The Holiday Bus Hits The Road! (In Uptown Friday & Saturday)

The CTA's Holiday Train gets more press, but we love the Holiday Bus even more. It ran the #92 Foster route tonight, and it will be in Uptown Friday and Saturday.*

The interior is cheery and carols play throughout the ride.

CTA elves give out candy canes and help you with photos of Santa...

... whose workshop takes up the back part of the bus. We saw a lot more adults than kids waiting for photos with the Big Guy.

Some of the very nice people who make the Holiday Bus so much fun to ride.

* Its Uptown schedule is:

Friday, December 1st: Clark #22 line. 12:30pm SB from Howard Red Line station to Harrison/Clark then continuing back NB. Photo session: @ Howard Red Line approx. 4pm-5pm

Saturday, December 2nd: After a run to Skokie and Old Orchard on the #97 route, back to the #22 Clark line. 3:40pm - SB from Howard Red Line station to Harrison/Clark via #22 route then continuing back NB.

The entire December schedule is here (running through December 23 all over the city).

Wilson & Magnolia TOD Proposal Revealed

4600 Magnolia proposal (jonathan SPLITT architects)

Well, what do we have here? A proposal was just released on Ald. Cappleman's website for 4600 N. Magnolia, currently the stripmall that was recently home to Starbucks. 

DLG Construction is proposing a 5 story TOD brick and masonry new construction with the all-important 30' Sheridan Park setback. A total of 28 units (20 two bedrooms, 4 one bedroom garden units and 4 studios) is proposed. No parking is proposed due to the proximity of public transit. All of the required affordable units will be on site.

The current stripmall at 4600 N. Magnolia

No retail is planned for the building and Uptown United is on board with that as it conforms to the residential buildings to the west along Wilson. They also mention that retail has struggled at this location and new residents will support existing businesses in the area. See their letter of support here.

Magnolia Malden Neighbors will review the proposal and share their feedback as the building requires a zoning change from B3-3 to B2-3TOD. Stay tuned for more information. Also note that this building would return the corner back to residential. The building that preceded the strip mall came down in the late 1970s, seen below.

The building that preceded the current strip mall

Now & Then, Northern Point Of Gerber Building

November 2017

July 2007

Proving that the only thing constant in life (and Uptown) is change.

Sunny(side) Days Ahead! Auxiliary Entrance To Open Friday

At last! A very much anticipated component of the Wilson L renovation will officially open tomorrow. Ald. Cappleman just tweeted, "On Dec. 1st, CTA will open its 3rd and final entrance to the Wilson L Station on Sunnyside. The Gerber Building is scheduled for completion in January. #ChicagoProud"

Located half a block west of Broadway, the new entrance is a handsome little glass box that fits snugly under the new tracks above. It's the main station's mini-me. There are no agents on duty; it is a farecard-only entrance, like the Wilson north entrance.

There are no elevators, but according to the CTA, "The Sunnyside entrance will also be accessible to customers with disabilities with ADA-compliant ramps leading from the station entrance to the platforms."

It provides an alternative means to enter and exit the lengthy new train platform, and has been eagerly anticipated by residents who come to the station from south of Wilson.

To those Uptowners who fought hard for this, who went through the station planning process, who argued, and petitioned, and insisted, and went to innumerable meetings to make this happen: You did it. This entrance exists because of your efforts. This is your moment. Enjoy it!

Rubloff Comes Alive (Majestically)

The construction fence came down today on the Leland side of the Rubloff Building, aka The Majestic Store (Everything For Men) and the reincarnation of the building can be seen. Work continues on the Broadway side.

The terra cotta has been cleaned and, when necessary, replaced. You can see the detail (for the first time that we can remember) in the close-up to the right.

The dark glazed brick represents the store windows in the original building. There will be display cases curated by Uptown United placed there when the project is completed.

There will be some street work done in the next couple of weeks on Leland east of Broadway, which needs it after the past three years of constant construction:

• Beginning today, demolition of the alley apron immediately east of the Rubloff Building will begin, and it will be fairly noisy.
• The south entrance to the alley at Leland will be closed off until Monday.
• The resurfacing of Leland between Broadway and the alley is scheduled to occur next week. The milling will be Tuesday with asphalt on Wednesday.

You can see what the building looked like in 2014, right before it the facade was removed, piece by piece, for storage. Screen grab is courtesy of Google Streetview.

Learn More About Becoming A Member of Chicago Market Co-op

Let's get the big question out of the way first: We asked, and they don't know if they have been chosen as the tenant for the renovated Gerber Building. We will let you know as soon as we hear who has been selected to set up shop at Wilson and Broadway.

But while we wait, you can still be part of Chicago Market.

"You've seen some Chicago Market posters. You've heard your friends talking about this local, sustainable food co-op. Maybe you visited us at one of our Pop-Ups. But what exactly is Chicago Market?

Come to one of our upcoming information session to find out. It will be held at Emerald City Coffee, 1224 West Wilson, on Wednesday, December 6th, 7pm.

Owners and Board members will be on hand to answer your questions and tell you more about the Market. And we'll be prepared to sign up new Owners who are ready to buy a stake in this cooperative grocery store.

The info session is free, but RSVP is requested here: https://www.chicagomarket.coop/chicago_market_december_info_session.

For more information, visit www.ChicagoMarket.coop/Join."

Shnockered With Santa

See how jolly St. Nick can get on Thursday, December 21st, as the man of the season makes an appearance at Larry's at Lawrence House between 10pm and 11pm.

Winter Walk On Wilson Route - This Friday, 5pm-7pm

click to enlarge

"Business Partners - The Chamber for Uptown is hosting our 4th Annual WINTER WALK ON WILSON on Friday, December 1 from 5-7PM. This FREE event features sweet treats, warm drinks, and menu samples offered by local Uptown businesses as well as live holiday music along the Wilson commercial corridor from Clark to Sheridan.

We’re pleased to announce this year’s event will also feature a special FLATSstudio popup art gallery showcasing local artists as well as a two-story advent calendar on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Wilson Abbey storefront!.

Bring the kids, take a selfie with Santa, and stick around as we cap off the evening at 7PM with a tree and menorah lighting in the winter garden at 1303 W. Wilson.

Participating businesses include:

• Hence Interiors
• Mukase African Restaurant
• Heritage Outpost
• The Public Barber
• Kal'ish
• Longacre Pizza
• The Satellite Cafe at Aardvark Insurance Agency
• Emerald City Uptown
• Haitian American Museum of Chicago
• Nick's on Wilson
• The Jerk Stop
• Selam Ethiopian Kitchen
• Uptown Baptist Church
• Everbyody's Coffee
• Tesfa Ethiopian
• FLATSstudio
• Wilson Abbey

LIVE MUSIC provided by Lakeside Pride, Kreyol Roots, The Peoples Music School, Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago Artitsts Chorale, Uptown Baptist Church Choir, and more!

ART GALLERY - CoEdit for FLATSstudio, will be hosting a popup art gallery during the Winter Walk on Wilson located at 1136 W Wilson Ave. Not only is the gallery an opportunity for local artists to show their work to the Uptown community, one artist will be selected to have their art represented on the CoEdit for FLATSstudio website. The artist will be selected by a vote from attendees of the event.

TWO-STORY ADVENT CALENDAR - Wilson Abbey along with Everybody’s Coffee will present Advent Windows: Look Up. Located at 935 W. Wilson, the top two floors will feature terrestrial and celestial figures in its display windows. This is the second year the coffee shop has brightened up the avenue in Uptown. First window will be revealed and viewable for the Winter Walk on Wilson.

AFTER-PARTY at Nick's on Wilson (1140 W. Wilson) with holiday drink specials!"

'Tis The Season for Package Thieves

All those Cyber Monday packages are arriving, and all over the city, package thieves are waiting to grab them.

We can't stress enough, 

• Don't let anyone in your building you don't know. 
• Don't buzz in anyone unless you're expecting them.
• Don't let anyone you don't know follow you inside the front gate or lobby.

Remind your neighbors about the above.

See if you can put a container for packages somewhere out of sight in the lobby or foyer so people can't peek through the door and see packages sitting there.

If you have a neighbor who works from home, ask him or her if they'd be willing to receive packages for the building.

If you have a choice, ask for UPS shipping. There are several UPS Access Points around Uptown, which are lockers where the UPS delivery person can leave your package if you're not home to receive it. You take the notice they leave you, scan it, then scan your drivers license or ID, and the locker opens if they match. They're open 24 hours.

See the video above for hints from Chicago Police Department on how to discourage package thieves. (Hat tip to CWB Chicago for posting it.)

Winter Clothing Drive Begins For 46th Ward Schools

From Friends of the 46th Ward Schools:

"Let's help our 46th Ward students get ready for winter! Once again, we're partnering with Alderman James Cappleman to collect donations of NEW coats, hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves of all sizes (preschool to adult).

We're collecting items for the six schools in the 46th Ward:

Brennemann, Courtenay, Disney, Greeley, McCutcheon, and Uplift.

We'll be collecting items through December 15 so we can make deliveries to the schools before Winter Break.

Drop off items at Alderman Cappleman's office during regular business hours (4544 N. Broadway).
You can also shop for items from our Amazon Wish List (click on the link or search for "Friends of the 46th Ward Schools" and select "Hat & Mitten Drive") and your items will be delivered directly to Alderman Cappleman's office.

Please consider donating to our Facebook fundraiser:  (on Tuesday, November 28, all donations up to $1000 will be matched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation).

You can also donate directly to Friends of the 46th Ward Schools through the Paypal link on our website.  Help us spread the word!

Amundsen Student, Age 15, Missing

Calista Ortiz, age 15, has been reported missing since Sunday.

She was last seen wearing a white sweatshirt with koala ears on the hood, green sweatpants and white Jordan gym shoes. She was carrying a black pack with a Jamaican flag on it.

Calista is 5'6" and weighs 145 lbs. She has brown eyes and black hair.

She attends Amundsen High School.

If you have any idea as to her whereabouts or can help the police find her, please call the Special Victims Unit at 312-744-8266.

One-Stop Chanukah Shopping, Thanks To Chabad of Uptown

Community Alert: Armed Robberies In Uptown and Edgewater

The 20th District detectives have issued a community alert regarding three armed robberies in the past two weeks, two in Edgewater and one in Uptown. They occurred on the 5400 block of Broadway (November 17 at 6pm); the 5700 block of Sheridan (November 21 at 7:50pm); and the 4900 block of Magnolia on November 21 at 10:35pm).

Police released three different descriptions of the offenders, all of whom were said to be wearing all black clothing: a male Black, 6'2" tall approximately 215 lbs., with a dreadlock hairstyle; a male Black, 35-40 years old, 5'7"-5'10" tall and weighing between 150-175 lbs.; and a male Black, 5'10" tall, approximately 200 lbs.

Police ask that we be aware of this crime and alert our neighbors; pay special attention to any suspicious people loitering in the area; and call 911 immediately and provide a detailed description of the offender(s) including any vehicle description and license plate information.

If you have any information about any of these crimes, please contact the Bureau of Detectives at (312) 744-8263.

First Look At First Sip

What a fun and funky addition to Argyle! With First Sip Cafe, the Hoang sisters have opened a much-wished-for coffee shop and filled a long-empty storefront. You can't get much further from a traditional Asian gift shop (the previous tenant) than the comfortable eclectic vibe of First Sip, located at 1057 West Argyle.

Today was the first day of business, but they've been wowing the community with their specialty teas since this year's Argyle Night Market.

In addition to the teas, they serve Intelligentsia coffee, and pastries. And who hasn't wanted to eat and drink while sitting next to a giant Victrola, or at a Singer sewing machine, or on a genuine Naugahyde couch?

First Sip is open Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 10:30pm; 9am to 10:30pm on Saturday; and 9am to 8:30pm on Sunday. And yes, it has wi-fi.

Welcome to Uptown, First Sip! We think you are exactly what Argyle needed, and we wish you much luck and success.

Rollin' With Santa

Santa is a busy guy this time of year, but he's making time for his annual evening of roller skating at Margate Park.

He'll be there on Friday, December 15th, between 6:30pm and 8:30pm, and would be delighted to skate with anyone five years old and older.

Admission is $5 and includes popcorn, hot dog and a drink. Skates will be provided (sizes 1-13), but if you've got your own, bring 'em!

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Margate Park Fieldhouse is located at 4921 North Marine Drive. There is limited street parking, and a city lot immediately east of the fieldhouse.

Santa's Coming To Chase Park For Brunch (And A Holiday Bazaar)

You can buy your brunch tickets here (admission to the Bazaar is free)

First Look At Proposed Sunnyside/Broadway TOD Renderings (Updated)

As we posted earlier this month, Morningside Development is requesting a zoning change to build a mixed-use residential mid-rise at Sunnyside and Broadway. The preliminary renderings of the building are up on the 46th Ward website. The blurb about 1030 W Sunnyside says,

"Owner, Morningside, is requesting a Planned Development amendment and zoning change on the property south of the former Stewart School from the RT-4 to B2-5 for a proposed TOD (Transit Oriented Development), multi-unit 128 ft. residential building with 144 units, 2,400 sq. ft. of commercial space and 7 parking spaces.

Morningside is planning to honor the Affordable Requirements Ordinance by building all required units onsite. For more information, please see the following documents: 1030 West Sunnyside; 1030 Sunnyside Zoning Application."

We have heard from Ald. Cappleman's office that the approval process will include an open house for community input. Subsequent meetings will be held with Clarendon Park Neighborhood Association, and then the 46th Ward Zoning Committee.

Whatever your opinion is of the building in the rendering (and our personal preference would be that it better reflect the vintage buildings around it), the vote is on the proposed zoning change, and not the exterior building as drawn. We are sure that, like nearly every other project, there will be changes and tweaks as it goes through the approval process.

Update: In the comments, Ald. Cappleman wrote on Monday night: "As with every single planned development that we've ever had, there are always changes in the design based on community feedback, as well as from a team of architects from the Dept. of Planning & Development. This project will be no different. When we have our open house, be sure to provide your input. The Dept. of Planning & Development will take your suggestions seriously."

First Sip Coffee Shop Opening On Argyle Monday Morning

With First Sip Cafe's grand opening coming up on Monday, it reminded us how many sons and daughters of the retail pioneers on Argyle are bringing their visions to Uptown. Ba Le, La Patisserie P, and Sun Wah are all run by second-generation restaurateurs in the Argyle area.

Joining them Monday are the owners of First Sip, Erin and Gigi Hoang. They are the daughters of Hoàng Dố and Doán Thị Sinh, the owners of Cafe Hoang, at 1020 West Argyle.

First Sip Cafe is located just down the street, at 1057 West Argyle. It will serve brewed tea and coffee, pastries, and panini. They have not yet announced the cafe's hours of operation.

This is what the storefront looked like less than two years ago. Quite an improvement, we think!

It's the Little Things

11/23/2017

Just an ordinary crosswalk, right? Nothing you'd ever stop and notice. This is where Lawrence crosses Clifton, between the Red Line station and the Bridgeview Bank Building. It was completed during the past few days as part of the current streetscaping project.

But what an improvement "ordinary" is for this location. If you ever had to cross it, you probably remember the 45-degree-angle concrete wedge between street and sidewalk. It was particularly challenging for pedestrians in icy or slushy conditions.

It was a nightmare for people in wheelchairs and those who use canes or walkers. Because of the difficulty of navigating the steep incline, some resorted to walking in the traffic lanes instead of on the sidewalk. Not a good thing just outside a building that is home to many social services and medical facilities that serve the disabled and elderly.

circa 2009 (Google Streetview)

A little thing, really, to some of us, but a godsend to many. It, along with the now normal-height curbs along Lawrence -- ones that are low enough to allow passenger-side car doors to open -- are the kinds of quality of life changes that we love to see happen.

Think Small on Small Business Saturday

It's Small Business Saturday, a time to keep our locally-owned businesses in mind when shopping for your holiday gifts. In Uptown, we don't have a ton of big-box stores. Most of our retail and food outlets are locally owned, and their owners have made an investment in Uptown in hopes that we who live and work here will support them.

Take a look at the map showing locally owned businesses near any address you type in.

You can also ride the Andersonville holiday trolley up and down Clark Street on Saturday, taking riders to both the Uptown and Edgewater sides of the Andersonville shopping district.

Cmsr. Gainer Holds Toiletries Donation Drive For Jailed Women

Commissioner Bridget Gainer Kicks Off Annual Toiletry Drive For Women In Cook County Jail

With the Holiday Season upon us, Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer is launching her annual toiletry drive for women at the Cook County Jail. Cmsr. Gainer is partnering with over 20 local Chambers of Commerce and community organizations and local elected officials to collect toiletries for the Cook County’s Women’s Justice Programs during Christmastime and Mother’s Day 2018.

Currently women in the Cook County Jail receive a bar of soap upon arrival, so gifting them during the holidays with luxury small toiletries is a great way to spread some holiday cheer.

“The reforms needed in the criminal justice system are vast,” said Gainer. “But there is no reason to delay even small acts of kindness.”

Items available for donation include travel sized shampoos, conditioners, bars of soap, small combs, white socks, composition books and cards with stamped envelopes. An interactive map with a full list of drop off locations could be found at www.bridgetgainer.com/toiletrydrive. For more information, call Commissioner Gainer’s office at (312) 603-4210 or email office@bridgetgainer.com.

The two Uptown drop-off locations are Business Partners Uptown (4753 N Broadway, Suite 822) and the 46th Ward office (4544 N Broadway).

City Budget Passes, 47-3, With Three Uptown Aldermanic "Yes" Votes

The city passed its 2018 budget on November 21st by a margin of 47-3, with all three of Uptown's aldermen - Ameya Pawar, Harry Osterman, and James Cappleman - voting in favor of it.

In his weekly newsletter, Ald. Osterman says: "On Tuesday I supported the 2018 City of Chicago Budget that was passed by the City Council. While not a perfect budget, the budget makes significant investment in important programs that affect the quality of life for Chicago residents. The budget continues our efforts to reduce the structural deficit and move our city toward better financial footing.

The budget continues to make critical investments in public safety, both with the Chicago Police Department and programs for youth. There is a $76 million investment in youth programming, including expansion in after school, summer jobs, and mentoring programs like BAM (Becoming A Man).

The Chicago Police Department will continue to have needed funding to support hiring new officers to patrol our streets. There is $27 million in funding for the critical police reform efforts, including a new position of Director of Reform Management, who will help guide our ongoing police reform efforts."

We will update when and if the other aldermen write about their reasons for voting as they did.

Refugee Families Celebrate First Thanksgiving At St Thomas Of Canterbury

On Saturday, November 18, 120 refugees from ten different countries enjoyed their first Thanksgiving meal at Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement headquarters located in Uptown. The refugees are a part of Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program and receive services ranging from securing housing and employment to learning English and placing their children in school.

In a statement, program director Elma Kulovich said, “This lunch is us giving thanks to them because we understand their courage in coming to a new country and starting a new life. We are blessed to have the opportunity to give back.”

“It shows what a wonderful melting pot this country is,” said Robert Murphy, who has served as a tutor for refugee students through Catholic Charities for nearly 20 years.

Refugees in the program come from all over the world — Burma, Iraq, Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran and Afghanistan — and many don't speak the same language. On Saturday, they all came together to share a meal, celebrate community, and give thanks.

"3 Squares Diner" Slated For Lawrence House Retail Space (Updated)

1020 W. Lawrence 

Update: Shortly after our posting, signs went up in the windows of the retail space just to the right of the Lawrence House entrance. "3 Squares Diner" advertising breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as being open 7 days a week, will be coming soon!

We also now know that, according to the LLC filing for the business, the owner is Anthony Fiore, the famed restaurateur behind the hip and popular Jam Restaurant in Logan Square.

Original post: Rumors have been swirling for months now that a restaurant was planned for the retail space of the Lawrence House at Lawrence and Kenmore. We had even heard that the restaurateur was behind a very trendy brunch spot in Logan Square. That rumor has yet to be confirmed but one rumor has been confirmed. A restaurant is coming!

According to Chicago Cityscape, building permits for work up to $1,100,000 in value have been issued for 1020 W. Lawrence. The permit also mentions: "interior alterations, including: interior partitions, kitchen addition, two replacement windows, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work"

We will keep you updated.

Update: 11/29/17 - The Tribune confirms the story, with an interview with chef-owner Ian Voakes. "The restaurant group has leased almost 2,000 square feet on the ground floor of the 13-story art deco building... Voakes said 3 Squares Diner will occupy a space that originally was a diner when the building opened as a hotel in the 1920s. Some original elements, such as the tile, will remain, he said. It will serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night food to capture crowds from the nearby Aragon Ballroom, Green Mill Jazz Club and other Uptown entertainment venues."

Islands In The Street

Crossing Broadway at Racine will be a little less death-defying in the future. As part of the streetscaping project, a pedestrian island has been installed in the center of the crosswalk.

CTA Claus Is Coming To (Up)Town

After Thanksgiving, there are two ways to get into a festive state of mind, courtesy of the CTA: The always-popular Holiday Train and Holiday Bus.

By bus:

The antlers, they sleigh us! Ride with Santa in the Jewel-Osco Holiday Bus on various routes throughout the city. Exact times are not yet available, but we'll keep you informed.

The bus's exterior has a red nose, antlers(!!!), Christmas lights, and a "Ralphie The Reindeer" wrap. The interior leaves no space undecorated, with strings of lights, festive seats, candy-cane striping, and Santa and his elves holding court in the back.

The routes that go near or through Uptown are:

• #92 Foster — Thursday, November 30
• #22 Clark — Friday, December 1 (photo opportunities available)
• #22 Clark — Saturday, December 2 (photo opportunities available)

The entire Holiday Bus schedule is here.

By Train:

photo courtesy CTAweb on Flickr

Double your fun! One bonus of having both Red and Purple Line both stopping at Wilson now is more chances to ride CTA's Holiday Train.

It apparently was on the Red Line this past Saturday, although the schedule was not up on CTA's website then. If you saw it, mazel tov!

It begins running on various lines around the city starting the week after Thanksgiving. It is due to be in Uptown on these dates:

• Red Line — Tuesday, December 12
• Purple Line — Wednesday, December 13
• Red Line — Thursday, December 14
• Purple Line — Friday, December 15
• Red Line & Purple Line — Saturday, December 16 (followed by the six-car Elves' Workshop Train). There will be photo availability.
• Purple Line — Thursday, December 21

The entire schedule is here; exact times will be added closer to the dates. The CTA's website says, "The train generally operates from about 1pm to 8pm on weekends and 3pm to 7pm on select weekdays (schedules for each rail line will vary), and will make stops at all stations along the respective routes."

New Laurels To Rest On

Wow! Take a look at the north point of the renovated Gerber Building with its restored terra cotta laurel-framed cartouches. To see how bad that spot had gotten over 90-plus years of wear-and-tear and deferred maintenance, check out the photo beneath it, taken in 2007.

November 20, 2017

September 28, 2007

Also, Alderman Cappleman tweeted the photo below today, showing new glass being installed into the shell of the Gerber Building, immediately west of Broadway on Wilson: