State Denies Funding For Sarah's Circle Move Down The Block

UU Note:
Sarah's Circle already has a permanent location at 4838 N. Sheridan where they do great work, as well as a shelter rented in the ICA Building. We are thankful that they will be able to remain in Uptown in their 2 current locations, but it appears the expansion planned at Sheridan & Leland will not be happening. 

The proposed site of the Sarah's Circle expansion at Sheridan & Leland

Via Truman Square Neighbors Facebook:

"Board members of Truman Square Neighbors and residents from Lakeside Area Neighbors' Association attended this morning's meeting of IHDA (Illinois Housing Development Authority). Decisions were announced for which organizations would be granted funds for their development projects – Sarah's Circle was applying for approximately $14,000,000 for their project.
Three City of Chicago developments were approved for funds, as were 17 other developments throughout the state. The Sarah's Circle proposal WAS NOT awarded grant funds. According to the purchase agreement between Sarah's Circle and the property owner, upon this decision, the property can be re-listed for sale.

The TSN board will watch this situation for any further news or developments, and will continue to monitor the status of this building."

Unique Pets Found In Chicago FLATS Apartments

(courtesy Chicago FLATS)

Chicago isn't just home to trendy humans, these pets are living luxurious lives in these trendy, affordable apartments.

Charlie the English Bullterrier

Charlie the English Bullterrier is the loving fur-son of Brian and Trent who live in The Lawrence House in Uptown, Chicago. Charlie enjoys being the boss of his duplex. The Lawrence House and all of the FLATS® buildings are pet-friendly, and are home to many adorable four-legged residents.

Louie the long-haired Chihuahua

Louie is a 3-year-old long-haired Chihuahua who lives at the newly renovated former Otis Elevator Company with his owners Samantha and Kevin. Aside from having a sweet view of downtown from his loft, there is also a public park across the street, which makes Louie bark with joy, as he loves taking walks around the Pilsen neighborhood.

Theodore the Hedgehog

Theodore is a 2-1/2 year old Hedgehog who also lives at Lawrence House in Uptown. He doesn't let being nocturnal keep him from enjoying all that Lawrence House has to offer. His owners, Taylor and Aria, say he is a bit grumpy, but maybe he just needs a night out at Larry's, the lobby bar.

Lady Louise

Lady Louise Michael is the landlady of Lawrence House. She loves being seen in the hotel-style lobby, open to the community, the design incorporates pieces from many local Chicago businesses, such as the 15’ table with USB ports for getting some work done with a cup of coffee from Heritage Outpost. Lady Louise loves welcoming in residents and community members who come to enjoy the space, even if they sit in her favorite chair.

Priscilla the Pig

Priscilla the pig is also a resident of Lawrence House. While she loves going for very slow walks, she also enjoys visiting the suburbs with her friend Napoleon the pig. Priscilla soaks up all the attention she gets walking through the lobby on her way up to sun herself on the turf of her 13th floor private duplex patio.

Get Your Caffeine Fix with Your 20th District Police On October 4th

Senior Health Fair At Weiss Hospital On October 6th

There will be flu vaccines offered by Walgreens. Please bring Medicare card or other insurance information.

Last Outdoor Movie In The Park At Buttercup Park On Saturday, September 30th

The last outdoor Movie In The Park of the year will be held on Saturday, September 30th, at Buttercup Park (Ainslie and Sheridan). It will begin at dusk (approximately 7pm). See the Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures, the story of three African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in the early days of NASA and space travel.

Bring your blankets, chairs, picnics and popcorn and enjoy the show!

The film is brought to Uptown by the Buttercup Park Advisory Council. The summer's film program was curated by Victor Herrera.

The Facebook Event Page is here.

Ora Oral Surgery Opens Its Uptown Branch On Monday

As we told you last May, Ora Oral Surgery is coming to Uptown at 4814 North Clark. The second location of the company (first location is in the South Loop) opens Monday, September 25th. You can read more about Dr. Steven Koos and his practice at Ora's website. We welcome Ora to Uptown!

Join Buena Park Neighbors Invites You to A Family Puppet Show and Clean & Green

Free Walk-In Flu Shots Are Available Beginning Next Week To Chicago Residents

Even though it's beastly hot at the moment, real winter and the flu season are coming.

As usual, the City of Chicago is offering residents free flu shots at walk-in clinics around the city, beginning next week. Here are the dates in Uptown and the surrounding areas:

• Tuesday, September 26th, 10am-2pm - 48th Ward Office, 5533 N Broadway
• Tuesday, October 3rd, 10am-2pm - 40th Ward Office, 5850 N Lincoln
• Saturday, October 14, 9am-1pm - Sulzer Library, 4455 N Lincoln
• Thursday, October 19, 11am-1pm - 19th District Police Station, 850 W Addison
• Saturday, October 28, 9am-2pm - Truman College, 1145 W Wilson (Family Flu Day)
• Thursday, November 2, 10am-1pm - Weiss Chicago Medical Group, 4700 N Marine
• Wednesday, November 8, 9am-3pm - Chicago Police Area North HQ, 2452 N Western
• There are also free walk-in flu shots available at 845 W Wilson, 2nd Level - hours are M-W-F 8:30am - 3:30pm, Tu-Th 9am-4:30pm

The entire flu shot walk-in clinic schedule, including City Hall times and dates, is available here.

Uptown Garden Walk and Presentations This Sunday

You are invited to the Institute of Cultural Affairs' Second Annual Uptown Garden Walk, on Sunday, September 24th.

The walk includes 24 gardens and trees, and you can visit them on self-guided tours or on one of the two guided tours. Scheduled activities are listed below. All tours & presentations start at ICA GreenRise, 4750 N. Sheridan Rd.

• 1PM — Presentations from local experts about urban agriculture in Uptown’s coastal zone, offering a short history of the coast, implications of climate change, and a closer look at Weiss Hospital’s Urban Rooftop Farm. This session and the following Coastal Harvest Tour is in partnership with the Out and About Uptown’s Coast series.
• 2PM — Coastal Harvest Tour complements the 1PM presentations with a focus on urban agriculture initiatives along Uptown’s inner and outer coast.
• 4PM — Tree Tour in celebration of the early fall season, led by Andrew Lueck of Planned Forest.

For self-guided tours, you can pick up a map at ICA GreenRise, 4750 N Sheridan, or Everybody’s Coffee, 935 W Wilson on September 24th between 10am and 5pm. Digital maps are forthcoming and can be found here when they are available.

The Garden Walk is free, and all are welcome to attend. RSVP is encouraged for those who plan to attend the presentations, the Coastal Harvest Tour, or the Tree Tour.

The Facebook Event Page is here.

Nibble Your Way Through Uptown Next Wednesday

The 2nd Annual Taste of Uptown takes place next Wednesday, September 27th, between 6pm and 9pm. Last year sold out, so hurry to get your tickets! They are $25 in advance, $35 at the door (if available).

Pick up your passport at Fat Cat and stroll around Uptown for an evening of nibbles and tastes at 20 different restaurants.

A portion of the profits will benefit Inspiration Corporation, an Uptown organization helping those who are homeless increase their self-sufficiency.

The route will feature small bites and samples from a variety of Uptown restaurants:

• Tesfa Ethiopian
• Fat Cat
• My Chocolate Soul (Hosted by Spoil Me Salon)
• Demera Ethiopian
• Emerald City Coffee
• Kāl’ish Short Order Vegan
• Longacre Pizza
• Everybody’s Coffee (Hosted by First Ascent Uptown)
• Provisions Uptown
• First Sip Café (Hosted by Aardvark Insurance)
• Heritage Outpost
• Immm Rice & Beyond
• Sol’s on Sheridan
• Klein’s Bakery & Cafe (Hosted by Uptown Underground)
• Selam Ethiopian Kitchen
• Fiesta Mexicana Uptown
• The Jerk Stop
• The Mukase Restaurant
• Blk Diamond Smok’s (Hosted by Uptown Underground)
• And don’t miss the after-party at Larry’s at the Lawrence House!

For more information, visit this page.

A Visit To Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine

If you'd like to try a new restaurant that's a little off the beaten path, we suggest you make your way to Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine, at 1023 West Wilson, across the street from Sonic. We tried it for the first time this week. Our only regret is that we didn't bring wine to this BYOB storefront restaurant. *More about this later.

Tesfa is owned by an Uptown-based family. They came here from a small village in Southern Ethiopia, near the Kenyan border, where they were forced to move frequently due to drought, war, and tribal conflicts. They eventually made their way to Chicago, and Uptown. The word "tesfa" means "hope" -- they explained that they always hold out hope that they are making their community better through their presence and that they are providing a safe and happy gathering place for neighbors and customers.

Tesfa is open seven days a week, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition, they hold tasting events, such as those for different types of Kenyan and Ethiopian coffee. When we first sat down, they brought out complimentary cups of delicately spiced tea, their mother's private blend.

The appetizers and entrees were delicious. We each ordered an entree consisting of three items ($10 per entree), which came combined on a tray for us to share, with plenty of injera (Ethiopian flatbread) to scoop up the food. Some parts of the meal were spicy, and some weren't at all. The spicier portions had us wishing for a nice bottle of wine to help wash them down.

There are vegetarian and meat entrees, and the description of the desserts made us decide to stop by some day soon for an "afternoon tea" of African coffee and sweets. The service was warm, attentive, and helpful.

*About the wine: Tesfa and Provisions Uptown have formed a partnership. Get your BYOB bottle at Provisions to bring to Tesfa and take 10% off.

Check out Tesfa on Yelp, Facebook, and GrubHub. Or give them a try at the upcoming Taste of Uptown on Wednesday. We very much enjoyed our first visit, and we'll be back.

Construction Begins on Structurally Deficient Lake Shore Drive Underpasses

Construction work began Monday morning, the first step in rebuilding the two dangerous viaducts at Wilson and Lawrence under Lake Shore Drive. Scaffolding is up, traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction, and the sound of jackhammers can be heard. It is estimated that the work rebuilding the viaducts will take six months to complete.

Uptown Update has been running stories about the falling chunks of concrete and hazardous conditions under and around the two viaducts for nearly ten years. The Tribune picked up the story earlier this year. We hope we never again have to post stories like this or this or this.

We look forward to bridges that are safe for all who travel under them.

A Look At The First Day Of The New Main Wilson Station Entrance

Thank you to reader PKS for sharing her photos of what it was like to commute from the new Main Entrance of the Wilson Red Line station Wednesday morning.

Frappuccinos With The Fuzz! Macchiatos With The Man!

CTA Video Of Wilson Station, Past and Present

CTA posted CTAConnections' YouTube video about today's partial opening of the Wilson Red Line station, and says:

"This morning, we opened the new main entrance to the Wilson station in Uptown! The $203M project is completely rebuilding a deteriorated and nearly century-old building that was once called CTA’s “crustiest” station.

Some work is still underway at this entrance and on other parts of the station, but we opened it early following Mayor Emanuel’s promise to the community to make the station's new elevator access available for use as soon as possible. Later this fall, we’ll complete work on the main entrance, as well as two other entrances on Broadway and Sunnyside.

Also, when we complete the ongoing platform work up top next month, Wilson will become a transfer point between Red and Purple Line--a new place to do so Howard and Belmont when Purple Line Express service is operating (Red Line trains, of course, will continue to stop here 24/7).

In addition to the work to rebuild Wilson and create a new transfer station, this massive infrastructure project also includes the reconstruction of a half-mile of tracks and structure, moving the four-track right-of-way slightly to the west and resuling in dramatic improvements to the pedestrian and street environment along Broadway.

Check out this video featuring historical photos of the old station and some way-cool drone footage taken this week."

You're Invited To A Patio Party At Lawrence House On Saturday

Larry’s at the Lawrence House (1020 W Lawrence) will be hosting a patio party this weekend. The festivities are from 4-8pm this Saturday, September 23rd and the celebration is open to the public.

Join us for a last summer hurrah at Lawrence House and dance the night away with #Feelgoodmusic Greg Gurley, or enjoy a nice cold Solemn Oath beer.

Heritage Kitchen will be manning the grill offering, BBQ Chicken or Pork including 2 sides and the Larry’s daily cocktail all for $15. FLATS residents can also enjoy free s’mores throughout the night. www.larryschicago.com

Rosh Hashanah Services To Be Held Thursday Evening in Uptown

Uptown's Chabad House will hold a short Rosh Hashanah service Thursday evening at 5:30pm, followed by a walk to the lake.

"Inspirational one hour service, includes thought provoking sermon, hearing the sounds of the Shofar and enjoying holiday refreshments. Followed by a walk to Lake Michigan for Tashlich where we symbolically cast away our sins, baggage and other stuff as we begin the New Year."
The service is free, but donations are appreciated. To register, sign up here.

Tickets On Sale Now For Sheridan Park Walking Tour

Space will fill up fast, so be sure to purchase your tickets now for a Sheridan Park Walking Tour on Saturday, October 7 sponsored by the Uptown Historical Society. The tour will be led by Uptown historian Martin Tangora and will cover the history of Sheridan Park, from a sleepy suburban enclave to the diverse and historic neighborhood we know today.

Reserve your space now by purchasing a $10 ticket here:

www.SPWalkingTour2017.eventbrite.com

Sheridan & Wilson Proposal Gets Chicago Plan Commission Approval

Current rendering of Clayco's 975 W. Wilson development (Forum Studios)

Clayco's transit orient development has been given the OK by the Chicago Plan Commission.

The 12 story development will feature a mix of studios, one and two bedroom rental units on the SE corner of Sheridan and Wilson, formerly the site of El Pollo Loco. There will be 7 onsite affordable units for folks earning $32,340 a year or less and the developer is also paying into the Low Income Housing Trust Fund which will provide off-site units for folks earning $16,150 a year or less.

One more hoop for the project to jump through as it still needs approval by city council and the zoning board.

Update renderings and details on the project can be found on Ald. Cappleman's website.

Learn About The Improvements Set For Clarendon Park's Fieldhouse At Open House Wednesday Evening

Great News! Elevators and Escalators Are Part of Uptown Rapid Transit For First Time, Beginning Wednesday

It's an improvement 110 years in the making!

Ever since the Wilson L became a double-level station back in 1907, people who were not able to use staircases were simply out of luck. No accessibility options were available to them, at Wilson or at any station in Uptown.

That changes Wednesday, as the elevators and escalators go into service at Wilson as part of the renovation of the station.

CTA says,

"The new, permanent Wilson station main entrance on the south side of Wilson Avenue will open.

The new main entrance will be staffed and include fare vending machines, digital train arrival signs, and an elevator, escalator and stairs between the stationhouse and platform. With its opening, the Wilson station will be accessible to customers with disabilities.

The entrance on the north side of Wilson Avenue will temporarily close to complete its construction and conversion to a farecard-only auxiliary entrance. All station access will be through the new main entrance on the south side of Wilson Avenue during this phase of construction.

There are no changes to boarding or exiting trains."

CTA will continue the completion of the rest of the station, tracks, and entrances/exits for another few weeks.

As we mentioned last week, the workers will pour the asphalt on the west side of Broadway next week, completing the street reconstruction, and are in the process of aligning the four new tracks that were built as part of the renovation of the station.

Fireworks animation courtesy of Best Animations.com.

The Deadline To Appeal Your Property Taxes Is September 26th

Commissioner Bridget Gainer meets with Buena Park Neighbors, Offers Support for Property Tax Appeals

We received this notice from Cook Co. Commissioner Bridget Gainer's office:

The window to file appeals through the Cook County Board of Review for residents living in Lake View Township, which covers Uptown, is closing on Tuesday September 26.

Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer met with Buena Park Neighbors Monday night to urge residents to connect with her office for support.

“County residents have the opportunity to potentially save hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars on their tax bills each year by appealing,” said Commissioner Gainer.

For help with appealing property taxes, contact Commissioner Gainer’s office at (312) 603-4210.

17-Year-Old Shot In Leg On 900 Block Of Eastwood

Several readers told us about hearing shots fired around 5:40pm on Saturday. Turns out that a 17-year-old male was shot in the teachers parking lot of Uplift School, located on the 900 block of Eastwood.

According to CWB Chicago, witnesses say they saw "a suspected shooter run from the scene. He is described as black and wearing a white du-rag with a red shirt and black pants. Two witnesses said he ran northbound from the scene."

The victim was shot in the thigh, and taken to Illinois Masonic, where he is in stable condition.

Given the possibility that this was a gang-related shooting, please be extra vigilant and call 911 if you see anything that might look like gang retaliation about to happen.

Update: Readers reported hearing shots fired on Sunday night at this location as well. It's really important to call 911 if you happen upon something that looks like it's going to be trouble. Uptown gangs are known for their quick retaliation.

Judge's Decision Clears Way For LSD Viaduct Reconstruction To Proceed

On Thursday, a hearing on a motion filed by "Tent City Alternative to LSD Viaducts and Andy Thayer" against the City of Chicago — the aim of which was to allow the homeless to continue occupying the dangerous, crumbling viaducts under Lake Shore Drive — was held before Judge Sidney I. Schenkier in federal court.

After lengthy testimony and oral arguments during Thursday morning and afternoon court sessions, Judge Schenkier announced his decision Friday afternoon.

He denied the motion, clearing the way for the repairs to get underway.

Restoration work to make the viaducts safe for everyone passing beneath Wilson and Lawrence is scheduled to begin Monday, September 18th.  The people who have been occupying the sidewalks beneath the dangerous, crumbling viaducts were given 30 days' notice to leave on or before that date.

The motion opposed the removal of people under the dangerous, crumbling viaducts on Constitutional grounds, saying that it was a violation of First Amendment rights (that the presence of a tent city in a visible spot was "freedom of speech") and Eighth Amendment rights (removing them was "cruel and unusual punishment").

Further Affiant Sayeth Not.


Related news articles:

• Judge to rule Friday on whether homeless living in Uptown tent city must move (Tribune)
• Construction can proceed that will displace homeless in Uptown tent city, judge rules (Tribune)
• Judge rules Uptown homeless ‘tent city’ residents must clear out (Sun-Times)

Real Estate Round-Up

• Be a lookie-loo! Those who have been watching the gut rehab of 848 West Junior Terrace over the past year are invited to see what has been done to the six-bedroom 1905 classic. There will be a neighborhood open house between noon and 2pm on Saturday, September 16th, so you can see what was going on behind closed doors before it goes on the market. After years of neglect, this beauty shines again. Drinks and snacks will be served.
• 928 West Cullom, which neighbors voted against rezoning, is on the market again. Know anyone looking for a 6100sf home? Guide them here.
• The late businessman and activist Chuck Renslow's home at 4535 North Beacon recently sold. It's truly the end of an era.
• To our north, the Edgewater Historical Society will be holding its annual Edgewater Home Tour on Sunday, September 17th. Details are here.

Bezazian Book Sale and Mural Dedication On Saturday

Come for the book sale and stay for the mural dedication! Or vice versa.

Friends of Bezazian will be holding its second, and final, book and media sale of the year on Saturday, September 16th. It begins at 10am and goes until 3pm. Fiction, non-fiction, children's, foreign language, DVDs, LPs and more.

You can't beat the prices: 50 cents for paperbacks, a buck for hardcovers. There's a vast selection to choose from.

But wait, there's more! Fill a bag for just $1, beginning at 2pm!

Get there at 11am and see the rededication of the mural on the side of the building, The Sea of Knowledge. Designed in 1974 by artist Janis Pozzi and painted by the children at Canterbury House, it was revitalized this summer by muralist Tony Passero. Uptown United and Ald. Cappleman's office provided funding.

Bezazian Branch Library is located at 1126 West Ainslie, at Magnolia, immediately west of National Car Wash.

Closures, Progress As Wilson Station Approaches Completion

Here's what the CTA says about its continuing and upcoming work as it heads into the home stretch of the massive Wilson Red Line rebuild:

Track Work

• We will be performing our cut-over of new Track 4, thereby placing it into use by CTA, this weekend starting on Friday night at 8pm. 
• Work and the closures will be continuous through Monday at 4am or until completion, whichever comes first. We do not anticipate that the work duration will be all the way until Monday at 4am. We are hoping to be wrapped up by early Sunday afternoon.
• There will be noise, construction lights, and dust in the work areas.
• The closures will be 

• Broadway between Leland and Wilson

• Leland between Winthrop and Broadway

• the contractor will also be in the alley next to Target

• the contractor will also be in the alley north of Leland

• Following this weekend, Track 3 will be removed from service to make final alignment adjustments at the far north and south ends.
• After that, the same procedure will be performed on Tracks 2 & 1.

Wilson Main Station

• The new Wilson main station is scheduled to open in a limited capacity starting the morning of Wednesday, 9/20. 
• The station will be set-up to serve the west platform only, and train service will be the same as it is now – Red Line only.
• The new east platform will be able to open up once the above-referenced final track adjustments are completed – and the station will be able to service both Purple and Red Line trains at that time.

Street Work

• The west side of Broadway is getting close to completion. 
• We are getting ready to pour the base course concrete Friday, which will need to cure for a week before we can place the surface asphalt, on 9/25.
• Street and sidewalk work on Wilson is complete.
• The street & sidewalk restoration work on Broadway has gone slower than we had hoped due to us encountering some unforeseen obstructions underneath the street.

Going UP! Uptown To Have First ADA-Compliant Station In Its History Beginning Next Week

If you look at the CTA's Red Line map, it's clear that there are no opportunities for people who have mobility issues to use the Red Line between the Addison and Granville stations.

But that all ends on Wednesday.

According to CTA's rep, the final inspections for the elevators and escalators at the Wilson Station are taking place, and the station -- and the elevators and escalators -- will have a limited opening on Wednesday, September 20th.

More about the closures and construction affiliated with the final push toward a full station opening in the next post.

Free Coding Classes Offered At Loyola For 6-12th Grade Students

This is not in Uptown, but it may be of interest to students living here:

"The Center for Textual Studies & Digital Humanities is proud to launch the first Girls Who Code chapter at Loyola University Chicago.

Girls Who Code clubs (girlswhocode.com) offer FREE classes in coding to 6th - 12th grade students at Loyola University Chicago’s Lake Shore campus.

Classes will be held Saturday mornings from 10am to noon, from October 7, and run until December 16. Admission is now open: Students or their parents/guardians can register by filling out the below form https://goo.gl/forms/ndNNKyah0uVykoJw2

WHO IS GIRLS WHO CODE FOR? Any student studying in 6th to 12th grades is welcome to apply. No coding experience is necessary! We will supply all materials. You just need to get to the Loyola campus on Saturday mornings. Students who attend must commit to being at 80% of our meetings to retain their membership. Meetings will be held Every Saturday starting October 7th until Dec 16th 2017. (Food will be provided)

WHAT DO CLUBS TEACH?

• Project-based computer science - Students learn core concepts through projects based on their interests, such as music, art, or games.
• Sisterhood - Students join our supportive and diverse #squad of amazing girls!
• Role Models - Students meet female engineers at the world’s leading companies."

You can find out more about Girls Who Code at its website.

Coming Together To Fight The Isms Free Theater Event at Black Ensemble

Black Ensemble Theater and Steppenwolf Theatre Company announce Chicago’s Theater Community Coming Together to Fight the Ism’s including Racism, a one-night only performance event featuring presentations from

• Teatro Vista
• About Face Theatre
• Black Ensemble Theater
• Her Story Theatre
• Firebrand Theatre, and more

It will take place at the Black Ensemble Theater's Community Center, located at Sunnyside and Clark, on Monday, September 25. The presentation will be at 6pm, and there will be a networking reception at 7pm.

The event is free, but you must register. Click here to register to attend (click the green button on the page to do so).

Services and Burial Tomorrow For Uptown Newborn Thrown From High-Rise In 2015

The newborn girl who was thrown from an eighth-floor window in Uptown in 2015 will be remembered and buried Wednesday, September 13th, in a service provided by the non-profit organization, Rest In His Arms.

The service for Baby Mariam Jane Uddin will take place at 10am at St. Mary Parish in Buffalo Grove. Another baby girl whose body was found in a suburban shed will be remembered at the same service.

Afterward, burial of the two babies will take place at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines. 

This has been one of most tragic stories we've covered since this blog began. It is incomprehensible.

We apologize for the late date of this post. We only became aware of the services Tuesday evening. Community members are invited to attend the service and/or the burial.

Donations in Baby Mariam's name can be made to Rest In His Arms, which uses the funding to spread the word about Illinois's Safe Haven Law, which allows babies to be given up for adoption at firehouses, hospitals, and police stations with no questions asked.

Rest in peace, Baby Mariam Jane.

Wilson/Magnolia Restaurant Space For Lease

We've heard a lot of rumors about the future of the former Starbuck's at Wilson and Magnolia. It apparently will not be a Baker & Nosh outlet (life without their croissants is a sad thing). For now, it is for lease. If you peek inside, you can see many improvements and alterations have been made. Know anyone interested? Have them contact Brad Bendersky at 312-375-3355

Jake La Botz To Play Free Show At Drink & Ink This Friday

Bluesman -- and former Uptowner -- Jake La Botz will make a return to Drink & Ink this Friday as part of his "Tattoo Across America" tour. It's an annual stop, and as he says, "always a great time."

The show begins at 9pm and is free. Get there early to get a great seat. Drink & Ink is located next to the Tattoo Factory, at 4443 North Broadway.

Gunnison Street Block Party A Rockin' Success

"Mostly Dave" rocked out for the Gunnison Street Block Club Party 

The Gunnison Street Block Club hosted their annual block club summer party this past Saturday afternoon, September 9, from 3-9PM.

Neighbors from the area gathered for the party which included games for the kids, hot dogs & hamburgers from the grill - and other food brought by community members. Alderman Cappleman stopped by to enjoy the festivities.

Donations and support from community businesses included - Furama, Nookies, Tweet, Fat Cat, JS Cleaners, Fiesta Mexicana, Provisions Uptown, Kevin Mack from @Properties, and Temperance Beer Company who provided a keg for the party.

The cover band "Mostly Dave" premiered for their first live public performance - performing for more than 200 in attendance.  They featured songs from Blink 182, Green Day, Foo Fighters, Van Morrison, The Who, Tom Petty and many more artists.  By all accounts, a good time was had by all in attendance!

Trash Movie Night Returns To Fat Cat With A Double Dose of Southern Justice

Trash Movie Night is back at Fat Cat with an evening of "Southern Justice" -- Road House (8pm) and John Carpenter's Vampires (10pm). Admission is free to all attendees (must be over 21). There will be drink specials, a drinking game, VHS trailer reel, FREE giveaways, donation giveaways, and horror-themed vendors!

Hosted by Horror Society's Matt Storc.

Ridman's Coffee Seeking Baristas

Ridman's Coffee, set to open at the end of the month at 4758 North Clark, is looking for experienced baristas for thirsty customers. Drop them a resume at RidmansCoffee@gmail.com if you're looking for work.

Ridman's has taken over the space that was originally going to be Bow Truss. According to its website, "Ridman's Coffee will be a small, locally-owned and operated specialty coffee shop at the intersection of Clark St. and Lawrence Ave. on Chicago's north side. Proudly serving Dark Matter Coffee and a variety of snacks, it is our goal to make customers feel at home in our shop."

We look forward to welcoming them to Uptown.