?
By Corrinne Hess 
Today's "vacant storefront showcase" addition comes to us from the 900 block of west Montrose at Broadway (next door to Jake's Chicken). According to the sign in the window, interested parties can call 847-791-8500 to inquire about this space.
The fencing that had been knocked down around Wilson Yard has been put back up and wooden braces have been added for extra "support." We applaud Mr. Holsten for securing his lot.
On Saturday, January 12, 2008 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. bring your tree or a bag of recyclables to a participating site and receive a free gift, your choice of compact fluorescent light bulb, blue bags, or reusable water bottle (gifts available while supplies last).
From Pioneer Press News-Star
We wonder why large pieces of green mesh are disappearing from the fencing surrounding our beloved Wilson Yard lot all along Broadway. We also wonder why the fencing has been pushed over yet again. Not a very secure lot Mr. Holsten, now is it? Maybe the "Target Coming Soon" sign is hidden under the mess somewhere.
Seen in the window of "Golden House Pancake Restaurant." For more info on Suzanne Elder, check out her website here. You can also join her at her campaign office on December 29 from 4-6pm, 4704 N. Kenmore, for a "holiday toast."
We were slightly astonished when we checked out the Broadway entrance of our Wilson El station. The main doors have been refinished and the ceiling has been repaired and painted. Bike racks have been added in the lobby and the walls are being repaired. The terrazo flooring has not been polished yet, but hopefully soon. Its amazing what a little elbow grease and attention can do to make a station look halfway presentable. Our kudos to Ron Huberman. The chap we spotted sitting in the lobby warming himself up seemed to be pleased too.
The fencing that had been surrounding the Uptown Broadway Building at Leland and Broadway has been removed and the top layer of concrete has been added, forming the final sidewalk. Thankfully, no thugs were able to carve gang tags into the drying concrete.
Wishing you and yours a healthy, safe holiday and a prosperous 2008.
A reader sent in this black and white photo of Wilson Avenue under the El tracks after the recent snow.
The condo building at the corner of Magnolia and Wilson has been trying to rent out the retail section on the Wilson side (1217 W. Wilson) for quite some time now. We have counted at least 3 different realtors' names on the building. It has changed again and this time we want to draw attention to this great location. The property is listed with Jennifer Kaufman who can be reached at 312-624-7748. The actual listing can be found on the Zifkin Realty website here, by searching for ID number 1575383. We think this area needs a Fed-Ex/Kinkos but we suppose that's up for debate. We trust our TWO Uptown business promoting entities are hard at work to bring businesses to one of the at least 10 vacant storefronts on this stretch of Wilson.
The beautiful, old building on the corner of Lawrence and Clark recently surrounded in scaffolding looks to be meeting a sad fate... demolition. According to the building permit seen on the scaffolding, the building at 1508 W. Lawrence will be demolished. Maybe one of the residents of "Rainbo Village" that finally closed on their properties moved in may have heard something in regards to what is planned for this corner. To see the building in question, click here.
Work will begin soon on this mixed-use development housing a new Dominick's and condominiums at 3030 N. Broadway. The site was home to the Dominick's that burned a while back. What differences can you spot in this development versus what we have coming down the pike in Uptown?
It's amazing what you can find online nowadays. Check out the "Desman Associates" website for more info. We aren't sure why these aren't front page on the 46th Ward website yet. The only major changes we see is the entrance to Target that is now rounded. We love how the former entrance to Aldi is now bricked over in the updated rendering.
The Gill Park Co-operative in the southern part of the 46th ward at Broadway and Grace caught on fire this afternoon.
By Fran Spielman - Chicago Sun-Times
From today's Sun-TimesOFF TARGET: Online last Wednesday, I reported that the developer of Wilson Yard in Uptown said he'll start construction on the Target store in January. Many in the neighborhood don't believe Target is coming because the retailer has never said so.
After the item was published, I got this in an e-mail from Target Corp. media relations: "At this time, we are very interested in the area and exploring our opportunities. However, to confirm any details or specifics would be premature at this point." I imagine they'll stick with that until the grand opening.
We suspect many residents can relate to flooded streets after any big rain or snow melt in our neighborhood. We spotted this lake at the corner of Wilson and Beacon today. 311 was notified, but it seems to be a problem on other streets as well. We have seen water covering the entire street from blocked drains.
We know many of you have notified the IRS in regards to "Jesus People USA's" blatant disregard to tax laws. They still have not removed the plethora of election posters from the past 15 or 20 years that cover their windows on the second floor of their building at 939 W. Wilson which is also home to their planned school. Once again, we ask our readers to FLOOD the IRS with calls demanding an immediate investigation into why a TAX-EXEMPT organization in Uptown is allowed to display political posters.
Seen today on Wilson next to one of Uptown's famous retail establishments, The Wilson-Broadway Mall. Uptown Business Partners should be proud.
Kelley L. Carter
From "Magnolia Malden Neighbors" and Kathy Cook
From Chicago Tribune: Wilco will play a five-night residency at the Riviera Theatre in February in which it promises to play every song the band has recorded. Wilco’s career covers six studio albums, including last year’s “Sky Blue Sky,” and two “Mermaid Avenue” collaborations with Billy Bragg on the lyrics of Woody Guthrie.
“Over the five nights we will attempt the ‘complete Wilco’ and try to clear out the dusty corners of the catalog that we haven’t attended to in a while,” singer Jeff Tweedy said Monday in a statement announcing the shows, which will take place Feb. 15, 16, 18, 19 and 20. Each night’s set will be different.
Tickets ($35 plus service fees) go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday through Ticketmaster.
Seen at Sheridan and Leland. We wonder if maybe it says "Season's Greetings" in "tagger-ese?" Maybe not.
A reader writes in:
A reader writes in:
The Uptown Chicago Commission has invited everyone to a community meeting to hear plans for a proposed new business. A zoning change is required to permit the new use.
The "Beast" has arrived in Uptown. Patrick Swayze has been filming a movie entitled "Beast" at Montrose Harbor all week. A reader sent in pictures of the signs up near Montrose Harbor and a pic of the semi-trucks and crews positioned there.
Construction on a Target store in Uptown will begin in January, the developer of the community’s Wilson Yard site said today.
Peter Holsten, president of Holsten Real Estate Development Corp., said the store should be open by October 2009. He said construction also will start in January on the site’s 178 apartments, which are scheduled to open by the end of 2009.
The work would signify further progress on a controversial development site. Despite assurances from Holsten and Uptown’s alderman, Helen Shiller (46th), many residents have voiced doubts and criticism about the project.
The Wilson Yard property, a former CTA maintenance center, covers about four acres on the west side of Broadway between Montrose and Wilson, with the Red Line L tracks the western edge. An Aldi discount food store opened on the site’s north end earlier this year.
Holsten said Target Corp. has signed a lease for the property and that he’s meeting with company officials Friday to review financial and design details.
Target has never confirmed an intent to move into Wilson Yard, which has fueled skepticism in the neighborhood. Media relations staff at the Minneapolis-based company could not immediately be reached for comment.
Holsten said the store will cover 180,000 square feet and be built over a below-grade parking level, a design the retailer has adopted for other cramped land sites in Chicago. He said the Target will be the retailer’s standard format, not the one that includes a full-line grocery.
The housing component, financed by tax credits and debt from city and state agencies, calls for 98 rental units for seniors and 80 for families.
Holsten must market the apartments to people with low to moderate incomes. He said a family of four can qualify with an income of up to $50,000 a year.
From Today's Chicago Sun-Times: Aon Corp. plans to move workers out of Uptown and consolidate them downtown, said Ald. Mary Ann Smith, whose 48th Ward stops near the insurance company's building at 5050 N. Broadway. It's a large office installation for a neighborhood location. Smith said talks with Aon are focusing on how that property would be used once the company moves, with some ideas of city use being raised, such as for a library. The site is the home of Aon's brokerage unit, Combined Insurance Co. of America, the firm started by the late W. Clement Stone. Aon has said it wants to spin off Combined as a separate company. Smith said the company has not suggested staying in exchange for a city subsidy. Aon spokesman David Prosperi said the company will make no decisions about Uptown until the Combined spinoff is finished, perhaps in early 2008.
Folks, never doubt that you can make a difference in your community. After an estimated 5 pathetic years of lights being out of service under the El tracks near Broadway and Clifton, the lights are BACK ON! At least one of our readers that we know of ("Ronnie"), notified the CTA of this safety danger. We just got back from the area and from the pic above, you can see the lights are back on. However, we did count 2 lights, one of which has a red arrow pointing at it, that are still not working. We trust the CTA will get these last 2 lights in service as soon as possible. Pat yourselves on the back folks!
Annual "Stocking Stuffer" Shopping Social Night
If you live near the 4800 block of north Clark and are looking for a new option when you are craving pizza, you'll soon have your wish. "Monticchio," which we assume is an italian restaraunt judging from the "coming soon" sign, will be filling one of the 2 storefronts in this development at 4880 N. Clark. Rumors are circulating of a tea shop, possibly Argo, filling the other spot. We will keep you posted.
Further up Clark at Lawrence, the long vacant building on the corner had scaffolding put up around it today. We hope this building is undergoing a rehab and will not face the wrecking ball. City workers have also begun resurfacing Clark Street and traffic is down to one lane in each direction in this area. We will keep an eye on this development.
Kidding. We knew it was the "Buddhist Temple of Chicago," but now many others will as well. Now if they could just do something about their "rock garden" and the rocks that end all the way up on Broadway. And worse yet, the rocks kicked against the parked cars nearby by our local youth, all of which we have witnessed.
For those Uptown residents wanting some sort of Uptown-related monument erected in the center island at Broadway and Racine, there has been some activity, but not the good kind. Crime scene "caution" tape was seen dangling from the blightpole on the center island today. Back to square one, we guess.
