X Marks The Spot

Thanks to reader Jim Phelan for capturing this beautiful and unusual sky from Wilson Avenue shortly before 7pm.

Holistic Health Fair At Uptown Baptist On Saturday, October 12th

Help Available In Understanding ACA's Insurance Exchanges

Tuesday, October 1st, is the first day of the enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act's health insurance exchanges.  Most people know that, but if you're like us, you don't have any idea how it might affect you.  State Rep Sara Feigenholtz is sponsoring an information session about it on October 17th:

"State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, will help residents sign up for the new health insurance exchanges at an information session on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the 19th District Police Station Community Room located at 850 W. Addison in Chicago.

“With the skyrocketing costs of health care, insurance has become more necessary than ever,” Feigenholtz said. “That is why it is important for the uninsured to take advantage of this new health insurance option and enroll in the new health insurance exchange. I encourage anyone who has individual concerns or needs assistance enrolling to come by and learn more about how the Affordable Care Act can help them.”

Feigenholtz was chief sponsor of Senate Bill 26, which allows Illinois to begin implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and operate health insurance exchanges. Residents can begin enrolling in the health insurance exchanges on Oct. 1.

For more information on this or other upcoming events, please contact Feigenholtz’s constituent service office at 773-296-4141 or sara@staterepsara.com."

EDGE-UP Art Festival Continues

This weekend we saw people dancing without music, pianos and benches being decorated, and viaduct walls being fingerpainted.

Now the art festival continues into October.  We love Uptown being part of this.

Buena Park Gets Some "Sparkle"

A new business, SPARKLE, just opened in Buena Park, at 4129 N Broadway (cross street, Gordon Terrace).  It offers home decor, gifts and accessories.

Thank you to reader DR, who took these photos and writes to say: 

"Noticed a new business opened up in the space next to Alderman Cappleman's [former] campaign office.  They posted these flyers in Buena Park.

In general, that building has redone the awnings and they now actually state the name of the business.  The hair salon seems to have closed and given 7-11's pending move, I'm sure they're trying to look more attractive."

We are glad to welcome SPARKLE to Uptown and wish them success.  We didn't see a website, so if you know of one, please post in the comments.  Stop by and wish Sheila good luck, and take a look around while you're there.  Local business is the lifeblood of a community; help SPARKLE succeed!

Fun Fact:  4129 N Broadway used to be the location of Chicago's Bolivian Consulate.

Chicago Flu Shots Available Again

The city is once again giving out free flu shots from October through December.  The flu shot clinics in Uptown (and immediate surrounding areas) are listed below.  You can see the entire list here.  Dates are usually added as time goes on.

• Thursday, October 3:
  48th Ward Office, 5533 N. Broadway, 10:00AM - 3:00PM
• Monday, October 7:
  40th Ward Office, 5850 N. Lincoln, 10:00AM - 2:00PM
• Thursday, October 17:
  46th Ward-Weiss Hospital, 4646 N. Marine, 10:00AM - 1:00PM
• Saturday, October 26:
  47th Ward-Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln, 9:00AM - 3:00PM
• Saturday, October 26:
  Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson, 9:00AM - 2:00PM
• Tuesday, November 12:
  44th Ward-Britton Senior Building, 501 W. Surf, 10:00AM - 1:00PM
• Friday, December 13:
  City Hall - 2nd Floor Lobby, 121 N. LaSalle, 9:00AM - 3:00PM

ANIMALS Filmmakers Thank Uptown

Former Uptown resident, actor David Dastmalchian, spent much of September in town filming his independent film, ANIMALS, with the assistance of Uptowners, who rallied to help.  He has a message for us:

"On behalf of the producers, director, writer, cast and crew of ANIMALS - we would like to extend a very special thanks to the entire community of Uptown Chicago! 

It has been an amazing experience and we couldn't have done it without the help of so many amazing people who showed up, donated or otherwise helped our film.  We plan to return as many times as possible to shoot in this incredible part of Chicago. 

Special thanks to Jay Michael and Flats Chicago for supporting our project and allowing us to film in their locations.  As well, much gratitude to The Uptown Chamber of Commerce, Alderman James Cappleman, Mary at Sheridan Park Food & Liquor, Ric Addy at Shake Rattle & Read, Baker & Nosh and many more! 

Please keep your eyes peeled for ANIMALS in 2014!"

New Construction On Kenmore?

In May 2008, Uptown Update reported that demolition had begun on the Christopher House pre-school location at 4303 N Kenmore.  The property had been sold in 2007 to a developer, who planned to build a condo building on the double lot there.

The demolition left a lot of rubble, which rhymes with housing bubble, which was bursting just about at that time, and to no one's great surprise, the lot has stood empty for over five years while developers try to find their footing again.

An astute neighbor of the property noticed that there's been some construction equipment on the lot this week, and that's probably an indication of something going up at some point on the vacant space.  He says, "I don't know what's planned for there as I couldn't find anything online.  I guess the real estate recovery is underway.  Most probably a six-eight unit building given the lot size. Condo?  Apartments?   The pics look similar to the earlier pics.  I hope it turns out better this time."

So do we.

Another Tenant For Da Cow?

A reader pointed out that the famous mulberry-colored Holstein spots of the former Purple Cow Ice Cream Shop at 838 W Montrose were being painted over the other day by several people.  Saturday there was plastic sheeting being hung in the windows.

Does this mean another business might be preparing to move into the space?  Perhaps the success of The Reservoir next door has made it an attractive location.  We'd love to see a business open there and stick around for a while.  Anyone know anything about it?

5050 North Broadway Gets A Tenant

We're confused about the future of 5050 Broadway, the long-time home of Aon/Combined Insurance.

After Aon moved out a few years ago, the building was eventually acquired by Imperial Realty Co.  Just three months ago, the company announced its plans to covert the office building into 130 condo-quality rental units with ground floor retail.

Now EdgeVille Buzz is reporting that TPAN (Test Positive Awareness Network) will be moving from its long-time Edgewater location into office space at 5050 Broadway.  Considering its long history in Edgewater, we can't imagine this is a temporary relocation for TPAN.  So has the idea of 130 luxury rental units been jettisoned, with the building returning to form as an office complex?  Time will tell.

We welcome TPAN and their good works to Uptown, and we eagerly look forward to whatever plans are in store for 5050 N Broadway.

Dog Wash Demo At Montrose Dog Beach Today

Moxie Wash, a onsite dog wash start-up, will be at Montrose Dog Beach Sunday to demonstrate what they'd like to see there.

"Chicago’s Montrose Dog Beach is a wonderful place where our furry family members can run, play, and splash in Lake Michigan. Unfortunately, when it’s time to leave, there’s no easy way to clean up these dirty doggies. Try as you might, you can’t even find a simple hose for a basic rinse. The result is smelly, wet, and sandy dogs. YUCK!

We believe that clean dogs make for happy owners; come find out how we plan to make this a reality at our beloved beach!  To do so, join us on Sunday, September 29 from 9 AM to 5 PM near the parking lot of Montrose Dog Beach.

There, we will showcase our proposed project called “Moxie Wash." We've come a long way and still have much work to do, but we're ready to show you what we're thinking. We’ll unveil one of our state-of-the-art dog wash stations and the overall concept of Moxie Wash. Unfortunately, the station will not be operational since there is not a sufficient temporary option for draining the water. But, we will show you renderings of the beautiful structure that will house four self-service dog wash stations and, by having one of the stations on display, you will be able to appreciate the unit's fully-integrated rinsing, shampooing, and drying capabilities.

Moxie Wash could fundamentally improve Montrose Dog Beach for both dogs and their owners. We are committed to making this happen and hope that your positive interest in our project will help spur us on towards our goal!

Expect lots of fun to be had by humans and canines, so bring your pooch and check us out this Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM at Montrose Dog Beach."

Lovely Yellow Tape

Now this is the sort of yellow perimeter tape we'd like to see more of!  It's current surrounding FLATStheater, in the former TCF Bank, at Wilson and Kenmore.  Part of the EDGE-UP Arts Festival this weekend, which is partially taking place there.

BPN Annual Meeting/Officers Election

From BPN's latest mailing:

Annual Meeting and
Election of Officers
Monday, September 30th at 7pm
Buena Park Arts Expo
4101 N. Broadway

We will be holding our annual meeting and election of officers on September 30th. Everyone is invited to attend.  Alderman James Cappleman, Elias Voulgaris, Police Commander of District 19, and State Representative Sara Feigenholtz will be on hand to share their thoughts and answer your questions. 

We will also be reporting on the activities of BPN and electing officers for 2014.  If you are interested in getting more involved, we would be happy to talk with you at this meeting.  Our annual meeting is a great way to get better connected with Buena Park and the many wonderful people who call Buena Park home.

Please bring a food item for the Buena Park Feeds Chicago food drive.

Oopah! BPN Goes Greek

Μια καλή στιγμή ήταν είχε από όλα.*

According to all accounts, Saturday night's Buena Park Arts Greek Night was a Greek classic.  There was Greek music (even a few dances), Greek food, and Greek wine-tasting, with sommelier Steve Mendivil explaining why each vintage was special.  Best of all, there was fine conversation, with donations added to the "Buena Park Feeds Chicago" food drive.

Gene Tenner took photos to commemorate the evening, which can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/78559435@N04/sets/72157635994395246/.  Look closely, and you may even see The Most Interesting Man In The World make an appearance.

*A good time was had by all.

Shots Fired Saturday Evening, No One Hit

Several readers report shots fired tonight on Magnolia near Wilson, around 6pm.  There was an immediate police response, and we have heard of no one being hit.  We are told that the police response was centered around the strip mall at the corner.  Officers were later seen walking down the middle of the 4500 block of Magnolia.

As we are all reading and hearing, there is an ongoing gang dispute causing all this idiocy, and the revenge mentality that seems part and parcel of gang life.  Please continue to call 911 when you hear or see anything suspicious.  With the expanded number of police who are here in Uptown right now, pulled in from other areas, there's a good chance of them catching the knuckleheads who feel this community is their own private shooting range, or of stopping something before it escalates.

Maybe we could get all the gangbangers to tattoo AK-47s on their foreheads so we know who to avoid.

Bumps & Grinder

Seen hanging around at Just Tires on Broadway on Saturday afternoon

United Colors Of Lawrence

Uptown United has a still-growing photo album on its Facebook page of various events happening around Uptown as part of the Edge-UP arts festival going on all weekend.  Here the Lawrence L underpass gets some love.  The caption reads:  "Beginning of a new mural at the Lawrence El Station... calligraphic "fingerpainting" to come."

This Weekend's Events In The Edge-UP Festival

You can see the map referred to in the top graphic here.

EdgeUP Art Festival Begins Tonight, Goes On All Weekend

We're late to the game in publicizing this, but the Edge-UP art festival is going on in Edgewater and Uptown all weekend, beginning tonight.  There's a LOT involved in it, and we'll try to sort it out tonight and have some kind of schedule/listing up later.  For now, this is the map of events and tonight's events.  It looks fun and diverse and you should come out for it!

The website is at http://edgeup2013.tumblr.com/ and says:  "The EdgeUP weekend festival and Chicago Artist Month celebrate Uptown and Edgewater as successful examples of the melting pot in which a diverse population lives and works together."

Positive Loitering Moves To Wilson & Broadway Tonight

Come stand with your neighbors and police officers for a safer Uptown.

from the Uptown Chicago Commission:

"Positive Loitering has been going on for four years, going to trouble spots in the 19th District on Friday evenings.  Beginning tonight, we will be moving to a new location, the southeast corner of Wilson & Broadway, near the currency exchange.  Please join your neighbors for an hour this evening from 7-8 pm. Bring a friend, bring a neighbor, bring your dog!  The event is being sponsored by the Uptown Chicago Commission and all are welcome to attend.  The 19th District Police are aware of and encourage our efforts.  As always, they will stand with us and/or drive past our location every few minutes to lend support."

Hull House Gorilla: I'll Be Back

In our story about the goings-on at the former Hull House on Beacon last week, we neglected one important detail:  the silver gorilla who has sat outside for years.

Designed by Castlewood Terrace resident and renowned artist John Kearney, the gorilla's fate is shown in the above sign, placed on the construction site to reassure neighbors.  Thanks go out to the reader who noticed this and posted it on UU's Facebook page.

Kearney also created the famous and much-loved Elaine Place giraffes, who will not be returning to the site in Lincoln Park where they stood beginning in 1978.  We're grateful Uptown's gorilla is coming back home.

Giant Rummage Sale At Buddhist Temple Of Chicago

It's a good Saturday for bargain hunters.  In addition to the rummage sale at Friendly Towers, there's one at Buddhist Temple of Chicago (Racine & Leland) between 10am and 4pm.

Rev. Patti says:  "Gently used clothes, books, toys, housewares, small appliances, Japan-themed decorative items, etc.  If you have vertically challenged friends, let them know here's where there'll be smaller size men's and women's clothing. Early birds could get their fill of Japanese knick-knacks. Latecomers could get items for next to nothing."

Enjoy the bargain-hunting at both locations!

Buena Park Man Dies After Being Struck On Interstate

A sad story about a Buena Park resident:

A Chicago man died this morning after walking into traffic on Interstate-80/94 in Hammond earlier this month and being struck by a vehicle, officials said.  Talgat Orumbayev, 23, of the 4100 block of North Broadway, was declared dead at 4:54 a.m. at Loyola University Medical Center, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

The whole story is here.  Thoughts are with his family and friends.

And A Beautiful Building Emerges

Before

After

For the first time since at least 2007, the building at 1025 Sunnyside is free from netting, scaffolding and brown-painted windows. 

It took a long time to get to this point.  Netting went up in 2007 at the then-Tom Seay Salvation Army Center to catch falling masonry.  The building ceased being an overnight shelter that same year due to zoning issues.  It served as a soup kitchen until September 2008, when the Salvation Army declared that it was too decrepit to use and too expensive to fix. 

The building went up for sale in July 2009.  Rumors abounded that Ald. Helen Shiller intended to buy it with TIF funds for use as a green center to raise fish and worms, but that never happened.  Scaffolding went up to protect passersby from hazardous conditions in January 2012. 

In July 2012, Cedar Street Cos. bought the building and announced plans to rehab it, rent out the retail, and move its corporate headquarters there.  Repairs have been going on ever since. 

This week is the first time we've seen the building unobstructed in years.  Nice.  Very nice.

Rummage Sale Saturday

Saturday, September 28th from 9AM to 3PM at 920 W Wilson

Furniture, Antiques, Boys Bike, Collectables, Lots of vintage paper items, Photos, Antique children's school chairs, Mirrors, backpacks, marble table top and more. See you there.

Crime & Safety Updates From Ald. Cappleman

Kelsky Patterson of Bronzeville was charged with the August shooting of a 14-year-old boy who was visiting his mother in Uptown, according to the Tribune.  His mugshot photo appears to have a firing rifle tattooed between his eyes.  Subtle!

From Ald. Cappleman's Wednesday's newsletter: 

"Shooter Arrested.  A person is now in custody and charged for the shooting that occurred at Broadway & Wilson on Saturday, Aug 31. The individual is now being questioned for other shootings. Good camera footage and other types of community involvement assisted with making this arrest. A special thanks to the 19th District Police and police detectives who worked tirelessly on this case. As the investigation continues, more information will be released."

UU Note:  It is our understanding that because the victim of the shooting is a minor, his condition is being kept confidential, unless his family releases it.

From last week's newsletter:

"On June 28th, I got a call from John, the owner of Papa Ray's Pizza (4757 N. Sheridan). He told me about a shooting that had just occurred less than 100 feet from his restaurant. With the help of the 19th and 20th Police Commanders, the Weiss Plaza manager, several business owners, block clubs, the Community Justice Center, and CAPS Beat Facilitators Ed Kuske and Richard Thale, we put together an action plan that beefed up security personnel, cleared storefront windows, put in more cameras, and changed store policies to improve public safety in the area.

The results have been dramatic.  Not only has the public loitering and drinking decreased substantially, but John, the same guy from Papa Ray's who called me on June 28th, told me recently that his sales increased 20% with the new plan in place.

Since June 28th, we've had 2 other incidents at other "hotspots" in the Ward. What we did at Weiss Plaza, we are in the process of establishing at these areas as well. 

We have seen how this process can turn around an area in a short amount of time. All of us will be working together to make this community a safer place for everyone."

UU Note: We're hearing from people who work there that things are much, much better at Weiss Plaza, thanks to a security guard, increased cooperation among the businesses, cameras that are linked into OEMC, cut-back foliage, and other measures that the management of the property and the business owners have initiated. However, it was a long frustrating summer; their stores suffered while things were being sorted out.  Your patronage of the businesses in Weiss Plaza would be a great way to reward them and thank them for turning a legendary trouble area around.

A Little More Than A Fender-Bender

A photo from another reader. 
We really appreciate your being our eyes and ears on the scene.

Around 10pm, residents around Winthrop and Lawrence heard the sounds of screeching tires.  A resident who went out to investigate sent us this photo and says,

"Came out to an SUV flipped on its side, another car mangled, police immediately on scene. ... Just heard from an officer two cars were chasing each other and crashed. People in one car got out and ran. That's all they know right now."

From the photo, it looks like the scene is immediately south of Lawrence on Winthrop, between the two parking lots.

Update:  "More & more officers showing up. Looks like they got three guys. Male Latinos. Currently asking potential victims to ID them."

Update:  The police are sweeping the broken glass and debris from the wreck to the curb on Winthrop.  If you park there, watch out!  We assume Streets and San will be notified, or possibly CleanSlate.

Sprucing Up

The tiny strip mall at Winona and Sheridan has been getting an overhaul lately, with Subway being remodeled and new lettering going up yesterday at neighborhood favorite Shan Restaurant.

Missing Woman With Bi-Polar Disorder May Be In Uptown

From WGN:

"Chicago police are looking for a woman last seen on Saturday.  26-year-old Victoria Werling is 5’, 120 lbs and was last seen wearing a black Pink Floyd t-shirt and jeans. She’s also gone by the name of Kelly Walsh.

She is from the far south side but has been known to frequent the Uptown neighborhood, according to the police statement.  Werling takes medication for bi-polar disorder and depression but does not have it with her.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police at (312) 747-8274"

This is not the first time Ms. Werling has disappeared, as there is a Facebook page from July 2011 called "Victoria Werling Missing."  She was located living in the park with some homeless people at that time, and it took heavy persuasion to get her to come home.  Her relative describes her as having "severe emotional problems compounded with severely impaired judgment skills."

Please keep an eye out for her in the park, in shelters or in soup kitchens.  Call 911 or the number above if you see her.

Faux-cade?

Update: A reader writes that "Just got off the phone with the alderman's office, this is just a temporary replacement until the terra cotta is completely restored. They (JAM) didn't want to leave the area bare for a long time."

We admit it, we got spoiled.  With so many beautifully done, painstaking building restorations at and around Lawrence and Broadway, we figured the rebuilding of the Riviera Theater's facade would measure up to and stand proudly next to:

• the three-year rehab of the Bridgeview Bank building, now nearing completion
• the restoration of the 1910 version of the "Borders Building" that wiped away all traces of the shuttered, shabby Goldblatts
• the rebirth of the Uptown Broadway Building
• the removal of the tacky metal plates covering the "Bank of America" building and the historically accurate revival of the original building below it.

So we have to say that the photo and information we got from a reader today regarding the Riviera's facade left us feeling a little .... flat.  A reader sent in the photo above and says:

"The workers have installed the new façade at the Riviera Theater.  It's not real brick or terra-cotta.  It's a paper or plastic wrap designed to look like the original."

Say whaaaaa?  Are we in Vegas, or Frontier Town at Universal Studios?

We went by to take a look.  Seriously, it looks good -- really good -- from street level.  We couldn't tell that it was a replication instead of the real thing.  But if you compare this photo from May 2008 (below), you can definitely tell things are a lot less 3D than they used to be.

So, no more diaper on the Riv.  The facade has been rebuilt, and it's presumably safer and complies with building codes.  To the casual observer, it looks like a complete restoration.  That's all good news, very good.  We are happy to see the Riv's facade whole and secure again.  Our two concerns with the way it's been done:

1. How long will it last?  The original terra cotta made it from the 1920s into the 21st century with barely a hiccup.  How durable are the materials used in this restoration?
2. Uptown has already lost some significant parts of its architectural past.  We can't say it's a good thing when pictures of our treasured buildings start replacing the actual buildings.  At what point does it start becoming Disney's Main Street?

Nick’s Uptown – Ald. Cappleman Seeking Landmark Status

Ald. Cappleman tweeted a reference to his website, and there we found some welcome news for many of us who love Uptown's Roaring 20s architecture:

"Recently, I learned that 4017 N. Sheridan Rd., home of Nick’s Uptown, was purchased by Thorek hospital.

I share the concerns of many residents about the potential threat to the future of this historic building, and I contacted the Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Housing and Economic Development to discuss options to save the building.

With my full support, the Historic Preservation Division plans to pursue Chicago Landmark status for this building. While my office and Landmarks will work with the property owner regarding any future changes to the property, this process does not require the consent of the property owner.

The Historic Preservation Division plans to present this proposal to the Commission on Chicago Landmarks before the end of the year. If Landmarks supports the recommendation, the designation will go the full City Council for approval, which will provide legal protection for the building against alteration or demolition. Any future building or demolition permits would then need to be reviewed by Landmarks.

• To learn more about the designation process and criteria: http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/landmarksweb/web/generalinformation.htm
• To learn more about the Commission on Chicago Landmarks and see upcoming meeting agendas: http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/landmarks_commission.html
• Please contact Abby Sullivan with any further comments or questions at abby@james46.org or 773-878-4646."

UU Note:  An enquiring mind poked around the public records and tells us that the property sold for $2,700,000 -- quite a bit for Thorek to pay to let it sit, eh?  Nick's owner made a nice profit after buying it for $400,000 in 2000.

Subway To Reopen After Remodel

We asked if anyone knew what was going on with the Subway at Magnolia & Wilson being closed.

Someone found out the answer.

A reader writes to say:  "Was just at the Subway on Broadway by Target. An employee who works at the Wilson location is working there today. She stated 'The Wilson location is undergoing a re-model for a fresh and contemporary new look....should be done in about 4 weeks.' (No change in ownership.) I have no idea why they didn't post a sign that says 'Come back soon' or something. Weird. But at least it's not going to be another empty storefront."

Until Next Year

Nothing says the end of the Argyle Night Market like an empty storefront with paper lanterns piled in the window.  We loved having the Night Market here and look forward to its return.

Ald. Osterman says in his Friday newsletter:

"Last night was the final Argyle Night Market with a huge turnout of over 600 people. The Vietnamese Association of Illinois also led a lantern parade in which over 300 people participated!  Thank you to everyone who helped make the market such a huge success, especially Uptown United, Uptown Business Partners, DCASE and all the vendors, entertainers and volunteers who participated every week to make it happen. The Argyle Night Market was a brand new concept for the City of Chicago, mixing a traditional farmer's market with a small street  festival, and we are already looking forward to bringing it back next year!"

Welcome, TBS African & American Cuisine

The restaurant location at 5004 N Sheridan hasn't done too well with Mexican food (there have been four different restaurants there since we started noticing, most recently Senor Mariachi), so why not give African a try?

The new TBS African & American Cuisine recently opened there.  We don't know if it's affiliated with the TBS African Restaurant that used to be located in the strip mall at Sunnyside and Sheridan before it moved to Lincoln Square.  In any case, we're glad not to see another empty storefront, and we wish the proprietors success.

And Fall Begins Now

We're posting these photos at 3:44pm, the moment of the September equinox. May we be the first to wish you "Happy Autumn."

Reader Rick Baer sent these in and says: "Here's a couple of pix I took of the Uptown Bank building on Saturday September 21.  The pix were taken just before sunset on a gorgeous evening. The building is located at the southeast corner of Broadway and Lawrence and the pix were taken on the northwest corner (in front of the Green Mill Lounge). Bridgeview Bank (the owners) have done a great job restoring the facing of the building."

"If you look at an enlarged view of the first attachment (the close-up shot), you can see vertical rays of sun on the north side of the building - the last time we'll see the sun there for 6 months."  (click on each photo for a larger version.)

So here's looking at you, Bridgeview Bank.  We're lucky to have such a well-maintained historic building right at the corner of what's shaping up as the Uptown Entertainment District.  We'll be looking forward to the sun peeking around that corner of the building again on March 20, 2014.

Bike Uptown Hosts John Dillinger Bike Ride Of Uptown

Bike Uptown will host a free bicycle tour of John Dillinger sites in Uptown on Saturday, October 5, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and followed by a picnic brunch and social time at 11:00 a.m.

The public is welcome to join 46th Ward Alderman James Cappleman and Bike Uptown on a leisurely, police-escorted bike ride to discover more about the hidden hideouts and hangouts of former public enemy #1 John Dillinger.

The tour will start at Uptown Bikes, 4653 N Broadway and visit: the offices of Dr. Harold Cassidy who performed plastic surgery on the gangster, where Dillinger celebrated his birthday the night before he was shot, where he made faces through the glass at girlfriend Polly Hamilton, where he shot pool and his hideouts and hangouts.

The tour begins on Saturday, October 5, 10:00 a.m. at Uptown Bikes, 4653 N. Broadway St., and finishes at 11:00 a.m., at Buena Circle Park, 1049 W Buena Ave., for brunch and socializing until noon.

Bike Uptown http://bikeuptown.org/ is a local organization that advocates for calmer Uptown streets for walking, biking and using transit.

Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown Chicago http://uptownbusinesspartners.com/ provides support services and assistance to businesses and economic investors located in and serving Uptown.

UU Note:  You can see the route on the press release below (click to enlarge).  If you'd like more history on Uptown's Dillinger sites, click to see a post appearing in Uptown Update in 2008.  Another tidbit from 2008:  "The Hotel Chateau was home to sisters Pat Cherrington and Opal Long, "molls" to mobsters Red Hamilton and Dillinger gang member Russell Clark. Dillinger and his gang often hung out there, and when Red Hamilton was killed, Dillinger sent Ms. Cherrington an envelope full of cash there."

Expanding Storefront, New Fall Flavors, and Free Tastes: News From Baker & Nosh

As we mentioned last month, Baker & Nosh will be expanding by incorporating the neighboring space into the bakery.  In addition, they will expand their offerings to include

• Zarlengo's (http://www.zarlengositalianice.com/) Gelato and Italian Ice
• La Colombe Pure Black Gelato Floats
• Shakes
• An expanded fromage and charcuterie selection
• Fresh salads and soups, and 
• Bakery inspired retail items.

To celebrate the expansion, Baker & Nosh will give guests a complimentary preview of their upcoming gelato flavors on Thursday, September 26th from 11am – 2pm at the bakery (1303 W Wilson).

To bring in the fall, Baker & Nosh will be adding several new items including:

• Bacon and Chive Asiago Scones: Baked fresh daily, these savory scones will be added to the scone options. We recommend getting in early as they will sell out fast! ($4)
• Pumpkin Coffee Cake ($2.50 a slice)
• Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Perfect for french toast (or just toast). ($5 a loaf)
• Sour Cherry Muffins: Made with Seedling Farms Sour Cherries every day. ($3)
• Treccia: An Italian french braided brioche bread baked fresh every day in two flavors, raspberry and nutella or orange and Nutella. ($12 for 4-braided, $6 for 2-braided)
• Tiramisu: Made fresh from an original Italian recipe picked up while Bill, the Baker, was in Italy. Starts with lady fingers soaked in La Colombe espresso and topped with a mascarpone custard and dusted with cocoa powder. ($5)
• Pumpkin Caramel Lattes ($3.25 for 16oz) and Seedling Farms Apple Cider ($4 cold/$3.50 steamed) make for the perfect accompaniment to any of the above.