Retail Spaces Available Across From Gerber Building

Lakepointe Property's 4639 N. Broadway

We'd love to see the retail spaces in this wonderfully rehabbed building at 4639 N. Broadway fully occupied.

They are directly across the street from the beautifully rehabbed Gerber Building, which could have its own retail tenant announced very soon.

Word on the street is the northern most space is slated for a restaurant. We spotted a table inside with architectural blueprints rolled out, so something is afoot. The other two spaces are being marketed by Baum Realty who can be reached at 312-666-3000. Now that the CTA construction is winding down, expect to see more rehab action on this block. Our beloved "Indian Chief" building is currently getting a new roof and we hear that the former Army Surplus building is still slated for a rehab.

"Uptown Porch" Temporarily Loses Its Porch

4712 N. Malden, built in 1895

This stately former single family home in the 4700 block of Malden has certainly seen better days. Work is now underway and it will soon be reborn as "Uptown Porch" which hopes to engage youth in urban ministry in cooperation with the neighboring Lakeview Church of Christ.

The home has had an interesting past according to the Uptown Porch website:

"The historic, three-story home that houses Uptown Porch was built in 1895. For decades, the house was the home of a single family, but after the Great Depression, the economic gloom for which Uptown had become notorious befell the house too. During the following years, the building became a boarding house and the site of other inauspicious uses, including use as a moonshine distillery. In 1929, the Chicago Tribune reported that “dry raiders” had confiscated a 600-gallon still and 950 gallons of alcohol from the house. In 1962, the house was purchased by Lakeview Church of Christ, and was used as a parsonage until it fell into disrepair."

Up till now, the house has undergone extensive tuckpointing repairs. In the past week, the front porch was removed, but according to the rendering below, it will return even better than before. We are always happy to see historic Sheridan Park homes brought back to life and welcome Uptown Porch to the neighborhood!

Completed 4712 N. Malden, aka "Uptown Porch" via website

Hop In On March 17 For "Buena Bunnies" With Buena Park Neighbors

The Buena Park Neighbors Association announced that its annual Buena Bunnies charitable event will be held Sat. March 17, 10:00 a.m. at the St. Mary of the Lake school hall. The school hall is located on Buena Ave. at Kenmore Ave. Parking is available in the lot on that corner, and the entrance is from the parking lot.

Buena Bunnies is an annual event. All are welcome to help fill hundreds of plastic Easter eggs for the annual egg hunts and help make Easter baskets for needy neighborhood children.

Donations of pre-filled plastic Easter eggs, empty plastic Easter eggs and small candies to fill them are needed the most and can be brought to St. Mary of the Lake church before or after Masses each day or to the school hall on March 17 at 10:00 a.m.

These treats are for the St. Mary of the Lake Easter Egg hunts which are for all young neighborhood children. The hunts are held on Easter Sunday(April 1) at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on the St. Mary of the Lake church lawn which is at Buena Ave. at Sheridan Rd.

Approximately 1-2 dozen baskets filled with toys and candy are needed this year for children of needy families who receive assistance from the St. Mary of the Lake St. Vincent De Paul Society food pantry, a Greater Chicago Food Depository.  The church will also accept donations of baskets and volunteers will make any baskets that are needed at this event.

Help Re-Supply 46th Ward Schools With The Basics

From Friends of the 46th Ward Schools:

"The snow has melted, we have 40 degree temps forecast over the next few days, and we've seen people wearing shorts. That can only mean one thing: spring is around the corner! And when spring is nearing, we know we've reached our 100th day of school and our students are running out of supplies!

This time of year, our 46th Ward students start to run low on some of the basics, so we started our spring "re-supply" drive to help replenish those supplies. Since it has been a rough flu season, we're focusing on items to help keep germs from spreading.

Along with 46th Ward Alderman James Cappleman, we're collecting the following items through March 16:

• pencils
• copy paper
• facial tissues
• hand sanitizer
• sanitizing wipes (like Lysol, Clorox, etc.)

There are four ways you can help:

1. DROP OFF:  Purchase supplies on your own and drop them off at Alderman Cappleman's office at 4544 N. Broadway during regular business hours.
2. AMAZON:  Purchase supplies from our Amazon Wish List.  Supplies purchased from Amazon will be automatically delivered to Alderman Cappleman's office.
3. PAYPAL:  Donate directly to Friends of the 46th Ward Schools through Paypal and we will use the funds to purchase school supplies.
4. GIFT CARDS:  Donate gift cards from Target, Office Max, Staples, Walgreens, or CVS.  (Please e-mail us for a mailing address for donated gift cards; gift cards cannot be accepted at Alderman Cappleman's office). 

Visit our website for more details."

Year Of The Dog Festivities (Woof!)

The dancing lion and dragon opened the parade

Dignitaries, including Ald. Cappleman (waving) and Ald. Osterman (rear)

Ald. Osterman's float

Good to see so many of the McCutcheon Elementary School kids participating!

Rickover Academy Marching Band

The Vietnamese Veterans Association of Illinois

A reminder that Argyle Night Market will be returning this summer

"Uptown Doughnuts" Coming Soon To 1122 W. Wilson

We had wondered what was in store for the one story retail building just west of the tracks on Wilson. At one time, Viet Bowl occupied one space with Hing Wang Chinese in the middle. The two businesses consolidated into one and more recently, the windows of the old Viet Bowl were covered.

Now we know what the plan was...to open a doughnut shop in the former Viet Bowl space at 1122 W. Wilson!

The shop is currently navigating the city's inspection process, with the most recent inspection being on February 21. Once we hear of an opening date, we will pass it along.

In the meantime, keep an eye on the Wilson Avenue storefront as well as their Facebook page.

Viet Bowl on its opening day in 2008, soon to be home to "Uptown Doughnuts"

"Soul of Uptown Awards" To Recognize Uptown Movers & Shakers

Soul of Uptown Awards

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

5:00pm - 7:00pm

Bridgeview Bank Rotunda

4753 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

As one of the most ethnically and economically diverse communities in Chicago, Uptown’s mix of locally-owned businesses and nonprofit organizations reflects the neighborhood’s storied history. We have long been home to Chicagoans from all walks of life who have helped shape the area as it is today.

And we'd like to celebrate that!

Uptown United and Business Partners, the Chamber for Uptown invite you to join us as we recognize just a few of the extraordinary businesses, organizations, and residents who helped shape 2017 into an incredible year for the neighborhood. Mix and mingle with other members of the Uptown community while enjoying complimentary drinks and light food provided by Uptown eateries.

SOUL OF UPTOWN AWARD RECIPIENTS

Volunteers of the Year: Carol & Warren Parnell

Community Partners: Ed Stellon, Heartland Alliance Health

Development Partners: Chicago Transit Authority

BUSINESS PARTNERS

Dining: Immm Rice & Beyond

Arts and Entertainment: Uptown Underground

Retail: Provisions Uptown

Service: IRPINO Real Estate

This is a free event for the community, but please REGISTER to attend at this link!

Wilson Station, Then and Now

The CTA has come out with this nifty video about the three-year Wilson station reconstruction. Looking good!

If you are interested in buying a print of the Gerber Building with its restored clock tower arch and train behind it, as shown, you can do so at CTAGifts.com for $15 plus shipping. We've already made space on our wall.

Lantern Bearers Needed For Argyle Lunar Parade

I love a parade!

Looking for something fun to do with you and your children? Uptown United is looking for "lantern bearers" for the upcoming Lunar Parade. Details below!

"We’re still looking for a handful of volunteers for our event coming up this Saturday, February 24 – the Argyle Lunar New Year Parade!   We need a group of volunteers to assist with carrying lanterns hanging from light-weight sticks to represent the Argyle Night Market in the parade.  If interested, we’d need you to arrive by 12:30pm and you’d be finished by 2:00pm.  Kids welcome!"

If you’re available and interested, please RSVP with PC Gooden-Smiley at pc48thward@gmail.com and be sure to let her know you’re interested in being a lantern bearer!

Meeting On Re-Opening Carol's Pub, March 1

Join your neighbors at a meeting to discuss the re-opening of Carol's Pub by Ed Warm of "Joe's on Weed Street." Read more about "the plan of operation" as well as the "safety plan" from Ald. Cappleman's website.

Happy Ten to Spoil Me Salon!

Spoil Me Salon & Spa is celebrating its tenth anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than with a party? The joint will be rocking with a DJ and music, spirits and bites, between 5pm-8pm on Saturday, March 3rd.

Stop by and bring a friend (or two) and congratulate Adel on making it to double digits, including three years of construction just feet away from her front door!

The first 25 people to arrive will get swag bags -- so business owners, if you want to be part of the swag, be sure to contact Adel and let her know.

Spoil Me Salon & Spa is located at 4668 North Broadway, at Leland.

Former JJ Pepper Storefront Available For Lease

According to a real estate brochure that a keen-eyed reader sent in, JJ Pepper has fully abandoned its Lawrence and Sheridan storefront and the property is for lease. This puts to an end speculation that the store would be reopening as a modernized version of itself with the same ownership.

It's surprising because of JJ Pepper's package liquor license, one that cannot be reissued at that location. The ability of the store to sell over-the-counter booze had been grandfathered in decades ago. It cannot be re-issued at that location due to an existing package liquor moratorium and the presence of nearby homeless shelters, senior buildings, and religious establishments.

The real estate brochure seeks tenants for both the former JJ Pepper spot (2760sf) and the former Family Dollar spot (8271sf). If you know any businesses that might be interested, the broker is Todd J. Cabanban, todd@crmcr.com, 312-477-0342.

Learn about Connections Between Health and Nature at ICA’s Mental Wellness & Uptown’s Coast

Mental Wellness & Uptown’s Coast, scheduled for February 27th, 2018, at 6:30PM, will be the seventh session of the Out and About Uptown’s Coast environmental education series.

The session will start at 6:30pm at the Institute of Cultural Affairs, 4750 N. Sheridan Road. Local experts will share information about connections between Uptown’s coast and mental wellness.

Melanie Eckner from the Uptown Coastal Initiative will share Uptown transit history. Special guests Teresa Horton, Research Associate Professor in the Dept. of Anthropology at Northwestern University, and Vince Gomez, Manager of Horticultural Therapy Services at the Chicago Botanic Garden, will share their expertise about the connection between nature and health. Vince Gomez will also lead a workshop on the healing benefits of nature.

The session is free, and participants can RSVP for the session at tinyurl.com/UptownICZ,

"Coverage Where It Counts" -- In Uptown

A reader reminded us that we have not mentioned one of the new tenants in the Ross Dress For Less building at 918 West Montrose. If you are a Verizon customer, there's no need to travel out of Uptown to buy a phone or pay your bill or negotiate a new rate.

"The Verizon store opened in October and is a next generation store with a brand new design and layout. It is a corporate store run by Verizon, not one of those 'authorized retailers.' It has free on-site parking shared with Ross. The hours are Sunday 11-6 and Monday-Saturday 10-8."

Other Verizon stores are in Ravenswood (on Lawrence west of Ridman's Coffee), in Lakeview (3700 block of Halsted), and in Edgewater (5300 block of Clark), but this is Uptown's one and only!

GoGrocer Coming To Imperial Towers

Coming soon to Marine Drive: GoGrocer will open around the middle of March at Imperial Towers, 4250 North Marine. In addition to food and alcohol, it will feature a pharmacy and a cafe.

The previous convenience store closed last November after many years of being in business, when the owner took a well-earned retirement. We are told that the storefront dates back to 1962, when it was the first "Jewel Pantry," a chain owned and operated by Jewel Tea, most of which later became White Hen Pantry stores.

We'll keep you informed about the opening as it draws nearer.

Grand Purim Party At Chabad of Uptown

"It's Purim! Let's Party! Join us for Uptown's Grand Purim Party! Featuring: Music, Buffet Dinner, Masquerade, Lechaims, Megilah Reading, Guest Magician, and more.

Looking forward to seeing you and your friends. More information and RSVP today at www.uptownjew.com or https://www.facebook.com/events/1867118869987125/

Happy Purim!"

The Satellite Cafe Now Serving Liquor

Good news if you were looking for another option for imbibing adult beverages in the neighborhood:

Press Release:
"The Satellite Cafe owners Tim Benedict and Margaret McCall are thrilled to announce they are now licensed to sell alcohol at their 942 W Montrose location. The liquor license, which the cafe officially obtained on February 8th, makes The Satellite Cafe the smallest business to serve alcohol for consumption on premises in the state of Illinois.

"Our first featured #CosmicCocktail
 at Satellite is the Gimlet!"

In keeping with the Intergalactic Cafes, Inc. mission statement, alcohol offerings include a selection of locally-distilled liquors from Koval Distillery and a Two Brothers tap takeover featuring Pinball, Twenty-Plus, and Domaine DuPage.

Satellite will also offer a selection of wines and sparkling wine. Cafe staff will craft well-known favorites 7 days a week, offering everything from old fashioneds and gimlets to mimosas and whiskey lattes.

Ownership is also in the process of rolling out a weekday happy hour from 3:30—5:30pm (effective Wednesday, February 28th) and specials for St. Patrick’s Day.

Benedict will head a Beer-of-the-Month Club, slated to go live in April 2018. Each meeting will feature three beers and commentary from a representative of a local brewery. Membership will include a three-month pass, t-shirt, bottle opener, and branded pint glass. For more information, email tim@intergalacticcafes.com."

Driftwood Bar To Host Luau & Disco Party Events

What A Difference A Year Makes (The Sequel)

Montrose and Clarendon, February 2017

Montrose and Clarendon, February 2018

What A Difference A Year Makes

Google Streetview, August 2016

The new mid-rise a block south of Uptown, at Broadway and West Sheridan, is really taking shape. The exterior of the "Viridian on Sheridan" looks to be nearly complete, with windows in the brick (northern) portion still to be added.

It will hold 100 apartments (one-, two- and three-bedrooms), and expects to start renting later this year. There will also be ground-floor retail.

Quite a difference from the parking lot and gas station that were there for decades before.

Presidents' Day Closings

The Federal holiday of Presidents' Day will be celebrated on Monday, February 19th.

City, county, state, and federal offices will be closed. So will most courts and most banks. The Post Office will be closed, and there will be no mail delivery except for Express Mail.

Chicago Public Schools will be closed, as will City Colleges. Chicago Public Library branches will be closed as well.

Vintage Garage Returns In April, Chicago Vintage Clothing & Jewelry Show In March

Good news! Vintage Garage -- Chicago's only all-vintage and antiques show -- will be returning in 2018 for its seventh season, beginning in April and running through October.

But if you can't wait, get a sneak preview on Friday, March 2nd and Saturday, March 3rd, at the Chicago Vintage Clothing and Jewelry Show, brought to you by the same promoter. At least 50 vendors will show off their finest threads and accessories.

It'll take place at St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church at 5649 N Sheridan Road in Edgewater. The hours are 3pm - 8pm on Friday and 10am - 5pm on Saturday. It's easily accessible by public transportation (Sheridan and Hollywood), and parking in the 200-car lot is $5 (which goes to the church). A two-day pass to the show is $8.

If you're really into vintage, we'd suggest purchasing a season pass for Vintage Garage for $50, which will not only get you into all the Vintage Garage shows, but will also get you into the Vintage Clothing and Jewelry Show. Details are here.

To get you ready for Vintage Garage, take a look at the season schedule and what is emphasized at each show in addition to the usual variety of vintage art, decor, tchotchkes, clothes, furnishings, and more:

• Vintage Garage Season Opener - April 22
• Vintage Garage Mid-century -  May 20
• Vintage Garage Father's Day show with Record Ramp - June 17
• Vintage Garage Vintage Clothing - July 15
• Vintage Garage Vintage Wedding - August 19
• Vintage Garage Retro Chicago - September 16
• Vintage Garage Season FINALE with Record Ramp - October 21

The website for the Clothing and Jewelry Show (March 2-3) is here.

The website for Vintage Garage is here.

Stop at McDonald's On Foster Friday Afternoon, and Support Goudy School

From Ald. Osterman:

"On Friday, Feb. 16, I will join Goudy School Principal Pamela Brandt as a guest worker at the McDonald's at 5130 N. Sheridan. Please stop by between 4 and 6pm, as McDonald's will donate 20% of all in-store sales to Goudy to support after school programming with Circesteem. After school programs are critical to ensuring the safety and development of youth in our community for their future."

Thieves Targeting Unoccupied Vehicles With Engines Running In Uptown And On North Side

Please, neighbors, use your street smarts and don't leave your car running unless you are sitting in the driver's seat.

"Community Alert -- Motor Vehicle Thefts
19th District (Town Hall)

About the Crime: 
This alert gives notice of recent Motor Vehicle Thefts that have occurred in the 19th District. In each incident, the offender(s) wait until the victims leave their vehicles unattended with the engine running before getting in and driving away. Vehicles are being left running and unattended while victims are patronizing stores, paying for gas, delivering goods, or warming up their vehicles. Incidents are occurring during daytime hours on and around Irving Park Road. The suspects drive a dark colored sedan.

Incident times and locations are listed below:

• 1400 Block of West Irving Park on January 14, 2018 at 4:45pm.
• 1300 Block of West Irving Park on February 5, 2018 at 5:45pm.
• 4100 Block of North Kenmore on February 7, 2018 at 5:00pm.
• 4000 Block of North Kenmore on February 9, 2018 at 1:15pm.
• 700 Block of West Irving Park on February 11, 2018 at 8:45am."

In a subsequent community alert, the same thing is happening around Lincoln Avenue, and the suspects are driving a dark colored sedan:

• "1100 Block of West Diversey on January 16, 2018 at 8:00pm.
• 3900 Block of North Lincoln on January 20, 2018 at 5:30pm.
• 2400 Block of North Halsted on January 21, 2018 at 7:00pm.
• 1000 Block of North Altgeld on January 25, 2018 at 7:00pm.
• 3200 Block of North Southport on February 02, 2018 at 7:45am.
• 2700 Block of North Lincoln on February 3, 2018 at 8:35pm.
• 3300 Block of North Lincoln on February 4, 2018 at 6:15pm.
• 4000 Block of North Lincoln on February 5, 2018 at 6:15pm.
• 2900 Block of North Lincoln on February 8, 2018 at 8:00pm.
• 3600 Block of North Ashland on February 9, 2018 at 11:15pm.

What you can do:

• Always be aware of your surroundings
• Report suspicious activity immediately
• Never leave you vehicle running and unattended
• Remember any unique physical characteristics (i.e., scars, limp, acne, teeth)
• Never pursue a fleeing assailant, provide the information to the police
• If approached by a witness to the incident, request contact information
• Dial 9-1-1 immediately and remain on scene when possible

If you have any information,  contact the Bureau of Detectives – Area North at (312) 744-8263"

4600 N. Magnolia TOD Gets Green Light

DLG Management's upcoming development at 4600 N. Magnolia (jonathan SPLITT architects)

A mostly vacant strip mall constructed in the early 1990s will soon make way for a 5 story transit-oriented development from DLG Management at 4600 N. Magnolia.

The project was given the green light by 3 out of 4 Sheridan Park block clubs and also had the support of the Sheridan Park Neighbors Association and Uptown United. A mix of 20 two bedrooms, 4 one bedroom garden units and 2 studios are planned for the development.

Full text of the letter sent out by Sheridan Park Neighbors Association and Magnolia-Malden Neighbors is below:

Join Uptown Fitness At Its Open House On February 21

46th Ward Blood Drive Seeking Donors

Here's the sign-up sheet. Thank you!

Bar Roma Celebrates Valentine's Day

Bar Roma is located at 5101 North Clark; make reservations at www.barromachicago.com.

La Ciudad Celebrates Valentine's Day

La Ciudad is located at 4515 North Sheridan; you can make reservations at www.laciudadgrill.com.

Lincoln's Birthday Closings

Illinois is the "Land of Lincoln" and that means that Abe's birthday is celebrated as a state holiday.

Monday, February 12th, expect most city, county and state offices to be closed. That includes most courts, all Chicago Public Libraries, aldermanic offices, City Hall, City Clerk's offices, Secretary of State's office, etc.

Chicago Public Schools will be open.

Most banks will be open, and there will be mail delivery.

Next Monday is Presidents Day, so expect the same then, with federal offices closed as well.

新年快乐 / 新年快樂 (Happy Year Of The Dog!)

Uptown will welcome The Year Of The Dog on the lunar calendar on Saturday, February 24th, with a parade around the Argyle area.  This is what Uptown United has to say:

"The annual Argyle Lunar New Year Parade is decades-old local tradition. Come for music, colorful lion dances, and more! Come along with a processional of local groups and floats starting at the Argyle EL stop – all to celebrate the start of the new Lunar Year, the year of the dog!

Join the Argyle Business Community, Uptown United, the Hip-Sing Association, and Alderman Harry Osterman for this special event!

A special thank you to the 20th Police District and Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration

Date: February 24, 2018

Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Route: Parade will kick-off underneath the CTA Argyle Red Line station at 1pm and will head east along Argyle St., south along Sheridan Rd., west along Ainslie St., and north along Broadway to Argyle St."

Spring Fling! Fling An Axe For Charity

Are you done with wearing Winter coats, boots and trucking through ice and snow in Chicagoland? Come out to celebrate Spring and throw axes for a cause! And..because you have an axe to grind and love Chicago history.... reminisce (or try to imagine) Prohibition in Chicago! This is a hosted fundraiser on behalf of Blessons by Auxiliary Board Member, Marlise Fein.

This event was originally scheduled for February 10, 2018 (as the Valentine's Day Massacre! Axe Throwing Event and After Party), but due to weather it has been rescheduled (and rebranded) to Saturday, April 14, 2018 (3:00-5:00 PM and After Party at 5:30 PM).

Axe throwing event at BATL Chicago from 3:00-5:00PM Tickets are $43 and portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Blessons, a non-profit charity! Buy your tickets here.

• Dress up as a 1920s Moll, Doll or Gangster (closed toed shoes are required). 
• Games and prizes!
• and a Raffle!

After Party at The Reservoir from 5:30-9:30 PM - 844 W. Montrose

• Special themed cocktails!
• Costume contest and prizes!
• You don't want to miss this after party event!

Come out to throw axes because it will soon be Spring AND support a cause that helps women!

Any questions about the event, contact Marlise Fein at marlise@blessons.org -and- David Lynch the GM of Reservoir at david@reservoirchicago.com

NOTE: This is a third-party hosted fundraiser on behalf of Blessons thanks to Auxiliary Board Member, Marlise Fein.

48th Ward Youth Open Mic Night On February 23

From Ald. Osterman's newsletter:

"CALLING ALL YOUNG PERFORMERS! Are you the next big spoken word artist or rap star? Have you been working on a new step routine or have a talent to showcase?

Join 48th Ward Youth for another Open Mic Night on February 23rd at the Edgewater & Uptown Community Space (4956 N Sheridan). Ages 12-18! All performing artists are welcome -- a piano is available on location. FREE ENTRY!

• Performer sign-up begins at 6 PM. 
• The show begins at 6:30 PM. 
• Email Taylor@48thward.org or call 773-784-5277 for more information."

Hello, Officer?

The 19th District police Twitter account posted a nice pair of then-and-now photos yesterday:

"Commander Buslik helped @ChicagosMayor @JamesCappleman  and @cta cut the ribbon for the new Uptown Wilson Av Redline El station. Our Lt Bob Vanna was there today just like an officer in 1923 when the station first opened."