Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Night Market Coming To Argyle This Summer

A Night Market in Taiwan
In 2008, the Urban Land Institute studied Argyle Street and identified several issues that prevented it from reaching its full economic and cultural potential.  One of the problems perceived by ULI was that on weekdays, many businesses closed early, leaving a deserted street with burglar bars and the perception of danger.

ULI made many recommendations on how to help Argyle Street meet its full potential, including holding a night market, similar to those found in many parts of Asia.  According to the report,
"The panel recommended a specific concept – a night market – to help tie the goals and recommendations together, and begin to establish Argyle Street as a destination rich with authentic national and ethnic heritage. The night market would be patterned off the night markets found in Asian cities – where vendors sell food and other goods in an open-air market accompanied by music and other entertainment. [...] Hosting the market after regular operating hours would promote the corridor without exacerbating the current parking challenges."
Ald. Osterman made reference to a summer Night Market at the State of Uptown luncheon early in April, and now the city has made it official.  According to a press release from the Mayor's office yesterday:
In an exciting new development, the Farmers Markets program will offer two “spinoffs” this summer featuring night markets in two different locations: the Logan Square Night Market, beginning June 26 and running through September 4 (5-9 p.m.) and the Argyle Night Market, June 27-September 19 (4-8 p.m.).

The new stand-alone Night Markets will happen weekly and include some vendors from the City’s other farmers markets, as well as having live performances and arts & crafts, with local artisans and local restaurants participating.


"Argyle Street is a special destination for people throughout the community, city and region,” said Ald. Harry Osterman, 48th Ward, where the Argyle Night Market will take place. “The Argyle Night Market will enhance the street's already vibrant commercial corridor and will celebrate its unique businesses, rich heritage and growing arts community. With a newly renovated CTA station and a future streetscape project in the works, Argyle Street has a bright future." 


Live entertainment from The Hypocrites will include performances of “Romeo Juliet” Wednesdays at Logan Square and Thursdays at Argyle, June 26 and June 27 through July 17 and 18. (There will be no performance on July 4 at Argyle.)

13 comments:

  1. A great idea. Would be better if it ran to 9 or 10. By the time many of us get home from work, change into shorts, and make our way to Argyle it will be close to 7:00.

    However, that's minor. I'll do my best to support it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. this is great news!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. How about putting grates around the trees on the sidewalks so every shop doesn't have a huge mud puddle in front of it? Every other street in Chicago has these grates, why not Argyle. Is this the city or the shop owners' responsibility?

    ReplyDelete
  4. A fantastic idea! Can't wait to visit both. I agree with those other posts that point out a later closing would be even better.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Exciting idea. I've always thought Argyle was underutilized. Such a great strip. It should run later though as others have already stated, like 9 or 10.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It would be helpful to specify the intersection where the market will be located.

    ReplyDelete
  7. You can always call Ald. Osterman's office and see if that has been established yet. We've read various things: Argyle and Kenmore, Argyle and Sheridan, Argyle and Broadway. Probably at least one block long, and it's only a three block long area, so it shouldn't be hard to find.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ah, I didn't realize it was so short! I'm fairly new to the area. (And I'm probably not the only one.)

    ReplyDelete
  9. It'll probably be close to the el station. My guess is between Winthrop and Kenmore, but that's just spitballin'.

    ReplyDelete
  10. DOn't know if anyone's going to revisit this thread for the news, but looks like it's going to be Thursdays and that the intersection will be Argyle & Broadway. Specifically, see this page on the City's website.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Also, looks like the Mike at the top of the thread got his wish -- they're going to be open until 9.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Not impressed with the quality of this market. The one in Andersonville on Wednesday is far superior. There were no farmers to speak of and the environment was atrocious: loud music, people just hanging out. Yuk!

    ReplyDelete