The Last Argyle Night Market Of The Year Is This Evening

All good things must come to an end, and so tonight we bid farewell to the Argyle Night Market, which has its 2017 finale tonight.

Be sure to come out to Sheridan and Argyle between 5pm and 9pm for the usual fine selection of vendors offering food, drinks, services, and goods.

There will be face painting for kids, thanks to Sen. Heather Steans' sponsorship.

The lion dancers and youth troupe of the Chinese Mutual Aid Association will be performing throughout the night.

As usual, the last Night Market of the year is dedicated to the memory of John "Vietnam" Nguyen, a hip-hop artist and social activist who left his mark on the Argyle community. (You can read more about the JVN Project here.)

The evening's entertainment will reflect John's passions and mission:

• Kuumba Lynx youth arts development organization;
• Elephant Rebellion, formed after John's passing; and
• Connect Force, who will be break dancing.

Lake Michigan Water Rescue Attempted Overnight, Man's Body Found This Morning

A sad outcome to an event in nearby Edgewater that woke up many of our readers last night.

There was a water rescue attempted for a missing swimmer in the lake about 1am. A man and woman entered the water at Hollywood Ardmore Beach. The water was rough, and the woman was able to return to shore, but could see that her companion was struggling.

Rescue teams, including divers, helicopters, ambulances, and fire trucks, arrived on the scene, as documented in the video shot by reader JK, near Bryn Mawr. However, they were forced to abandon their search due to the high waves and strong rip currents.

When the search resumed this morning at dawn, the man's body was found on the beach near the 700 block of Foster. He was 55 years old, and his name has not yet been released. Our condolences to his family and friends.

New Orleans Seafood Comes to Argyle Street

When you think of Argyle Street, chances are that Louisiana-style cuisine isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But a new restaurant wants to change that.

New Orleans Seafood opened its doors last week in a soft opening. Its Grand Opening takes place on Friday, September 1st. It specializes in fresh seafood, served up New Orleans-style, priced according to the market price each day. If you want some spirits with your meal, it's a BYOB restaurant, so having Foremost Liquors next door is handy, indeed.

New Orleans Seafood is located at 1046½ West Argyle, between La Patisserie P and  Foremost Liquors (between Kenmore and Winthrop). Hours are 3pm-10pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 11am-10pm on Sunday and Monday. They are closed on Wednesdays.

Welcome to Uptown, New Orleans Seafood! The menu is below.

"Majestic" Building To Return Much More Majestic

The framed foundation for the upcoming Majestic Building

When the CTA dismantled the former Majestic Menswear Building (constructed as the H.W. Rubloff Building) the plan was always for the terracotta to be restored and return to the reconstructed "storefront." The shell of the building will be used to conceal the support columns for the new tracks overhead. Time had not been kind to the small storefront. It certainly was much more majestic in its early days.

Now work has begun on the reconstruction, at the NE corner of Broadway and Leland.

As you can see from the photo,
the foundation is framed and waiting to be poured. The CTA tells Uptown Update that over 80% of the original white and blue terracotta pieces were restored and the remaining 20% will be cast new to match what was there before. Black glazed brick will fill the former "windows" of the storefront. Plans are in place for art to be displayed, or to be used for neighborhood event announcements.

Gerber Building Gets Refaced

The western face of the Gerber Building from Wilson Avenue

Several readers wondered what the plans were for the western face of the Gerber Building, as well as the facade along Wilson where the new station entrance just opened. The newly constructed cinder block walls are being faced in tiles that will be painted to match the facade of the historic Gerber Building. Terracotta restoration is also beginning along the Broadway side of the building. The changes are really amazing to see!

Drink Up! Fat Cat Does Fundraiser For McCutcheon School

What's Happening At Uptown Lounge In September

Click each image to enlarge.

Still Some Movies In The Park During the Upcoming Month

Summer may be drawing to a close, but there are still outdoor movies to be enjoyed in Uptown:

• Thursday, August 31st. National Treasure. A historian races to find the legendary Templar Treasure before a team of mercenaries. Chase Park, 4701 N Ashland, approx. 7:25pm (dusk).
• Saturday, September 2nd. Chicago Onscreen Local Film Showcase. This unique showcase of homegrown talent and hometown stories brings the Windy City to the forefront of one of Chicago's favorite summertime film traditions. Chase Park, 4701 N Ashland, approx. 8pm (dusk).
• Thursday, September 7th. Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The third time is the charm! Pray for no rain! Buena Park Circle, Buena and Kenmore, approx. 7pm (dusk).
• Saturday, September 30th. Hidden Figures. The story of a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. Buttercup Park, Sheridan and Ainslie, at dusk.

Art Exhibition Debuts At Uptown Arcade

Enjoy the collected works of local artist Jason Wexler at the Uptown Arcade. Buy some drinks, bring in some food, play video games for free, and check out the art. Not a bad deal!

CPS Students Get Free Admission to Chicago Museums This Week

Mayor Emanuel and Museums In the Park today announced free admission for CPS students to many of the city’s top cultural institutions. From August 27 through September 2, twelve different museums will welcome CPS students with free general admission. Last year over 3500 students took advantage of the opportunity.

All CPS students will be eligible for free general admission with proof of student ID or a copy of their spring 2017 school report card.

Museums will also grant students free admission for one adult to accompany them, with some sites providing free entrance for the entire family. Visit individual museum websites for details.

Participating museums include:

• Adler Planetarium. Website: www.adlerplanetarium.org
• Art Institute of Chicago. Website: www.artic.edu
• Chicago History Museum. Website: www.chicagohistory.org
• The DuSable Museum of African American History. Website: www.dusablemuseum.org
• The Field Museum. Website: www.fieldmuseum.org
• Lincoln Park Zoo. Website: www.lpzoo.org (Free anyway, but worth a shout-out)
• Museum of Contemporary Art. Website: www.mcachicago.org
• Museum of Science & Industry. Website: www.msichicago.org
• National Museum of Mexican Art. Website: www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org
• National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture. Website: www.nmprac.org
• Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Website: www.naturemuseum.org
• Shedd Aquarium. Website: www.sheddaquarium.org

The Latest On Wilson Red Line Construction

After three years, work on the Wilson Red Line project is drawing to an end. Just a few more weeks until completion of the tracks and station! These are the latest closures and progress report their representative has sent us:

"Things are moving at a fast pace in advance of the fall station opening.

After Friday night's closure, we are anticipating more night work over the weekend of 9/15-9/17,  in order to put the finishing touches on new track 4.

Street & Sidewalk Work

• The new sidewalks on the east side of Broadway are complete, less for a portion at the corner of Leland & Broadway.
• The focus this week has been on preparing Wilson Avenue for new asphalt pavement, which should be placed on Tuesday, 8/29. The 24/7 Wilson Street closure will remain in place through the end of the day Monday. Then, it will be a daily 9am-4pm street closure – Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. After that, we don’t foresee any further Wilson full closures.  
• Next week, the focus will be back on the west side of Broadway. The sidewalk between Clifton and Leland will be completed by the end of the week. We are still on track to get the west half of Broadway between Wilson and Leland paved by 9/8, at which time we will demolish and pave the east half.

Painting

• We will have Broadway closed through Sunday evening to allow for the painter to apply protective paint to the track steel that passes over Broadway.  Black curtains will be draped from the track steel down to street level to safely enclose the painting work area.

Track Work

• Broadway will be closed daily 9am-4pm next week Monday through Thursday to allow for us to complete the new track installation."

The Penultimate 2017 Argyle Night Market Is Tonight

Only two more left this year! And the weather is perfect tonight.

Come enjoy freshly prepared food, local vendors, and multi-cultural entertainment each Thursday night through August 31 from 5pm-9pm on the city’s first and only shared street in Chicago, at Sheridan and Argyle.

Tonight there is a PlayStreet on the 4900 block of Kenmore between 5pm and 8pm.

• "August 24th Market Vendors:
  48th Ward — Axis Lab — Cafe Hoang — Chinese Mutual Aid Association — Eternal Harmony Vegan Soaps — Everybody's Coffee — Families Together Cooperative Nursery School — Family House Chinese Restaurant — First Sip Cafe — Fonseca Martial Arts — Immm Rice & Beyond — Kent M. Lucaccioni, Ltd. — Kie Gol Lanee Kyoto Black — La Tribu Artesania — League of Chicago Theatres — Magic Circle Crepes — MetroRyde Technology — Mystic Visions Spiritual Gallery — Nha Hang Viet Nam — Pho Xe Lua — Phoenix Bean LLC — South-East Asia Center — Tai Nam Market — Thorek Memorial Hospital — Tina’s Chicago — Uptown Brownie — Uptown United — Upwardly Global — Yoberri Gourmet.
• Kids on Argyle: PlayStreet Chicago has supervised play on the 4900 block of Kenmore between 5pm and 8pm.  
• Entertainment:

• 6pm: Martial Arts Demonstration by Fonseca Martial Arts. Created by Elisa Au Fonseca and John Fonseca, Fonseca Martial Arts' curriculum and approach are designed to work with people of all levels of skill and fitness from beginning to advanced to bring out the best in every individual. Stop by at 6pm to check out a great martial arts demonstration!
• 7pm: Live Performance by Canasta. Boasting a six‐person line‐up, Canasta has always augmented the standard rock set-up with piano, keyboard, violin and trombone. But despite an ever‐changing roster that has included fifteen members (!), founders Matt Priest and Elizabeth Lindau continue to keep the orchestrations meticulous, the lyrics thoughtful, the melodies unforgettable and the sound uniquely “Chicagoan.” Since forming, they’ve managed to live out one rock n’ roll dream after another. They’ve toured the country—hitting CMJ and SXSW—and back at home, headlined the legendary Metro and held the prestigious Schubas residency. Check out their beats this Thursday! 

 Free Bike Valet Parking at Uptown Bikes pop-up location at 1124 W. Argyle from 5PM - 8:45PM. 

A special thank you to this week's Market sponsor: Thorek Hospital."

Care For Real Sponsors Shred Event/Fundraiser On September 23

From Ald. Osterman's newsletter:

"Shred Event in 48th Ward. The A.C.T. Group, along with CJ Jensen of Ameriprise Financial Services, will host the 4th ANNUAL SHRED EVENT to benefit Care for Real.

Each year the results have increased and in 2016 our generous community donated $1290 in cash and 600 pounds of food to Care for Real and had 1500 pounds of shred!  We hope to make 2017 an even better year!!

Please join us on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9:00-Noon in front of The A.C.T. Group’s office at 6228 N. Broadway.  And please remember to bring your shred, a cash (or check) donation and/or non-perishable food (EXPIRED FOODS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED)."

Mental Health Service Fair, September 9 At Truman College

Buttercup Park's Movies In The Parks Continue

Enjoy Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Buttercup Park on Saturday evening. Free of course! The Facebook Event Page is here. Then save the date for Hidden Figures on Saturday, September 30th. Thank you to all the event sponsors and curator Victor Herrera for a wonderful summer of movies.

20th District Neighborhood Watch/Positive Loitering

The 20th Police District (north of Lawrence) will be sponsoring an evening of community and safety in collaboration with the local block clubs and the residents living in their boundaries:

"Neighborhood Watch / Positive Loitering (NW/PL)
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
8:00pm

Please come out to help keep our neighborhood safe and enjoy some time with your neighbors.

Locations:

• Gunnison Block Club: (NE corner of Gunnison & Sheridan)
• Castlewood Block Club: (NE corner of Castlewood & Sheridan)
• Margate Park Block Club: (NE corner of Ainslie & Sheridan)
• Kenmore/Winthrop Block Club: (SW corner of Ainslie & Kenmore)"

Mural Rededication/Book Sale At Bezazian Branch Library On September 16

The Sea of Knowledge mural when it was new, in the mid 1970s, with young Bezazian patrons

Ready to buy more books for fabulous prices? And see the rededication of the first mural ever to grace the outside of any Chicago Public Library branch?

On Saturday, September 16th, the Bezazian Branch Library will hold its second book sale of the year, with hundreds of books at rock-bottom prices, between 10am and 2pm.

But it's also bringing back some of its history in its 60th year, with the rededication of The Sea of Knowledge, its mural that dates back to 1974 and has been painstakingly revived in recent weeks.

Both the original artist and the man who restored it will be in attendance.

"As we continue our year-long celebration of our 60 years of service to the Uptown community, we invite you to a very special event on Saturday, September 16 at 11:00 a.m. 

After decades of deterioration, we were finally able to have our 1974 mural revitalized. Archival research shows that it is the first on a Chicago Public Library building. Artist Tony Passero lovingly matched paint, deciphered images and recreated lost parts of the mural, which was originally created by artist Janis Pozzi-Johnson with a team of teens from a local community organization.

Ms. Pozzi-Johnson will be on hand for the rededication. The mural, entitled The Sea of Knowledge, celebrates the rich diversity that is Uptown.

This project was made possible through the generous support of Uptown United (SSA #34) and 46th Ward Alderman James Cappleman’s office and the efforts of the Friends of Bezazian.

Please join us in celebrating the renewal of an iconic piece of Uptown art that will be enjoyed again for, hopefully another 40+ years.

Concurrent with the dedication is a Friends booksale. Come browse, support their great work, and join the Friends of Bezazian."

Practice Makes Perfect

It was hard to miss the fact that the Air Show aircraft were doing their practice runs over Uptown on Thursday and Friday. The weirdest thing to us is always that the planes are out of sight by the time the roar of the engines hits. Luckily, long-time Uptown resident Bob Skutnick had his camera ready and shot the amazing photos below. He describes himself as "just an enthusiastic hobby photographer," but we think they're some of the best pictures we've seen. You can click on each one to enlarge it.

Business Partners Invites You To Their August Backyard BBQ/Member Mixer

"Join us on Tuesday, August 22 for our annual Member Mixer BBQ & Annual Meeting! Meet other business owners and community members while enjoying light food and drinks provided by our host, The SMB Help Desk.

It's a backyard barbecue with some business mixed in. We'll have burgers, brats, hot dogs, and cold drinks.

To RSVP, please click here!"

Electronic Recycling Date In September

From Ald. Osterman's newsletter:

"Electronic Waste Recycling 
 Saturday, September 9, 9am - Noon
 48th Ward Streets and Sanitation Yard
 5853 N. Broadway

The Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project (EESP) together with the 48th Ward is sponsoring an electronics recycling event.  Recyclable items include:

• Computers
• Flat-screen displays
• Audio systems
• Game consoles
• Cell phones
• Other electronic equipment

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) displays–including computer monitors and large tube TVs, will not be accepted. There will also be an on-site survey of other potential recyclables (flags, eyeglasses, etc.) for Spring 2018. If you have questions about the electronics recycling or to volunteer to help with the event, contact either EESP’s Allen Stryczek at astryczek@sbcglobal.net or Ally Brisbin from the 48th Ward at ally@48thward.org."

To Infinity And Beyond!

Some Uptowners had their cameras handy during practice runs of the Air and Water Show, and shared their photos to Uptown Update's Facebook page.

Matthew S Parrilli

Ivan Sagel

Matthew S Parrilli

Construction To Begin On Lawrence & Wilson Viaducts September 18

Notice posted at the Wilson Avenue viaduct at Lake Shore Drive

CDOT posted notices at both Lawrence and Wilson Avenue viaducts stating that the long overdue reconstruction of the crumbling bridges will commence on Monday, September 18. 

When construction is completed in March, expect new bridges that look strikingly similar to the original bridges constructed back in the 1930s. There will even be added bike lanes that will add safe passage for the many cyclists who travel to and from the lakefront.

We've posted for years about the horrible state of our Uptown viaducts and are thrilled that they are finally getting rebuilt. More details on what to expect during construction as it becomes available.

Park District Eclipse Viewing Parties

As we posted earlier, Adler Planetarium and the Park District are holding eclipse viewing parties on Monday between 11am and 3pm. They will distribute viewing glasses while supplies last. In Uptown, the eclipse party will be at Clarendon Park.

If you'd like to see what other options are available in the areas surrounding Uptown, you can check out:

• Berger Park (6205 N Sheridan)
• Hamlin Park (3035 N Hamlin)
• Revere Park (2509 W Irving Park)
• Adams Park (1919 N Seminary)
• Lincoln Park Cultural Center (2045 N Lincoln Park West)

The entire list is here.

Free Circus Fun At Chase This Sunday, 2pm-4pm

Chase Park is located at Ashland and Lelsmd.

Vintage Garage Is This Sunday, and Love Is In The Air As Vintage Weddings Are Featured

It's been a great season so far for Vintage Garage, Chicago's only monthly all-vintage marketplace. This Sunday is a special, and new, theme: VINTAGE WEDDINGS!

Check out dresses, place settings, cake toppers, jewelry, guest books, and more, all part of ceremonies and celebrations from days gone by.

Vintage Garage takes place on the 3rd Sunday of each month at the parking structure at 5051 North Broadway. Admission is $5 and there are more than 100 vendors showing off their vintage wares. It opens at 10am and runs until 5pm.

There are two more Vintage Garages scheduled for 2017, so be sure to save the dates:

• September 17 - Theme: Retro Chicago
• October 15 - Theme: Record Ramp and Season Finale

Buena Park Neighbors Fall Concert in the Park Draws Large Crowd

On Thursday evening, Buena Circle Park was packed with more than 100 residents who ate their picnic dinners and listened to Wall of Denial, a Stevie Ray Vaughn cover band.

Photos and short videos (Dancing with the Younger Stars) from the event are here.

Next event is the rain-postponed showing of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, on Thursday, September 7th.

Bella 'Mbriana Closes, Promises New Experience (And We Have A Cunning Plan)

Unfortunately, this sign went up at Bella 'Mbriana a week or so ago. We loved Bella's food and coffee, and hope a "new experience" is on the way.

You know what we'd love to see? A collaboration between the talents behind Baker & Nosh and Bella. There's a great kitchen and welcoming space, a proven popular product, and a free parking lot. With Baker & Nosh's future up in the air, maybe a partnership with Bella is a possibility? Think about it, fellas!

Bike to Books Family Ride Saturday Morning

Join the best all-ages bike ride of the year! You are invited to join in the Bike to Books Family Ride on Saturday at 9:30am starting at the Edgewater Branch (6000 N. Broadway) and ending at the Bezazian Branch (1226 W. Ainslie) with snacks, a DJ, line dancing and book giveaways in the Bezazian parking lot. See the Bezazian's new Biblio Bike (pictured above), ridden for the first time!

For more information, check out the Facebook Events Page.

What's That Sound? Probably Air Show Practice

A gentle reminder, particularly to those who may be new to Chicago, that the Air & Water Show takes place this weekend, and the aircraft practice their moves in advance. Thursday and Friday prior to the show are rehearsal days.

If you hear loud and low-flying jets around Uptown, it's likely not anything nefarious. They practice over the lake, so we have a front-row seat for some of their warm-ups. This year's show will feature the Harrier II and the Navy's Blue Angels.

There may be loud noises Saturday and Sunday as the planes leave for their next destinations and create sonic booms.

The actual show takes place between Navy Pier and Fullerton, with North Avenue Beach being the prime viewing spot.

George Maher Sheridan Road Mansion Sells, To Be Rehabbed

Just 12 days after the George Maher-designed home at 4506 Sheridan Road went on the market in June, it went under contract. The sale closed on Tuesday, according to Crain's. Uptown family-owned apartment rental company Slater Realty & Investments bought it, and according to the realtor, plans a full rehab.

In the past 120 years or so, the home has at various times been a private residence, a restaurant, a homeless shelter, and a funeral home. It is described as being in rough condition, with some beautiful original elements remaining. We look forward to seeing its next incarnation, and we are delighted to hear it will be restored.

See Crain's for more details of the sale, and Uptown Update's June post for a more detailed history of the home.

Watch The Great American Eclipse From Clarendon Park

timeanddate.com

The Chicago Park District is holding Eclipse Viewing Parties at 20 Chicago parks, including Clarendon (4501 North Clarendon). It will begin at 11am and go until 3pm on Monday, August 21st.

"Children and entire families are invited to see and experience this exciting celestial event with the use of special viewing glasses that will be provided by the Adler Planetarium, while supplies last."

Chicago is not in the path of totality, but will see 89% of a full eclipse. The eclipse will begin at 11:54am and end at 2:42pm, with maximum darkness taking place at 1:19pm.

(You know this, but whatever you do, don't look at the sun without glasses. Really, don't.)

Night Market Greeters and People-Counters Sought

From Uptown United:

"Hello Uptown Volunteers!

Our 5th annual Argyle Night Market is nearing the end of its season (only 3 markets left!).  The group that has been providing volunteers all season is unable to cover these last few markets, so we could really use your help.

We’re looking for volunteers to greet visitors and assist with pedestrian counts at each of the entrances to the market. Shifts are from 5-7pm or 7-9pm. All volunteers will receive an Argyle Night Market t-shirt.

Click here for details and to register!"

Men At Work

As seen today, new sidewalks are going in near the new tracks on the 4600 block of Broadway. Just a few more months until the long Wilson Red Line project reaches completion. We look forward to the repaved street as well.

New Exterior, New Restaurant Coming To Argyle

August 2017

August 2016 (via Google Streetview)

A reader sent in the "after" photo taken at 1113 West Argyle (immediately west of Luck Foods) above, and said, " I don’t know if the inside is also being renovated or if Vinh Phat is going back in, but this was one ugly storefront for MANY years."

We did some poking around and found out that the building has been awarded a Curb Appeal Rebate Grant by Uptown United, which is the reason for the exterior improvements. A new tenant named Hong Nyu, a restaurant specializing in Vietnamese street food, will open in the space.

You can see the huge difference made when Hai Yen got a Curb Appeal Rebate Grant last year. Check it out here.

Thank you to reader MW for the heads up.

Killer Clowns and Spawn Come To Trash Movie Night At Fat Cat

More information is on the Facebook event page.

Broadway Gets New Street Paving and Sidewalks; Southbound Lanes To Close Between Wilson & Leland Through September

click to enlarge

The end is in sight, at long last. Just a couple more months remain until the Grand Opening of the reconstructed Wilson Red Line Station. CTA is finishing up, but this phase includes street and sidewalk closures as they get replaced and repaved.

You may have noticed that Broadway has been getting new sidewalks in the area of the station. There will  be street repaving done as well, which will mean big changes for drivers through the end of September.

Here's what's next, and the associated closures:

• Track Work. 

• The installation of track on the elevated steel structure is progressing nicely. CTA will require three more days of full Broadway closure to complete this work, August 14th through August 16th, 9am-4pm.

• Sidewalk Replacement. 

• The first phase of the sidewalk installation is completed, on the east side of Broadway between Wilson and Leland.

• This week, CTA will be continuing with the remainder of the sidewalk and curb on the east side of Broadway – pedestrians will use the new sidewalk in the meantime.

• CTA will also begin removing and installing sidewalk on the west side of Broadway (by Ace, Verizon, Spoil Me). This operation will be similar to what occurred on the east side last week. CTA hopes to have sidewalk closest to the buildings poured on Thursday. After that, they will continue by commencing street work.

• Street Work/Broadway Southbound Closure

• As CTA workers begin placing new asphalt on Broadway between Leland and Wilson, they will set up a southbound lane closure. It will resemble the image above. 

• Initially, the work area will be on the West side of Broadway, so the northbound-only traffic will be shifted to the east. 

• When the pavement on the west side of Broadway is complete, we will shift the northbound-only traffic to the west, onto the new pavement, and complete the east half of Broadway.

• This northbound-only traffic pattern will be in place around the clock starting Tuesday, August 15th through September 29th. Clifton will also be closed off during this time.

Senn Alumni Picnic Over Labor Day

For our readers who are long-time residents and who went to Senn (the community high school for Uptown before Uplift was created in 2005).

There will be a picnic for Senn alumni (all classes, not matter how recent or distant) and faculty over the Labor Day weekend.

It's only $5 to attend, and kids are free.

Show that Bulldog Spirit! More information is here.