Menorah Lighting Festival This Evening, 6:30

Uptown Loses To Woodlawn In Curbed Cup Semi-Finals

Close, but no cigar.

The final tally was 54.33% Woodlawn, 45.67% Uptown in the latest round of the Curbed Cup.

There's always next year. Thank you to everyone who loves our little piece of Chicago and voted for it in this annual tradition.

Progress! Wilson Red Line Construction From July Through December

Here's a five-minute look at the progress on the Wilson Red/Purple Line station over the past six months. So much has happened since the groundbreaking in late 2014, with one more year of construction to go.

It'll be a busy 2017. We are looking forward to seeing the remaining century-old tracks come down, eliminating most of the support pillars in the traffic lanes along Broadway and Leland. We can't wait to see the historic Gerber Building restored, along with a modern new station house.  Acclaimed artist Cecil Balmond will be doing the custom art installation at the entrance.

But most of all, we are excited about the new elevator and escalator! Elderly and disabled people will be able to easily access the trains in Uptown for the first time ever.

Thank you to Luke Starkenburg, who created this clip. If you'd like a ride down memory lane, he also did a video of the beginning phases of the work, from October 2014 through October 2015.

Free Film Screening At Uptown's Newest Art Space Thursday

We received this note from Dustin Puehler, of Ready Freddy Films, introducing movie night AND a new art space at Leland and Racine:

"We are having a film screening at the new art space Sustain at 1201 W Leland Ave #1E. It's a free event with a suggested donation for the space if people like :)

The event will open with a 15-minute short film followed by an hour-long feature. The material does feature adult language, but should be a fun and free time to see and support independent art in the area!"

We are glad to welcome a new art space to Uptown. Please stop by and say hi Thursday night and watch the double feature. Donations welcome!

Property Tax Rebate Program Deadline Approaching

If your property taxes went up this year, there is some relief available. But you need to act fast. From Ald. Tunney's newsletter:

The City of Chicago Property Tax Rebate Program provides eligible families and seniors some property tax relief through a City-funded rebate.  Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago City Council are implementing this rebate program to help offset the property tax increase needed to fund the pensions of our first responders.

The Mayor's office has extended the deadline to apply for the rebate. Eligible Chicago homeowners can apply for a City of Chicago rebate at any of the 26 neighborhood locations, including City Hall, before December 31st.  Homeowners must apply for the rebate in person.

To learn more about the eligibility requirements for the rebate and other supplemental grants as well as required documentation, please visit: www.cityofchicago.org/ChicagoPropertyTaxRebate.

Time To Vote! It's Uptown vs Woodlawn In The Curbed Cup

24 hours to do it! It's the penultimate round of the Curbed Cup voting for best neighborhood in Chicago.

Vote here! Tell your friends, too.  But hurry. Voting ends at 11:30am on Thursday.

Uptown is up against Woodlawn, the sole South Side contender.

Curbed says, "The united Uptown neighborhood cruised through the first two rounds of voting, but it will have to overcome Woodlawn—the only remaining South Side neighborhood on the bracket—to advance to the final. In many ways, Uptown is the perfect representation of what a Chicago neighborhood should be—it’s densely populated, affordable, diverse, and close to the lakefront. There’s a reason why Uptown always does well in the Curbed Cup, and that is that its residents are almost fanatical about their love for their neighborhood. Will Uptown claim yet another Curbed Cup?"

Remember to vote!

Photo courtesy of reader Rick Baer.

One Of Uptown's "Sugar Magnolias" Sentenced To 45 Years In Prison

One Friday night back in December 2011, four Uptown gang members decided it was time to settle some scores.

They injured four people in a drive-by shooting at the corner of Wilson and Sheridan in the early evening, critically injuring one. They escaped by speeding off down Sheridan... on the sidewalk, which was full of pedestrians.

Later that night on the West Side, a 17-year-old male was shot in the chest shortly after midnight. The shots came from a van full of men matching the descriptions of the Uptown shooters.

The van headed toward Uptown. It was spotted by the police, and a pursuit began. 

The suspects exited at Belmont, were pulled over by an officer, and took off again, heading south in an attempt to avoid capture. What they didn't know was that roadblocks had been set up on the Drive, so the chase ended when they slammed their van into a police vehicle that had been used to create a barricade near Fullerton.

Someone at the scene told us that four men, "all from Magnolia," were pulled from the van. One was Omari Robinson, known in Uptown for being arrested in the "Sugar Magnolia" drug bust ten months earlier. Robinson was taken into custody right there on the Drive.

Another person who was charged with him, Asif Menom, was killed a few months later in a shooting outside Krush nightclub in West Town. We had reports at the time that Omari Robinson was with him, but we could not confirm them.

The wheels of justice grind slowly, but they do grind away. Earlier this fall, Omari Robinson was sentenced to 45 years in prison for attempted murder. Given the time he has already served and the way Illinois computes prison sentences, he will not be eligible for parole until February of 2050.

He was 19 when he was arrested as a Sugar Magnolia for dealing drugs. He was 20 in December 2011. He'll be in his late 50s by the time he has completed his sentence.

When he gets out, no one in his gang (should it still exist, which is doubtful) will remember him. Gang loyalty? A joke. There is no doubt that Uptown is safer with him behind bars, but it's really sad to see young men buy into the life, not realizing that "loyalty" is a one-way street.

Quik Stop Convenience Store To Close This Weekend

(Photo courtesy of 48th Ward newsletter)

Quik Stop, located at Argyle and Sheridan, is having a going-out-of-business sale and will close by the weekend.

It was shuttered by the city last April, and reopened after a couple months. This closure appears to be voluntary, and permanent.

We heard from a reader, who said [litely edited],

"This morning there was a hand printed sign on the door announcing "50% off almost everything" so I stopped in to ask what was up.  The older man at the counter replied that the store would be gone by Saturday or Sunday.

As I said in an email to Ald. Osterman, and I say now, I hope that space can be put to some good use, not as a "convenience" store and not having anything to do with alcohol (hey, Foremost is only a few doors down) or cigarettes.  Maybe even its garish red and white exterior can be stripped off.  

I live nearby and know first-hand what a problem that store has been--especially in warmer months.  This has been nothing but a source of trouble, especially in the summer when it seems to be a magnet for the regiment or division sized bad element in the neighborhood. There are other convenience-type stores nearby, both on Sheridan and on Argyle."

19th District Court Advocates Meeting Postponed Until January 9

Due to government holidays on December 26 and January 2, the next meeting of the 19th District Court Advocates will take place on Monday, January 9, in the community room of the police station at 850 West Addison. It will take place at the usual time, 6pm.

Men's Shelter Receives Public/Private Funding To Stay Open "For Years To Come"

Photo of Preston Bradley Center
courtesy of PBC's Facebook page.

There's been a very nice story unfolding over the past 24 hours, one that will mean new beginnings for homeless men who need a place to stay and a path to rebuild their lives.

• Thursday afternoon, it was announced that the men's shelter run by North Side Housing & Supportive Services would remain open through the end of the year, rather than close today, as was announced last September.
• Thursday evening, the Tribune ran a story saying that the city had come up with funding via DFSS so that the shelter could remain open through 2017.
• In an email blast this morning, Ald. Cappleman relayed the news that "a generous donor" had been found to supplement the funding gap in North Side Housing's budget and that the shelter will be able to remain open for "years to come."

And who is the generous donor? From NSHSS's web page:

BIG holiday gift saves the Interim Housing Program! The 72-bed shelter for homeless men at the Peoples Church in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago will remain open due to a large, multi-year donation from the Chicago-based Reva and David Logan Foundation and renewed support from the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS).

"This eleventh-hour donation has saved the shelter from permanently closing at the end of today, December 23, as previously announced,” said Richard Ducatenzeiler, Executive Director of North Side Housing & Supportive Services. Please see the press release for further details.

You can read more about the Reva and David Logan Foundation, a Chicago-based family foundation that supports investigative journalism, the arts, and social justice, here.

Not only is this good news for the men who are served by the shelter, and whose lives are transformed -- whether it is for one night or a lifetime -- but it also means that the Preston Bradley Center (the building at 941 West Lawrence that houses the shelter, Peoples Church, and other organizations) will not lose a major tenant, which would undoubtedly have put a huge hole in its operating budget.

The text of Ald. Cappleman's email blast reads:

"I am happy to announce that the shelter located at People's Church, run by North Side Housing and Supportive Services (NSHSS), that was slated to close today, will remain open for years to come.

We were able to find a generous donor to fill in the shelter’s budget gap for the coming years and the City agreed to renew the service contract that had lapsed. The shelter will once again resume service at their 72 bed capacity.

I will continue to fight for increased resources for Chicago to implement the housing-first model for all homeless individuals in Chicago. However, I also understand that expanding and maintaining a strong network of shelter options is a key component of the City’s strategy to address homelessness.

I want to thank Mayor Emanuel and Commissioner Lisa Morrison-Butler for their work and commitment to improve programming and service delivery for this vulnerable population."

Man, 47, Shot At Leland & Malden

A 47-year-old man was shot Thursday night at Leland and Malden around 9:25.

Readers report hearing two shots fired, and then seeing a lot of first responders arrive at the southwest corner of the intersection, including police and an ambulance. Police blocked off Leland and Malden, as well as the alleys in the area, while they investigated.

According to news reports, the man is in stable condition after suffering gunshot wounds in the right hand and right leg. He was taken to Illinois Masonic for treatment.

La Ciudad Still Looking For A Little Help With Their Holiday Feast For The Homeless

For the third consecutive year, La Ciudad restaurant (4515 North Sheridan, at Windsor) will be host to 100-150 homeless people for lunch and holiday cheer on December 24th. But they still need some help from the community to pull it all together.

They are still looking for a few volunteers to help serve food and do clean-up from 1-3:30pm.

Additionally, donations of paper goods are needed, specifically paper plates, napkins, plastic utensils, and paper cups, to supplement what La Ciudad has on hand for day-to-day operations. If an individual or business would like to donate those, they would be very much appreciated.

We are told, "Those living in the community or former community members have been gracious thus far with time, monetary donations, desserts, and a few gifts for the homeless." Thank you to all who have been (and will be) so generous with their time and donations.

If you can help, contact the restaurant at laciudadchicago@gmail.com.

Uptown Wins Second Round of Curbed Cup -- Up Next, Woodlawn

click to enlarge

By nearly at two-to-one margin, Uptown defeated Bronzeville in the latest round of the Curbed Cup voting for best Chicago neighborhood. The finally results were 65.77% Uptown, 34.23% Bronzeville.

Next up, we take on Woodlawn, the only South Side neighborhood remaining in the competition.

We'll let you know when it comes up. Well done, you!

Time To Vote! Uptown vs. Bronzeville In The Curbed Cup

After handily winning against the South Loop in the first round of the "Curbed Cup," the polls are now open in the next round. In this round, Uptown is up against Bronzeville.  The post reads:

"In the first round of Curbed Cup voting, Uptown easily defeated the South Loop to cruise into the second round. However, they’re going to face perhaps a bigger challenge in Bronzeville. Like many neighborhoods throughout the North Side, Uptown has seen a slew of new proposals and redevelopment projects, including the reopening of art deco-era Lawrence House as a new apartment complex, the opening of the Argyle shared street, and the pending redevelopment of the old Cuneo Memorial Hospital/Maryville Academy campus, and the renovation of the Wilson Red Line station.

Uptown has been a formidable challenger since the beginning of the Curbed Cup challenge way back in 2010, but will they have what it takes to make it to the semifinals?"

Voting is only open for 24 hours and started Tuesday morning. Vote here!

New Convenience Store In Former S&L Pantry Storefront

The brown paper in the windows is gone, and "Finest Foods & Subs" looks ready to go is open for business at the southeast corner of Lawrence and Sheridan. This store takes over the the site of the former S&L Pantry, which closed in August 2015. Rumor has it that the owners of Finest Foods are relatives of the S&L Pantry proprietors.

(We think this photo, taken Friday night, looks a little like Nighthawks.)

A Note From North Side Supportive Housing On The Men's Shelter Closure

Many people are understandably concerned and distraught about the closure of the men's overnight shelter at Preston Bradley Center.  One thing that really stood out in all the press conferences and protests to keep the shelter running was the lack of involvement by people who work at the shelter itself, the board of which threatened to close it last June and announced the closure last September.

Now, the shelter operators have updated its website to say that the shelter will not be reopening and offering some suggestions:

"It has been brought to our attention that there are several GoFundMe pages raising funds to prevent the closure of our Interim Housing program. Please be forewarned that these campaigns are NOT being administered by North Side Housing & Supportive Services and we have no control over the usage or administration of these funds.

Additionally, because of insufficient City funding and the ongoing IL state budget impasse, the shelter will indeed close on December 23rd regardless of private funds being raised. We need far beyond the suggested $100k to keep the shelter open and funded in a sustainable fashion.

That being said, we are touched and honored by the outpouring of support from the community and will continue to work toward ending homelessness in Chicago. If you would like to donate to our other programs serving the Chicago’s homeless population (including permanent supportive housing for 192 individuals and a drop-in center for men and women living on the streets and in shelters) you can do so here.

We wish circumstances were much different and appreciate your support.

Best Regards,
Richard Ducatenzeiler
Executive Director
North Side Housing & Supportive Services"

Tell Your Story Tuesday Night At The Uptown Underground

A storyteller shares her story on stage at Uptown Underground

Uptown Underground's monthly storytelling show entitled "Do Not Submit: Uptown" is happening Tuesday night at 4707 N. Broadway. If you have a story you have always wanted to share, sign up at 7PM for the show that starts at 7:30PM. No judgment, no competition, no scores. Just a true open mic. No stand up or poetry please.

If you are looking for a good reason to escape hibernation, it isn't forecast to be *that* cold tomorrow!

Free Christmas Dinner & Service At Missio Dei Uptown

More on Missio Dei Uptown at their website.

1st Annual Grand Outdoor Menorah Lighting In Uptown

Check out the Facebook event page here.

Uptown-Set Superior Donuts To Air Beginning In February

Make room for donuts on Thursday, February 2nd.

For the past year or so, we've been hearing that a comedy series based on Tracy Letts's Superior Donuts is coming to CBS. Based in Uptown, the play tells the story of a changing neighborhood, as seen through the relationship between an aging former radical who owns a rundown donut shop and his sole employee, a young man who has high hopes for the place.

After a couple of pilots were filmed, Superior Donuts will finally air in February. It stars Judd Hirsch and rising star Jermaine Fowler. There will be a cast of donut store regulars that includes David Koechner, Maz Jobrani, Anna Baryshnikov, Darien Sills-Evans, Rell Battle and Katey Sagal.

After a debut on February 2nd at 7:30pm, it will move to its regular time slot, Mondays at 8pm, beginning February 6th.

It's interesting that a series about Uptown Chicago set in present time is being filmed in Los Angeles, while the real Uptown is standing in for seedy neighborhoods seen in Dick Wolf's "Chicago" franchise TV series.

Community Meeting On Maryville Demolition Slated For January

From Ald. Cappleman's latest email newsletter:

"The Clarendon/Montrose development is in full swing. Asbestos removal is underway per City and EPA guidelines and demolition has begun at the Maryville/Cuneo buildings.

As with any building demolition that occurs in Chicago, there are many requirements placed on the landowner to ensure that the process is done correctly and in a safe manner so that area residents and their property remains protected.

I will hold a community meeting to further update you on both the process and the timeline for the demolition:

• When: Thursday, January 12 at 7pm
• Where: Clarendon Park Community Center, 4501 N. Clarendon

If you have questions about the demolition of this site and cannot attend the meeting, feel free to contact my office here."

Thank you to a reader for sending in the photos of last weekend's demolition of the pedestrian bridge between the two buildings.

Man Follows Food Delivery Driver Into Building, Takes Packages

We got this from a condo association president this morning telling about a brazen package theft in his building. We all know not to buzz in strangers, but the thieves are getting more cunning. Below are some hints so this doesn't happen to your building. And remind your neighbors not to let people they don't know into the building... 'tis the season, unfortunately.

"Today we were asked by a Unit Owner to determine if some packages were delivered as identified by UPS.

In reviewing our video feed, we determined that a Unit Owner had ordered food for delivery.  The delivery driver entered the building, and as he left, he had let a complete stranger into the building.

Moments later he had stolen all the packages that were left in our hallway, a total of 4 packages.

We also determined though more video review that he had tried to pick the locks the previous days.

Can you post this as a warning to others, and that people need to hold accountable food delivery companies."

Uptown Advances To Next Round of Curbed Cup Voting

Uptown beat the South Loop handily, by a two-to-one margin, in the first round of the Curbed Cup competition for best Chicago neighborhood. So it will be on to the next round soon for another 24-hour voting window. Keep your polling fingers warm!

The Latest Regarding The Men's Shelter Closure In Preston Bradley Center

From Ald. Cappleman's recent newsletter:

"UPDATE ON NORTHSIDE SHELTER CLOSING. Ald. Cappleman learned of the Northside Housing shelter's budget crisis from the organization's announcement in September after they had already made the decision to close.

By that time, the Board of Directors of the Northside Housing shelter, located at 941 W. Lawrence, made the decision to let their City contract lapse because they were unable to raise money or obtain grants for an additional $100,000 in funds needed for salary increases, staff benefits, and some infrastructure improvements.

During a meeting that our office finally secured with Northside Housing after the announcement, Alderman Cappleman offered to find the funding needed for the shelter to at least stay open through the spring, if not indefinitely, Richard Ducatenzeiler, Executive Director of Northside Housing, stated that the board had already made the decision to close.

The last day of the shelter's operations will be Friday, Dec. 23. According to the Department of Family and Support Services, less than 15 men now remain in their 72-bed shelter and all remaining men will have the option of transferring to another shelter. With the closing of this location, the Uptown community has 5 remaining shelters in the area."

Tonight Is CAPS For Beat 2024

The bimonthly CAPS meeting for Beat 2024 (the boundaries are the lake, Foster, Broadway, and Lawrence) is tonight at the Margate Park Fieldhouse, 4921 North Marine. It begins at 7pm.

CAPS is an open forum between police, businesses and residents to explore how to improve public safety, and work collaboratively and constructively to make communities safer places.

The next meeting isn't until February.

Landmark Status Approved for Uptown Square District

From the City Council today:

"Forty two structures clustered around Lawrence Avenue and Broadway in Uptown were approved as an official Chicago Landmark District by City Council today.

Characterized by highly stylized, mixed-use buildings and performance spaces, the Uptown Square District is considered one of the best-surviving commercial and entertainment districts developed in Chicago in the early part of the 20th century, according to the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, which recommended the designation in October.

Most of the contributing structures are clad or detailed in terra cotta, ranging from red and buff matte finishes to multi colored enamel and glazes in Art Deco, Venetian Gothic and Spanish Baroque Revival architectural styles. Their architects include Marshall and Fox, Rapp and Rapp, John Eberson, J.E.O. Pridemore, Walter Ahlschlager, Huszagh and Hill, and others.

Notable buildings within the district include the McJunkin Building, Riviera Theater, Aragon
Ballroom, Green Mill Gardens, Broadway-Lawrence Building, Leland Hotel, Wilson Avenue CTA station, U.S. Post Office, and others. Individually designated landmark buildings located within the district include the Uptown Theater, former Sheridan Trust and Savings Bank, and the Mutual Insurance Building.

The landmark designation will protect the exterior elevations of contributing buildings from significant alteration or demolition."

For more on Uptown Square landmarking process, see our previous posts.

Curbed Cup Voting For Uptown Has Begun!

Uptown is once again one of 16 Chicago communities up for the "Curbed Cup," awarded to the best neighborhood in Chicago. In this first round, we're up against the South Loop.  The post reads:

Similar to the last few years, this anchor of Chicago’s Far North Side has continued to evolve and see new development in 2016. Notable projects include the reopening of art deco-era Lawrence House as a new apartment complex, the opening of the Argyle shared street, and the pending redevelopment of the old Cuneo Memorial Hospital/Maryville Academy campus. A number of developers have proposed new transit-oriented developments for the neighborhood, meanwhile discussion continues on a possible landmark district to help expedite the restoration of the Uptown Theatre.

Uptown has long been a formidable Curbed Cup challenger. The neighborhood took the big win back in 2010 and 2011—will 2016 be the year that Uptown reclaims the throne?

Voting is only open for 24 hours and started Tuesday afternoon. Vote here!

CAPS Beat 1914 Meets Tonight

Beat 1914 (the area bordered by the lake, Montrose, Broadway, and Lawrence) is having its bimonthly CAPS meeting tonight at 7pm. It's held at the Clarendon Park Fieldhouse, 4501 North Clarendon. It's a chance to find out crime statistics for the past couple months in the area, speak with police officers, a representative from the alderman's office, and your neighbors about what's going on in your community and what to do to help make Uptown safer.

Santa And The CTA Holiday Train Come Through Uptown All This Week

All aboard! The CTA's Holiday train will be running on the Red and Purple Lines Tuesday through Saturday, and there's an additional Purple Line run through Uptown on Thursday, December 22nd. Here's the schedule to ride and/or see it:

Tuesday, December 13 (Red Line):

• The train is scheduled to leave Howard going southbound at 2:43. It will get to Argyle at 2:57; Lawrence at 2:59; Wilson at 3:00; and Sheridan at 3:02.
• It will make the loop around downtown, and coming northbound, it's scheduled to be at Sheridan at 5:13; Wilson at 5:15; Lawrence at 5:16; and Argyle at 5:18.

Wednesday, December 14 (Purple Line):

• The train is scheduled to leave Howard going southbound at 4:07. It will get to its next stop, Belmont, at 4:20. No stops, but it will come through Uptown between those times.
• The train is scheduled to leave Belmont going northbound at 5:10. It will get to its next stop, Howard, at 5:25. No stops, but it will come through Uptown between those times.

Thursday, December 15 (Red Line):

• The train is scheduled to leave Howard going southbound at 3:13. It will get to Argyle at 3:27; Lawrence at 3:29; Wilson at 3:30; and Sheridan at 3:33.
• It will make the loop around downtown, and coming northbound, it's scheduled to be at Sheridan at 5:39; Wilson at 5:42; Lawrence at 5:43; and Argyle at 5:45.

Friday, December 16 (Purple Line):

• The train is scheduled to leave Howard going southbound at 4:35. It will get to its next stop, Belmont, at 4:49. No stops, but it will come through Uptown between those times.
• The train is scheduled to leave Belmont going northbound at 5:38. It will get to its next stop, Howard, at 5:53. No stops, but it will come through Uptown between those times.

Saturday, December 17 (Red Line) with photo ops*:

• The train is scheduled to leave Howard going southbound at 12:16. It will get to Argyle at 12:29; Lawrence at 12:31; Wilson at 12:32; and Sheridan at 12:34.
• It will make the loop around downtown, and coming northbound, it's scheduled to be at Sheridan at 3:53; Wilson at 3:56; Lawrence at 3:57; and Argyle at 3:59.
• The train is scheduled to leave Howard going southbound at 6:20. It will get to Argyle at 6:33; Lawrence at 6:35; Wilson at 6:36; and Sheridan at 6:38.
• It will make the loop around downtown, and coming northbound, it's scheduled to be at Sheridan at 8:43; Wilson at 8:46; Lawrence at 8:47; and Argyle at 8:49.
• *Photo Opps:  CTA says, "Get your photo taken with Santa at Linden (Purple Line), Howard (Red Line) and 95th/Dan Ryan (Red Line) on this day.

  • Purple Line at Linden: 4:45pm–5:30pm
  • Red Line at Howard: 11:15am-noon
  • Red Line at 95th/Dan Ryan: 1:45pm-2:30pm"

Thursday, December 22 (Purple Line):

• The train is scheduled to leave Howard going southbound at 4:07. It will get to its next stop, Belmont, at 4:20. No stops, but it will come through Uptown between those times.
• The train is scheduled to leave Belmont going northbound at 5:10. It will get to its next stop, Howard, at 5:25. No stops, but it will come through Uptown between those times.

Remember the CTA's advice about picking it up at one of the terminal stops, and getting in a car not in the center of the train to be able to enjoy it fully.  The entire schedule is here.

Dollop Coming To Clark Street?

Dollop coffee shop started out in Uptown 11 years ago, and it looks like it may be adding another store here soon.

According to business permits filed last week and referenced made available at BuildZoom, a new coffee shop will open at 5060 North Clark, at Carmen. A source tells us that the owner is Daniel Weiss and that the coffee shop is Dollop.

It will join Jet's Pizza, which is also scheduled to open at 5058 North Clark, in the new building that replaced Tokyo Marina last year.

Jesus Ortiz, Missing Since September, Found On West Side

An Uptown family received some long-hoped-for news this evening.

The family of Jesus Ortiz has been frantic since he disappeared from his home on the 4500 block of Sheridan late one night in September. Mr. Ortiz has a disability that renders him non-communicative, although he can hear.

Saturday afternoon the CPD released a photo and description of a "John Doe" found unconscious on the West Side. He was found last Monday lying on the ground at a bus stop, wearing multiple layers of clothing. He was brought to Loretto Hospital, where he regained consciousness, but was non-communicative.

One line of the release stood out: "Subject seems to respond better when spoken to in Spanish as opposed to English." The height matched that of Mr. Ortiz, although "John Doe" was bald and weighed about 20 lbs less than Mr. Ortiz did when he went missing.

We called the CPD's North Side Special Victims Unit and asked them if John Doe could be Mr. Ortiz. They told us that they had received many calls making that connection, and that it was, indeed, he.

It's not the ideal circumstances under which his family had hoped he would be found, but he is now identified and alive. We may never know where he was during those three months, from whom he got clothing, how he got to the West Side, or who shaved his head.

But he is alive, and hopefully will soon be home. His family no longer has to wonder where he is. We can't imagine how relieved they are, and we are happy for them.

Holiday Pop-Up Market Saturday, 3pm-9pm

Snow? Who cares when you're shopping close to home! Going on from 3pm to 9pm today, the Base Line Holiday Pop-Up Market at the Argyle Red Line. Food, vendors, entertainment, and fun. The Facebook event page is here.

Maryville Pedestrian Bridge Likely To Be Removed This Weekend

If you park along Clarendon between Montrose and Agatite, you will need to find another spot for the weekend. A reader sends us these photos showing the Maryville Pedestrian Bridge that crosses over Clarendon and the signs recently put up stating no parking from 12:01PM on Saturday till just before noon on Sunday, all suggesting bridge demolition. We are also told the sewers have been covered to prevent demolition debris from getting into the sewers.

Proposed Zoning Change For Vintage Building At Leland & Sheridan

Leland/Sheridan as it looks today

Proposed building elevation along Leland

For years, we have admired the classic red brick building at the southwest corner of Leland and Sheridan with the terra cotta faces on it. It has been through a lot in the past couple decades. A slumlord ran it into the ground. It was classified as a problem building and was in Housing Court for six years. It was foreclosed on; the bank that owned it took several years to rehab it into an inhabitable state.

Now there is a community meeting scheduled to discuss a zoning change requested by Sarah's Circle's which would involve razing it and putting a new seven-story building in its place.

We would hate to see that happen to this vintage building (aka 1001-1017 West Leland and 4654 North Sheridan). We think highly of Sarah's Circle, and would like to see them continue to expand and grow in Uptown. But surely there are better locations that would not involve the destruction of an attractive rehabbed building that goes back nearly a century?

• 4921 North Sheridan, the site of the long-gone Vietnamese supermarket, comes to mind. 
• So does 4445 North Sheridan, the now-shuttered Unique Thrift Store site.

The community meeting will be held on Monday, December 12, at 7pm, at Sarah's Circle, 4838 North Sheridan.

Per Truman Square Neighbors' Facebook page:

"You are invited to attend a community meeting hosted by Alderman Cappleman that will take place next Monday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Sarah’s Circle located at 4838 N Sheridan Rd.

Background: Sarah's Circle is expanding their physical footprint to serve more women. The agreement to purchase their adjacent property that the community agreed to up-zone in February fell through.They are now purchasing a property farther south at 4654 N. Sheridan at the southeast corner of Sheridan and Leland. Alderman Cappleman would like your feedback on the proposal to up-zone this property for this project.

The architects, Perkins + Will will be there to discuss the purpose of the zoning change, the new design, and answer any questions you may have regarding the current and proposed buildings. I have attached the plans, including the front (Sheridan) and north (Leland) elevations. Additionally, Kathy Ragnar, Executive Director of Sarah's Circle, other staff, and board members will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have about the organization and their programs."

You can see full architectural plans of the proposed new building in the comments of that post.

Buena Park CAPS Meets Tonight

The bimonthly CAPS meeting for Beat 1915, which includes the Buena Park area (Irving Park to Montrose, Clark to the lake), will take place tonight at 6:30pm. The meeting venue will be The Shift, 4101 North Broadway.

Tonight's meeting will offer a special "Seasonal Crime Trends" presentation.

In a news release, Buena Park Neighbors says, "At CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) meetings you get to talk with the police officers who work in your neighborhood and work together with the police, other neighbors, local businesses and community organizations to improve public safety and work collaboratively and constructively to make Buena Park a safer place."

Girl, 13, Missing From Uptown Hospital

Please help spread the word! A 13-year-old girl, JAHAIRA OZUNA, has gone missing from an Uptown health care facility on the 4700 block of Clarendon. She is 13 years old, 4'4" tall, and weighs 110 lbs. She is Latina, with black hair, brown eyes, and an olive complexion.

She is believed to have left the hospital wearing only a blue hospital gown and was barefoot. She may be in the company of other juveniles and is a ward of the state. Jahaira was last seen on Tuesday, December 6th.

If you can help with any information about her whereabouts or if you've seen her, please call 9-1-1 or the CPD's Special Victims Unit at (312) 744-8266.

Roller Skate With Santa At Margate Park

Santa is making his traditional stop at Margate Park on Friday, December 16th, to go roller skating with local residents. For just $5, you get food and an hour of skating with the big guy himself. Skates are provided for those who don't have their own.

"Holiday fun in the park! Join us for our annual Roller Skating with Santa! It's the place to be this holiday season. Event includes popcorn, hot dog and a drink.

Price is a entrance fee and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Indoor Roller skating event in the gym. Skates provided from sizes 2-13 but if you have your own please bring them.

Friday, December 16, 2016 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Margate Park Fieldhouse 
4921 N. Marine Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60640
(312) 742-7522

Fee: $5.00
Age Range: 5 and up"

Click here to register.

Uptown United Throws Holiday Bash Tonight

You are invited... to the Uptown United Holiday Party, tonight at the Bridgeview Bank. It takes place between 5pm and 7pm. "Enjoy complimentary light food, libations and great company!"

If you haven't seen the gorgeous rotunda of the original lobby, you really should take the opportunity tonight. It's been featured in many movies, including Dillinger, and the entire bank lobby has been restored to the way it was in years past.

It's also a chance to do some good for two great organizations, by bringing clothing, food, and toiletries.  "Uptown has a proud history of helping those in need. We hope you'll join us this year in bringing a donation to assist two worth organizations serving the Uptown neighborhood: Sarah's Circle and Lakeview Pantry."  You can see the lists of most-needed items here, everything from cough drops to yarn to meat ravioli.

Hope to see you tonight!

Wilson Avenue Of Yesteryear Makes Brief Return For Filming

"Robby's Communications" has been transformed into "Blazes" Strip Club

If you were among the few that still long for the Wilson Avenue of 1970, you are in luck, albeit for a short while.
The storefront that is home to "Robby's Communications" at 1128 W. Wilson has been transformed into "Blazes" strip club which apparently carries the distinction of being Chicago's best in live adult entertainment.
Did someone pull a fast one in getting a strip club approved on Wilson Avenue? All signs point to no. There is a cherry picker on site, used for exterior camera shots and the signage looks very temporary. With all of the filming taking place in Uptown recently, the Wilson Men's Club must have fit the bill when a location scout was looking for a place to set a strip club.

Update: The upcoming drama "Chicago Justice" filmed in this location earlier today.

Meet The Commander Tonight at 19th District Police Station

Photo courtesy of
Our Urban Times

The 19th District police district, which includes all of Uptown south of Lawrence Avenue, recently got a new commander, Marc Buslik. Cmdr. Buslik has been with CPD for more than 35 years. He was formerly the commander of the district covering Logan Square and was most recently the liaison to the Department of Justice in its probe of the CPD.

You are invited to an open house at the station tonight to meet him, between 6pm and 8pm. 

The station is located at 835 West Addison Street, just west of Halsted. There is free public parking in the parking structure (take the driveway between the station and the parking structure to enter, don't use the pay lot unless you want to pay).

And So It Begins

Not only has demo equipment moved to Maryville, per our earlier post, but around 2:30 this afternoon, demolition began on the circa 1950s and 1960s buildings on the site. It's been a long decade in the making, but a lot of hard work by both Aldermen Helen Shiller and James Cappleman has led to this moment. We look forward to seeing new residents and retailers on this property, which has been vacant and tax-exempt for so many years.

Thank you to reader PF sharing this.

Demolition Equipment Moves In On Maryville

The scene outside the former Maryville site today

A reader sends us this photo showing demolition equipment in place on the far western side of the Maryville site. Do we see a wrecking ball? Cue Miley!

Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

Envisions' Kathryn Kruger Center at 4919 N. Clark

News from the North Uptown Neighbors Block Club (NUNA):

"I'm delighted to share that Envision Unlimited was just awarded $750 from the Andersonville SSA to create a border fence for their therapeutic garden at the Kruger Center. This funding was matched by the kind folks at The Sofo Tap, located just next door.

Located at 4717 N. Clark, the Envision's Kruger Center serves as a day center for adults with autism and developmental disabilities. With a $5,000 grant from United Airlines, the North Uptown Neighbors Association (NUNA) turned an asphalt lot into a new green space back in 2014.

Since that time, the garden has suffered from dog and human foot traffic. The funds from the SSA and The Sofo Tap will allow NUNA and Envision to install a border fence to help protect the plants for the clients to tend and enjoy. Many thanks to our generous neighbors for their help!"

Holiday Goodies Now Available At Baker & Nosh

Need a gift or stocking stuffer? Look no futher than Uptown's own Baker & Nosh for all of your

B&N's Gingerbread & Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

holiday noshing needs, located at Wilson and Malden:

--Mini Gingerbread Cakes: $10 
These cakes come wrapped in cellophane and tied with a bow.

--Gingerbread & Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies: 3 for $2.00
 Just like the ones grandma made, one bite of these cookies will get you in the holiday spirit. These seasonal cookies can be mixed and matched with other cookie varieties on the bakery’s menu.

--Baker & Nosh Mug and Chocolate Dipped Biscotti: $20 
A classic Baker & Nosh mug filled with four chocolate dipped biscotti, wrapped in cellophane and tied with a bow.

--Nougat: $6
This traditional Christmas treat includes six pieces, wrapped in cellophane and tied with a bow. In addition – the bakery will also be offering their popular pumpkin pies and dinner rolls the week before Christmas (Monday the 19th through Saturday the 24th.) The 9 inch pies are $20 each and a tray of 16 rolls is $12. Both will be available in store, but preorder is strongly encouraged.