Cedar Street's Redevelopment Of 5050 N. Broadway About To Begin

5050 N. Broadway (Booth Hansen Architects)

The current state of 5050 N. Broadway (Google)

This is a big one, boys and girls!

Nearly two years after the last community meeting (these things take time), the first phase of Cedar Street's massive redevelopment of the 5000 block of N. Broadway is about to begin with the Aon Building at 5050 N. Broadway. The main structure of the building will remain but modern windows will be installed. The project falls under the wards of both Ald. Osterman and Ald. Pawar. Check out the full plans here for a refresher.

From Ald. Osterman:
"Work on the redevelopment of 5050 N. Broadway to a mixed-use residential building will begin soon. All pedestrian walkways will remain open throughout construction. Abatement to begin week of April 1 in the Tower building, and move into the rest of the building May 1. A three-month demolition period is planned. Tentative window replacement is scheduled for January 2019."

For perspective, 5050 N. Broadway is in top right corner (Booth Hansen)

Toast of Uptown, A Buena Park Wine Walk, Set for April 22nd

"Vintage Buena Park" takes on a whole new meaning on Sunday, April 22nd, as TOAST OF UPTOWN takes place as a wine walk around the neighborhood.

Uptown United says,

"Join us for the first ever TOAST OF UPTOWN, an afternoon of strolling and sipping in beautiful Buena Park!

All attendees will receive a wine tasting glass which is your ticket to this event—simply present it at each stop along the route for delicious wine samples. This self-guided stroll will take you on a tour through the many businesses that call Buena Park home. Wine selections have been generously curated by North Buena Deli & Wine as well as local restaurants and cafe. Small bites from local eateries will be provided along the route as well.

PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES:

• My Chocolate Soul
• Tolotzin Mexican Cuisine
• Jakes Pup in the Ruf
• Mystic Visions Spiritual Gallery
• Intergalactic Cafes, Inc.
• The Reservoir
• IRPINO Real Estate
• North Buena Deli and Wine
• The Bar on Buena
• Klein's Bakery & Café
• All Strength Training
• Gns Foods
• Jenny Tola - State Farm Agent
• Royal Flesh Tattoo and Piercing
• Lakeside Wine and Spirits

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Buena Park Neighbors and North Buena Deli and Wine

SPONSORED BY European & US Car Service

• EARLY BIRD TICKETS (purchased before April 16): $30
• REGULAR ADMISSION (purchased on/after April 16): $35
• TICKETS: toast-of-uptown.eventbrite.com"

The Facebook events page is here.

"Paper Machete Cocktail Hour" Debuts Tonight At Green Mill (Still Fun, Free and Fabulous!)

Founder Christopher Piatt rehearsing one of the opening-night numbers, a soft-shoe with Melania Trump impersonator Erin Diamond.

Tonight the Green Mill is launching its new Wednesday evening series, the Paper Machete Cocktail Hour. It's basically the same as the Saturday series, but just slightly different. The show will be 90 minutes with no intermission, starting at 6:30 sharp. Still free.

Three of the people on the lineup -- SNL writer Katie Rich, the journalist Kim Bellware and the Jeff Award-winning actor Bethany Thomas --have all been with the show from its earliest incarnations 8+ years ago back in our Lincoln Square days. And the overall lineup is frankly pretty killer:

• KIM BELLWARE
• ERIN DIAMOND
• JOE FERNANDEZ
• MIKE MAIMONE
• KATIE RICH
• THE DEFIANT THOMAS BROTHERS
• SAD BRAD SMITH AND BETHANY THOMAS

If you haven't been able to get to the Green Mill on Saturday afternoons, consider Wednesday nights.

Hop On Over To The 20th District For An Egg Hunt

"My Buddy's" Restaurant Now Open At Clark & Montrose

Interior of My Buddy's at Clark & Montrose

If you've been searching for a new neighborhood place to get away from it all, with pub food and all types of adult beverages to imbibe, you should check out My Buddy's at 4416 N. Clark.
Questions about hours or menu? Call 773-728-3397

From the neighborhood press release:

"My Buddy’s is a home away from home.  The kind of neighborhood place that makes life’s problems seem smaller and life’s happiest moments seem so much sweeter.  Whether it is hanging out after a hard day of work or unwinding on a weekend evening My Buddy’s will be there to welcome you time and time again.  “I’m going over to My Buddy’s. I’ll be back in a couple hours.” wink wink.

The Decor
Warm and welcoming are the first two words that come to mind when describing the interior of the restaurant.  Soft glowing vintage bulbs guide you from room to room decorated with the hand-crafted woodwork that is the skeleton of My Buddy’s.  Each booth, table and bar top were built with our customers comfort in mind so kick back and enjoy everything they have to offer.

The Food     
American Grill and Comfort Food with a Touch of Southern Hospitality is what they strive to offer at My Buddy’s.  Beyond that their guiding philosophy is to keep it Unique, Interactive, & Fun.  Whether it’s their Signature Haystack, Relationship Wings, The Potato Tornado, or something more extravagant like the Steak Stones or Table Side S'mores they assure you, you will not be disappointed.  For the vegetarian crowd they proudly offer the Beyond Burger and even better than that every item on the menu is available Gluten Free. 

The Drinks 
Ravenswood is overflowing with beer and the team at My Buddy’s loves every drop of it.  There are so many amazingly talented local brewers in the neighborhood My Buddy’s is beaming with pride when they serve their wonderful creations.  From Begyle and Half Acre to Dovetail and Spiteful ask anyone on staff and they will give you a litany of excellent beer pairings to wash down the Flavorful Southern fare."

Peterson Garden Project Edible Plant Sale Coming This April & May

WHAT: Peterson Garden Project Organic Edible Plant Sale

WHEN: April 21-22 and May 4-6 

WHERE: 1101 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 (across from the Aragon Ballroom)

WHY:  Get ready to grow your own organic food! Peterson Garden Project’s Edible Plant Sale is back, and this year is better than ever with all organic plants and a new location in the heart of Chicago's Uptown neighborhood. All proceeds support PGP's free community programs. Learn more at bit.ly/PGP_PlantSale18.

RSVP on Facebook for the Cool Crops and Hot Crops sales to get the latest news and updates.

LEARN MORE: Visit bit.ly/PGP_PlantSale18 or petersongarden.org

4 Story, 20 Unit Building Proposed For Vacant Lot On Agatite

839 W. Agatite, currently a vacant lot (Google)

Neighbors living near 839 W. Agatite are receiving letters in the mail from an attorney representing a developer with plans for this long vacant lot next to the soon to be complete 811 Uptown development. Judging from HistoricAerials.com, a courtyard style building once stood on this lot and was demolished sometime between 1973 and 1988. Soil testing on the lot was taking place this winter, so neighbors knew something was in the works.

According to the Uptown Uplifted Facebook page, Mavrek Development  is planning a 4 story building with 20 units and 19 parking spaces. The letter mentions changes being requested to the rear setback to the alley and the neighboring structures.

Update: We heard from Mavrek Development with a bit more info on this development. The project is a 20 unit rental building with a mix of 2 bedroom 2 bath, 2 bedroom 1 bath, and 1 bedroom 1 bath available summer 2019. The rendering is being finalized and will be shared once its available.

Permit Issued For Weiss Plaza Renovation

A taste of what to expect at Lawrence & Sheridan (CR&M)

A renovation permit valued at $500,000 was issued yesterday by the city to the owner of Weiss Plaza at 4800 N. Sheridan, who plans to give the strip mall a much needed facelift.

The CR&M Real Estate brochure gives us a peek of what to expect, shown above. It will certainly be an improvement over what is currently there. The two largest spaces in the mall are currently empty after JJ Peppers and Family Dollar vacated them.

We hope that this renovation will attract a couple of quality retailers. If you are looking for retail space, contact Todd J. Cabanban at 312-477-0342 or todd@crmcr.com

Bellydancers And Firespinners Team Up To Protect Immigrants' Rights At Uptown Underground

The cast of Raks Geek (photo by Braden Nesin)

Chicago, Ill: In a time of rising animosity toward immigrants and people of color, Raks Geek, a majority Asian-American bellydance and fire performance company founded and directed by a Singaporean immigrant, is using nerd-themed art to take a stand. This month, they're teaming up with AFIRE Chicago to protect immigrants' rights while offering a new version of the production that's been hailed by The Daily Mail as "sci-fi seduction" for featuring acts like a bellydancing Wookiee.

Though based in Chicago, Raks Geek has made waves nationally and internationally on MSN, The Daily Mail, WGN-TV, and UK Channel 4 TV through their commitment to blend a high degree of artistic and technical mastery with fun, creativity, and themes from nerd culture. On Friday, March 28 at 10pm, the group will feature bellydance and fire performance tributes to Star Wars, Iron Fist, X-Men, and more. A portion of proceeds from the one-night performance at Uptown Underground will be donated to AFIRE Chicago, the Alliance of Filipinos for Immigrant Rights and Empowerment.

"Representation matters," says founder/director Dawn Xiana Moon, who is Chinese-American by way of Singapore. "While our society pigeonholes Asians as socially-awkward scientists, perpetual foreigners, and weak submissives, I’m determined to show that Asians - even those of us born in other countries - aren't who the stereotypes imagine us to be."

Founded by Dawn Xiana Moon in 2012, Raks Geek showcases the talents of bellydancers and object manipulators who are each stars in their own right: They've performed everywhere from Germany to Morocco and dance for hundreds of people every week. Company members include Kamrah, who has taught and performed at Tribal Fest (the largest tribal bellydance festival in the world); Lee Na-Moo, winner of the 2010 Chicago Oriental Dance Competition, member of modern/contemporary company Joel Hall Dancers, and touring cast with Bellydance Evolution; Michi Trota, Hugo Award winner and board member of the Chicago Full Moon Fire Jams; and director Dawn Xiana Moon, who performs 100 shows a year with Read My Hips tribal bellydance and Acrobatica Infiniti Circus in the US and Canada.

Directed and Produced by Dawn Xiana Moon
Performed by Kamrah, Lee Na-Moo, Dawn Xiana Moon, Michi Trota, and Tank
One Night Only: Friday, March 23 at 10pm (doors at 9:30pm)
Uptown Underground: 4707 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Runtime approximately 60 minutes, no intermission
Ages 21+

Tickets: $25-$39 reserved seating - raksgeek.com, 773.867.1946

"Third Thursdays" Kicks Off Tomorrow On Argyle

(click to enlarge)

(via Ald. Osterman's 48th Ward office)
Please join me tomorrow evening for Third Thursdays on Argyle. In partnership with Uptown United, Business Partners - the Chamber for Uptown, Axis Lab, First Sip Cafe, and Argyle-area businesses, Third Thursdays on Argyle is a monthly event series designed to bring people to Argyle Street to enjoy the businesses there. Restaurants along Argyle are offering special menu items and discounts, and First Sip Cafe, 1057 W. Argyle, and Axis Lab, 1120 W. Argyle, are hosting pop-up vendor markets featuring live entertainment and local artisans. This series will keep the creative and cultural vibe of the Argyle Night Market alive all year long.

Our first Third Thursday event is tomorrow, Thursday, March 15, from 5-9pm. Pop-up markets will feature female artists and creatives in honor of International Women's Month. Special offerings and discounts at businesses include:

Pho 888, 1137 W. Argyle - 10% off all menu items; BYOB

Cafe Hoang, 1020 W. Argyle - 15% off all menu items; BYOB

Hai Yen, 1055 W. Argyle - 10% off all menu items

Miss Saigon, 1129 W. Argyle - 10% off all menu items; BYOB

Pho 777, 1065 W. Argyle - 15% off select menu items; BYOB

Pho Viet, 4941 N. Broadway - 20% off select menu items

Pho Xe Lua, 1021 W. Argyle - 4-course vegan menu: $24 for 2, $36 for 4, $54 for 6

Foremost Liquors, 1040 W. Argyle - Discounts on wine pairings

Salon M, 1059 W. Argyle - Free band trims for women & line cuts for men; 20% off all products

George & Weezie Make Fourth Return To Weiss Rooftop

Weiss Hospital rooftop residents, George & Weezie

(courtesy Weiss Hospital)
They’re back! The likable lovebirds return to Weiss Memorial Hospital.

It’s become a springtime tradition in Uptown. Now in their 4th year, a pair of geese – affectionately named Weezie and George – nestle atop the hospital’s parking garage. It’s a space where much planting takes place as part of the community Rooftop Farm.

Weezie does her own planting of sorts. The Mother Goose lays eggs, which typically hatch late-April.  Weezie and George raise a half-dozen goslings for weeks before leading them to Lake Michigan – waters greater than the kiddie pool in which they wade near their nesting area.

The featured family has become quite the social media sensation on Weiss’ Facebook page as hospital staff, patients and neighbors watch the weeks-long updates of the goslings growing and learning life in the outside world.

The highlight of the gaggle’s short stay comes in early May when they waddle down the parking garage ramp to Montrose Harbor where the goslings take their first dip into more familiar waters for their species. Check out last year’s "The Weiss Waddle" here.

Weezie and George have become quite the social media sensation. Peek into their progress over the next 8 weeks or so via the Weiss Memorial Hospital Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages. #WeissWaddle, #NorthSideProud

Focus Group About Social Workers In Uptown Libraries This Friday

RSVP Now For The Next FLATSstudio Art Show On Clifton

RSVP for this great art show here.

Longacre On Wilson Soft Opening This Weekend

The new home of Longacre, 1303 W. Wilson at Malden

The "Pinche Caliente Chelaquiles"

We've all been anxiously awaiting the opening of the latest restaurant from Sheridan Park residents Andy and Gina Kalish. They currently operate 2 restaurants at Wilson & Malden, namely Kal'ish Vegan and Longacre Pizza. The former space that Baker & Nosh once occupied has been beautifully transformed into simply "Longacre" and will specialize in brunch initially. Sheridan Park favorite "Longacre Pizza" will operate in cooperation with Longacre.

This weekend's soft-opening will begin at 8AM-2:30PM on Saturday, March 10 and feature baked goods, pastries, bagels and breakfast counter service. Expect to see expanded hours as well as dinner service beginning in May. 

For your planning convenience, the SOFT-OPENING
brunch and bagel menus are attached below:

New Retail Space Available Next To Upcoming Sheridan/Wilson TOD

4541 N. Sheridan retail space from Mid-America real estate flyer

Mid-America Real Estate group is also the listing agent for the Cedar Street owned building at 4541 N. Sheridan. You might recall that this building is smack-dab next door to the upcoming 4555 N. Sheridan development (formerly known as 975 W. Wilson) so this will be a very attractive space in the very near future. The full listing in .pdf form is available here with all of the contact details.

4541 N. Sheridan, visible on the right, with the upcoming Clayco 4555 N. Sheridan (Forum Studio)

Retail Space Available For Lease At Wilson & Clifton

Retail space now available at 1132 W. Wilson

As one new business moves in at Wilson & Clifton (Uptown Donuts), we bid adieu to another business, Jerk Stop.

This space already has the kitchen built-out so it would be perfect for a restaurant, maybe even a Mexican restaurant? (hint, hint)

The space at 1132 W. Wilson is listed with Mid-America and they can be reached at 630-954-7300 attention Paul Bryant, Andrew Becker, or Adam Beltzman.

Share this post far and wide and let's get this space filled!

Go Grocer To Open In Imperial Towers This Friday

Please welcome Go Grocer to Imperial Towers, at 4250 Marine Drive. Stop by and check out the new cafe, pharmacy, and stocked grocery shelves. Open to the public as well as building residents, starting this Friday.

In-On Thai Coming To Broadway

As we posted last week, there are newly rehabbed retail spaces available on the 4600 block of Broadway. A sharp-eyed reader discovered that In-On Thai restaurant will be taking the northernmost space.

photo courtesy of LTHForum

A 2016 GNR winner ("Great Neighborhood Restaurant"), In-On Thai was a family-owned restaurant that was forced to close its previous location at 3821 Broadway when most of the block was torn down to make way for the massive building currently under construction.

Its owners have been trying hard to find a new spot ever since. And it looks like they have.

The surrounding community has lost two much-loved Thai restaurants recently (Thai Uptown and Siam Noodle), so it should be a great fit for In-On Thai. No word yet when they will be moving in, but we hope soon!

(For those who miss Thai Uptown's food, we found their chef! He is at Dena Kitchen in Logan Square, and his food is still as delicious as ever. Best crab rangoon we've had since Thai Uptown closed.)

Former Horizon Cafe To Re-open as "Pancake Cafe"

Many of our readers were sad when local favorite "Horizon Cafe" closed its doors after 13 years. If you were hoping for a similar style of restaurant to take its place, you are in luck!

"Pancake Cafe," a Wisconsin based restaurant with locations in Fitchburg, Madison, and an upcoming Stoughton location, has plans to open in the former space at 3805 N. Broadway. No word on the exact opening date at this time.

Check out their website and full menu here.

820-26 W. Cuyler Purchased & Rehabbed By Mo2 Properties

820 W. Cuyler (rentlinx)

Mo2 Properties closed on the sale of 820-26 W. Cuyler last year and has been hard at work rehabbing the interiors. Last week, construction permits were issued for a total roof replacement as well as the replacement of the back porches.

You might recall that this building has had a bit of a storied past with the former owner so neighbors are likely ecstatic to see new life being brought to this building. According to the Mo2 website, there is a one bedroom available. Check out this link for more info.

It's wonderful to see buildings like 820 W. Cuyler, 4520 N. Malden, and 851 W. Montrose receiving the attention they deserve after years of neglect.

A typical kitchen in the rehabbed 820-26 Cuyler building (Mo2)

You're Invited To Meet The New 19th District Police Officers

On Sunday, the city announced that 86 newly minted police officers will be hitting the streets in various districts across Chicago. That includes the 19th District, which covers Uptown south of Lawrence.

The 19th District tweeted Sunday afternoon:

"Monday at 1:00 PM Cmdr Buslik & Capt Kane will meet with the 19 Probationary Police Officers newly assigned to the 19th District. The community is welcome to greet them at 2:00 at the police station."

The 19th District station is located at 850 West Addison, with guest parking available in the garage east of the station.

Early Voting Opens Throughout Chicago Today

Thankfully, the primary campaigns are in the home stretch and we only have to hear the wannabes attack each other for another couple weeks.

Election Day is Tuesday, March 20th, but you can vote early anywhere in the city beginning today.

If you are already registered to vote, you just need to show up at an early voting site anytime between today and Monday, March 19th, to cast your ballot. ID is not required, but is suggested.

If you are not registered to vote, or not registered at your current address or under your current name, you can register and vote at the same time. If you are doing this, go to any early voting site. You must bring two forms of ID, one of which shows your current address, and you must vote at the same time you register. This option is not available on Election Day.

Unlike Election Day, you can early vote at any of the 51 early voting sites. You do not have to vote in the ward in which you live.

Early voting sites for the Uptown wards are Truman College (1145 West Wilson), Welles Park (2333 West Sunnyside), and the Edgewater Library (6000 North Broadway). A complete list of all early voting sites is here.

Early voting hours are:

• Monday, March 5 through Saturday, March 10: 9am-5pm
• Sunday, March 11: 10am-4pm
• Monday, March 12 through Friday, March 16: 9am-7pm 
• Saturday, March 17: 9am-5pm
• Sunday, March 18: 10am-4pm
• Monday, March 19: 9am-5pm (six sites, including Welles Park, are open until 7pm)

If you have any questions about your registration or what the ballot looks like, check out www.ChicagoElections.com.

Grow Uptown Community Garden Funding Proposed In City Council

From the City Council's meeting last week:

"Four neighborhood open space projects would be made possible through financial measures proposed today to City Council by Mayor Rahm Emanuel:

Grow Uptown, 4525 N. Kenmore. Grow Uptown Garden would be developed on a vacant, City-owned lot through approximately $375,000 in Open Space Impact Fees.

The funds would be used by NeighborSpace land trust for the installation of raised garden beds, seating, a walking path, signage, trees, a shade structure, and bike racks. The .26-acre site, adjacent to Uptown’s former Graeme Stewart School, would be managed by the Peterson Garden Project in partnership with NeighborSpace.

Open Space Impact Fees are generated by new residential development projects to improve and expand public open spaces within the City’s 77 community areas."

The other three open space projects are the Veteran’s Peace Garden, 5413 W. Madison in Austin; 4546 N. Kedvale in Albany Park for a future park; and 1544 N. Larabee in Old Town to create a new access point to the athletic fields at Near North High School.

According to Peterson Garden Project, the Grow Uptown garden is a partnership between Alderman Cappleman, Morningside, Uptown United, Uplift High School, Heartland Health Center, and NeighborSpace, with produce donated to Inspiration Cafe as part of the "Grow to Give" program

Lakepointe Development Purchases 4520 N. Malden

4520-28 N. Malden (courtesy Lakepointe Apartments & Development Group)

Lakepointe Apartments and Development has added a fourth property in to their Uptown portfolio.

In addition to their properties such as the rehabbed Riviera Apartments at Lawrence and Broadway, the company has purchased a 34 unit courtyard building at 4520-28 N. Malden.

According to their website, they plan "substantial improvements" to the property over the next 12-18 months and tout the property's proximity to the recently completed Wilson station.