The Press Weighs In On The Uptown Theater News

One of the most poignant things we heard yesterday after the announcement about the restoration of the Uptown Theater was from an older resident who's lived all of her life here. She said,

"When I was a little girl, we used to see movies at the Uptown. It was so magnificent that just being there made us feel special. There were thrones and statues, and it made us feel like we weren't just in a special place, it was that we were special ourselves."

May generations of Uptowners be able to have that same feeling after the restoration is done!

Friday's press conference drew quite the crowd of media types. Here are some of their stories:

• Historic Uptown Theatre to be restored with $75 million renovation (ABC7 Chicago)
• Uptown Theatre To Get A Second Act (CBS Chicago)
• Emanuel unveils $75M plan to restore historic Uptown Theater (Chicago Sun-Times)
• Uptown Theatre will be restored: $75 million plan unveiled for grand palace on North Side (Chicago Tribune)
• It's great that the Uptown Theatre has a future. What kind of future will it be? (Chicago Tribune)
• Uptown Theater will be restored to 1925 glamor with $75 million (Curbed Chicago)
• Historic Uptown Theatre to receive $75-million-dollar renovation (Fox 32)
• Farpoint to lead publicly funded $75M restoration of Uptown Theatre (The Real Deal)
• Uptown Theater to undergo $75M renovation (WGN TV)
• Why the Uptown Theatre Restoration is a Big Deal (Chicago Magazine)
• Chicago’s legendary Uptown Theatre to come back to life (The Architect's Newspaper)
• Farpoint Development To Bring Uptown Theatre Back To Life (BisNow)
• Why restore the Uptown Theatre at all? It's savvy, and plus there's a better reason (Chicago Tribune)
•  “It’s a testament to its initial design and construction that it’s still standing and it can still knock your socks off…” Andy Pierce on The Uptown Theater (WGN Radio)
• [NEW] Going Uptown: Jam Productions’ Jerry Mickelson Realizes Decades-Long Dream Of Reopening Chicago’s Uptown Theatre  (Pollstar)

Ald. Cappleman: "Restoring The Uptown Theater"

Ald. Cappleman sent out an email blast today about (what else?!) the great news about the Uptown Theater's future:

Today, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and I, along with JAM Productions, announced plans to fully restore the Uptown Theatre. Vacant since 1981, this 93-year-old building with 4,381 seats has an interior volume said to be larger than any other movie palace in the United States, including Radio City Music Hall in New York.

So many of us who love this magnificent treasure on Chicago’s north side have been waiting patiently to see it return as the breathtaking spectacle that its architects, Balaban and Katz, intended.

In 2001, the Lawrence Broadway TIF was created specifically to assist with this needed restoration. As soon as the Uptown Theatre became part of my ward after redistricting, I immediately began working with JAM Productions and Mayor Emanuel to find a way to restore this gem.

Since then, I have fought to build the needed infrastructure to make this project happen. I pushed for our recent $6 million streetscaping in that area and worked with Uptown United to attract interesting businesses with an entertainment focus, all done with the goal of giving investors the necessary confidence to proceed with the theater’s restoration.

Jerry Mickelson (owner of the theater),
Mayor Emanuel and Ald. Cappleman

The renovation of the Uptown Theatre will cement Uptown’s Entertainment District as an internationally known destination while creating needed jobs in our community. In addition to the construction jobs for this $65 million rehab, there also will be a huge economic boom for the neighboring businesses, which will benefit workers and families in our community.

This project will change the landscape of the Uptown neighborhood. The construction will be inconvenient at times, but I assure you that I will continue my constant communication and receive your feedback in order to make this historic renovation move forward as smoothly as possible.

This will be the news of the year for the 46th Ward. That said, there is still some heavy lifting that I must do before we get to the day when there is a ribbon-cutting for the Uptown Theatre's grand opening in a few years. The State of Illinois recently allocated $10 million for this project. I will be asking my colleagues in City Council to support allocation of the $13 million TIF that's needed to make this happen, and there are still many plans that need to be finalized.

A special thanks to all of you who shared this dream to make the rehab of the Uptown Theatre a reality. I am so honored to play a role by fighting on your behalf to make this happen.

City Press Release About Uptown Theater Restoration Plans

Right as a press conference took place inside the Uptown Theater, the city released news about plans for the theater's future:

MAYOR EMANUEL ANNOUNCES PLAN TO REOPEN HISTORIC UPTOWN THEATRE

$75 Million Restoration and Redevelopment Project Will Revitalize Uptown Theatre and Make it the Centerpiece of a Redeveloped Uptown Entertainment District

 Mayor Rahm Emanuel today joined Ald. James Cappleman, Jam Productions and Farpoint Development to announce Chicago’s historic Uptown Theatre will be restored and reopened as the crown jewel of a revitalized Uptown entertainment district. The 93-year-old landmark building, vacant for more than 35 years, will be used for a variety of live performances and special events. The $75 million project fulfills a commitment the Mayor made in his first term.

 “The Uptown Theater has been a staple of the Uptown neighborhood’s past, and will be a strong asset for the community’s future,” Mayor Emanuel said. “The restored theater will be the centerpiece of the new, revitalized Uptown entertainment district, giving residents and visitors another way to experience world-class culture and entertainment in one of the City’s most storied neighborhoods.”

The joint venture between Jam, one of the Chicago’s area’s largest concert promotors, and Farpoint, an experienced Chicago-based real estate developer, will comprehensively restore the Spanish Revival-style building as modern entertainment venue. Interior improvements will include new elevators and concession stations, new mechanical, electrical, plumbing and life-safety systems. Restored decorative finishes, new seats and a reconfigured first-floor will increase total capacity from approximately 4,100 to 5,800 people. Exterior work will repair the building’s masonry and terra cotta and improve marquees and related signage, among other repairs and improvements.

In addition to the redevelopment project, a comprehensive streetscape plan will help identify the urban entertainment district around the Uptown and Riviera theatres and the Aragon Ballroom. The $6 million project includes improvements to portions of Broadway, Lawrence, Wilson and Argyle, with a new pedestrian plaza, sculpture and public stage on the 4700 block of North Racine. Streetscape construction will be finished this summer.

“We have assembled an all-star team with Farpoint Development to reopen the doors of one of the most amazing live entertainment palaces in the country,” Jam owner Jerry Mickelson said. “This opportunity represents more than just restoring a theatre since this rejuvenation will create an immense economic impact on Chicago’s North Side. The Uptown Theatre will be the catalyst to spur development in the Uptown Entertainment District that will help create jobs, attract restaurants along with commercial and retail establishments as well as other entertainment venues.”

“Farpoint Development could not be prouder than to partner with Jerry Mickelson and Jam Productions in the renovation of the Uptown Theater,” Farpoint founder Scott Goodman said. “Opportunities to restore architectural gems like the Uptown are rare. To be able to do it in a diverse and flourishing neighborhood like Uptown makes it that much more exciting.”

Planned City assistance for the theater restoration includes $14 million in PACE financing, $13 million in Tax Increment Financing and $3 million in Adopt-A-Landmark funds. The PACE funding is being made available through the State of Illinois’ Property Assessed Clean Energy Act, which enables building owners to make energy-related building improvements that are paid over time through special assessments on the property.

Additional funding sources are anticipated to include $30 million in equity and conventional financing, $10 million in Build Illinois Bond funding, and $8.7 million in federal tax credits.

click to enlarge

With “an acre of seats” served by three separate lobbies, the Spanish Revival-style structure was the world’s largest theater building when it opened in 1925 at 4816 N. Broadway. Designed by architects Rapp and Rapp for operator Balaban and Katz Corp., the Uptown was used for stage shows, movies and special events into the 1970s, when it was primarily used for touring musical acts. Since closing to the public in 1981, the building’s interior spaces have been periodically used for film productions.

The City of Chicago has worked to protect and preserve the building for several decades. In 1991, it was designated a City of Chicago landmark to preserve its exterior and interior from alteration or demolition. In 2001, the Lawrence/Broadway TIF district was designated to help fund repairs and maintenance, for which $1.4 million has been allocated to date. In 2005, the City established a compliance agreement with a former owner that ensured the structure would be maintained and monitored through regular engineering reports and court dates. The compliance agreement continues to apply to its current owner, Jam, which purchased the building in 2008.

Redevelopment agreement details will be finalized this summer and presented this fall to the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, the Community Development Commission and the Chicago City Council for review and approval. Restoration work would start later this year and be completed in 2020.

“Given its past, size and potential impact on the City’s cultural landscape, the Uptown will be one of the most significant restoration projects in the city’s history,” said Department of Planning and Development Commissioner David Reifman. “It’s reopening will introduce hundreds of thousands of people to one of Chicago’s great performance spaces, as well as one of its most historic neighborhoods.”

A partnership between Chicago Public Schools and After School Matters will provide students with opportunities to visit the theater during and after construction as part of field trips, special events and fine arts classes.

Public transit access to the theater will be enhanced by the $203 million renovation of Uptown’s Wilson Avenue CTA station and the planned renovation of the Lawrence and Argyle CTA stations, part of a $2.1 billion initiative to expand the North Side capacity of the CTA’s Red and Purple lines.

In the ’20s and ’30s, the Uptown neighborhood’s entertainment venues could accommodate 25,000 people, making it the largest entertainment district in Chicago outside of the Loop, according to the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, which in 2016 coordinated the area’s designation as an official landmark district. Uptown entertainment venues today include the Aragon Ballroom, Riviera Theatre, Green Mill jazz lounge and Uptown Underground cabaret.

Other nearby public and private projects include recent renovations of the 1920s-era Gerber Building and Lawrence House, and more than 1,800 new and rehabilitated, mixed-income residential units planned for Broadway, Lawrence, Wilson, Kenmore and Clarendon avenues.

BREAKING NEWS: Uptown Theater To Be Restored

a drawing of the front lobby, dating from 1926
(the year after the theater opened)

The Tribune, citing an interview Thursday with Mayor Emanuel, has broken the story that the Uptown Theater will be restored through a private and public partnership.

We know. We know. We've heard it before.

We've had our hopes lifted, and dashed more than once. We read just six months ago the story of how a promising 2015 deal to restore the theater fell apart.

But.... According to the Tribune,

"This is not just another plan for the 4816 N. Broadway flagship of the Uptown neighborhood, insists Mayor Rahm Emanuel. This time it’s for real.

Assuming the plan passes the City Council and other regulatory hurdles, the restoration and redevelopment project is slated to begin this fall. Within two years, the boards should be off the windows, the venue open for business and a curious public careening once again down the grand lobby staircase."

An Urban Land Institute study dating from 2000 cites the Uptown Theater's revival as a priority for Uptown to thrive and grow in the new millennium. The ULI panel said, in a report dated November 2000:

"The Uptown Theater must be restored. It is well-known that this will be a difficult and expensive program needing a tremendous amount of public/private cooperation to succeed. However, the theater is truly significant historically and magnificent aesthetically. It is the kind of property of which people will say 'Can you believe that this building was nearly torn down at the beginning of the century?' Future generations will not forgive those who do not attend to this obligation."

You can read the Tribune story here for all the details.

In the meantime, we'll watch the 2006 documentary, Portrait of a Palace, and cross our fingers and hope it really, really happens this time.

UPDATE: Ald. Cappleman posted on UU's Facebook page, "I can't tell you how hard it was to keep this a secret. The business plan to make this happen was in place by the end of March 2016 and it took all this time to put all the financing together and work out other details on construction.

All I can say is that this is a game changer for Uptown. More about this will be in my newsletter tomorrow."

Haircuts For Happiness at Gold Cuts on Sunday

Andrew from Gold Cuts in Buena Park invites you to take advantage of his shop's services and help the families of sick kids at the same time:

"Sunday, July 1st, from 2pm-5pm, we're doing a charity event at the shop. We'll be cutting people's hair for free and people can leave donations. 

Klein's Bakery & Cafe will give out free coffee at the event. 

The money will be given to the Ronald McDonald House Charities the next day."

Gold Cuts is located at 4141 N. Broadway, and can be reached at 312-783-5812.

Ronald McDonald House Charities' mission is "Keeping families with sick children together and near the care and resources they need." Be a part of it and get a great look from Gold Cuts at the same time!

Phoenix Rising Sculpture Dedicated Today

The new sculpture Phoenix Rising was dedicated this morning at the intersection of Montrose, Sheridan, and Broadway. Designed by Chicago artist Lucy Slivinski, it was installed as part of Chicago's Year of Public Art. The 10am ceremony was attended by the public, the artist, and Ald. James Cappleman.

Created of scrap metal, most notably bicycle parts, it reflects the 46th Ward's love of and increased rate of bike transportation.

The legendary bird, the phoenix, represents Uptown's ability to rise and change, over and over, as it has for most of its existence.

The phoenix faces north, toward the entertainment district.

You can read more about the sculpture and Ms. Slivinski here.

Meeting House Tavern Opens Today At 5PM

Welcome to the Meeting House Tavern, at 5025 North Clark (it will share the former Cantina 1910 space with neighbor Hutch American Kitchen). The Facebook page is here.

You can read more about it here, at the Tribune.

The Case Of The Vanishing Lav

Our local Aldi proclaimed it would be open during construction.

So it was a perplexed group of shoppers who showed up on Wednesday to find a closed store and a big green "License Suspended" sign on the door.

The reason? The demolition put the employee restrooms out of commission. It seems the Department of Public Health, weirdly enough, likes employees to have a place to use the facilities and to wash their hands. Hence, the closure.

We are told that Aldi is fixing the situation so the store can reopen.

If you are a dedicated Aldi shopper, you can find the nearest locations at 6221 N Broadway (at Granville) and 2431 W Montrose (at Artesian).

Photos courtesy of Roderick Reves/UU Facebook page.

Wilson Optical Moving West, Purchases Former Luna Spa Location

Wilson Optical is moving from 1056 West Wilson to 1217 West Wilson, the former Luna Spa storefront. The new location is a few doors east of Magnolia.

Not only does this mean it won't have to change its name, it means that it is committed to staying in Uptown, since the new space is a purchase rather than a lease. The 2500sf space closed a few days ago, and the new signage just went up.

We are glad to see a long-time business remain in the community!

This is the first business to vacate the 4601 North Broadway retail complex, which is scheduled to be razed at some point to make room for a new mixed-use residential building with ground-floor retail.

Wilson Optical at its soon-to-be-former location, at 1056 Wilson (Google Streetview)

Pride In Just Under A Minute

Uptown-based Make Stuff Media production house once again provides a quick and comprehensive overview of the Pride Parade. It's 59 seconds of fun, and we had smiles on our faces the whole time. What a great day for Pride!

Check out Make Stuff Media's Facebook page and website to see what else they do.

For a look at 2017's parade highlights, see our post here.

Youth & Officers Basketball Game Wednesday Evening At Chase Park

The 19th District CAPS office tweeted:

"19th District Teens ages 13-17 are welcome to join us for our latest Youth and Officers Basketball Game. Wednesday, June 27th 6pm at Chase Park 4701 N Ashland Pizza and snacks will be provided  following the game."

Community Alert: Police Seek Man Who Mugged Elderly Woman in Truman Square

 Be on the lookout!

On May 8, an elderly woman was getting out of her car on the 4700 block of Winthrop around 3:30pm. She was approached by a man who asked her for directions, then pepper-sprayed her and took her purse.

He was later seen trying to use her credit cards at a gas station where these pictures were taken on the surveillance camera.

He is described as a black male, 40-45 years of age, 6' to 6'3", with a slender build.  He was observed observed exiting a black sedan, possibly a Dodge Avenger.

If you have any information that can help identify him, please contact the Area North Detectives at (312) 744-8263.

Holiday Club Co-Owner Resigns Due To Outrage Over Social Media Meme (UPDATED)

The meme posted on the
now-inaccessible Facebook page
of Peter Malek

On Tuesday morning, an Uptown resident named Peter Malek posted a meme on his Facebook page slamming illegal immigration and depicting a Latina mother with her child. It was originally posted by a right-wing Tea Party group on Facebook and was shared by Mr. Malek on his personal page.

What made it notable was that Mr. Malek's personal Facebook page also identified him as a co-owner of the group that operates the Holiday Club, 4000 North Sheridan.

Almost immediately, social media exploded with the news, and further examination of Mr. Malek's Facebook page showed a video supporting a driver who deliberately drove into a crowd of "libtard protesters." He had also posted a photo of himself wearing a jacket with an SS Eagle/double lightning bolt patch on it. The Anti-Defamation League describes the symbol as "a common white supremacist/neo-Nazi symbol."

One wonders what would cause someone who dislikes "libtards" and wears Neo-Nazi gear to live in and set up a business in Uptown -- a community widely known as a port of entry, one that prides itself on its diversity, and one where organizations like RefugeeOne and Apna Ghar are located. Mr. Malek indicates that he himself is an immigrant from Poland.

Photo credit: Kendall Thacker/Time Out Chicago

Long-time customers and groups that frequented the Holiday Club flooded social media with promises to boycott the bar, and demanded an explanation. One-star reviews of the Holiday Club were posted to Yelp and Facebook. Unsurprisingly, Mr. Malek made his Facebook page unavailable shortly after noon.

By the end of the day, the other two co-owners of the Holiday Club said that they were legally separating themselves from Mr. Malek and that he was resigning as a co-owner. In a statement posted at 6:05pm, the Holiday Club said on Facebook:

I would just like to reiterate our deepest apologies for the disgusting rhetoric displayed by resigning Co Owner Peter Malek on his personal Facebook page. Again it is horrid, disgraceful and in no way represents the other owners or staffs opinions. This obtuse and deplorable opinion aired by Peter is in direct contrast to our very “forward” thinking establishment as well as to the other two owners (who happened to be people of color and children of immigrants). Take no pause that this is being taken seriously and due to Peter’s new found voice he will no longer be a part of Holiday Club and it’s inclusiveness. Again this is a minority owned business in “its majority of shares” and we will be using that majority ownership forcefully. The statements made by Peter will not be tolerated with in our corporation as we make our effort to continue the culture of inclusivity Holiday Club is known for.
- Benjamin Greene Co Owner.
- Sonny Domingo Co Owner.

Since Peter T. Malek is listed as the president of Holiday Bar Group, Inc. in its incorporation papers, it may be a while before he is legally untangled from an ownership share.

The First Amendment guarantees citizens the freedom of speech. It does not mean that freedom of speech ensures freedom from the consequences of what you say.

Hint for those who hate "libtards" and wear Neo-Nazi gear: Uptown is not a place your message will garner a lot of support.

Update: Ald. Cappleman posted in the comments, "It's our diversity that makes us strong. Kudos to the 2 co-owners Benjamin Greene and Sonny Domingo for their quick action to ensure their business adheres to the values of Chicago as a Welcoming City for all. We cannot tolerate bigotry in any form.... not here in the 46th Ward; not anywhere."

Aldi's Renovations Underway

With the okay given to expand Aldi to the property line at Broadway and Sunnyside, and the addition of a front entrance, they're wasting no time. The glass in the "tower," the decorative steel grid, and the brick facade have already been removed, and presumably we've seen the last of the planter boxes out front. The store will have wider aisles and have a larger interior space when it's all done.

Final Trash Movie Nite At Fat Cat To Be Super-Sized

Sad to say, but Trash Movie Nites at Fat Cat are winding up this Wednesday. No more terrible celluloid experiences at 4840 North Broadway, so come see it out with four, count'em, four trashy movies.

"THAT'S ALL FOLKS!

It's sadly come to be that time at Fat Cat, but we're going out with a bang!

The horror party of the year is going to be the final Trash Movie Nite!

We have a huge bash planned with 4 MOVIES screening and all kinds of horror collectibles for sale and vendors to boot.

EVENT STARTS AT 6PM AND GOES UNTIL MIDNIGHT! Come and go as you please, wall to wall movies.

The lineup will remain a surprise, but those who can't wait can Pm us and we'll spoil the surprise lineup.

No Cover, for those 21+

Wednesday: $5 Select Craft Drafts!!! Enjoy $5 select craft drafts every Wednesday. Plus, Reward Members can Buy a Beer and Get a Glass! We have glassware from several breweries near and far - choose your favorite to take home! One glass per visit.

Giveaways and all kinds of goodies and surprises."

Beer Tent Volunteers Needed For Windy City Ribfest

Friday brings the Windy City Ribfest to the 4700 block of Broadway - bands, booths, kids' activities, beer and RIBS! The fest will run noon to 10pm on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 9pm on Sunday.

The beneficiary of some of the proceeds of Ribfest is Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown, which will receive a portion of the gate sales, beer sales, and all tips from beer/wine sales.

They are still looking for volunteers to work shifts in the beer tents, particularly on Saturday night and Sunday. The fewer people the promoter has to hire, the more profits to Business Partners, to continue to build a strong, unified business environment; facilitate economic development; and strengthen community.

If you can lend a hand, sign up ASAP here. You'll get a ton of appreciation and a t-shirt with the Windy City Ribfest logo. Thanks to all who are already signed up and to future volunteers.

New Police Officers Join 19th & 20th Districts

On Sunday, 102 new police officers were assigned to the city's police districts.

The 20th District (serving Uptown north of Lawrence) received one new officer, and the 19th District (serving Uptown south of Lawrence) received ten new officers, more than any other district in the city.

The officers received six months of training at the police academy, and underwent three months of field training with experienced officers.

The CPD also announced that new officers will be deployed to various districts each month into 2019.

Pre- & Post-Parade Noshes and More

If you're looking for somewhere to hang out before or after the parade, here are a few Uptown suggestions:

• Uptown Donuts (1122 West Wilson) says, "We will be open at 8 A.M Sunday June 24th. Don't forget to stop on in and fuel up before the Pride Parade!!"
• Tweet Let's Eat (5020 North Sheridan) says, "Pride weekend is upon us, your Tweet family want to wish everyone a safe and happy pride weekend. We are here all weekend from 8:30am to 2:45pm! Bring in your friends and family this weekend and celebrate pride with us!"
• Fat Cat (4840 North Broadway) will be serving a Pride Brunch Buffet between 10am and 2pm. $15 gets you a buffet that includes bananas foster french toast, applewood bacon, fresh buttermilk biscuits, yogurt parfait bar, and more.
• Uptown Lounge (1136 West Lawrence) says, "Sunday we open at 10am for the Chicago Pride Parade with $3 Beers $4 Shots/Cocktails"
• Bar on Buena (910 West Buena) says, "PRIDE PARTY AND PARADE VIEWING AT THE BOB!! We'll be opening at 10am this year with a limited food menu, drink specials and an all-out-day-long party. best of all NO COVER!"
• Longacre Chicago (1303 West Wilson) will be open from 8am-3pm for Pride Parade Sunday Brunch, with a live performance on the patio at 10am by Cleo Pockalipps.
• My Buddy's (4616 North Clark) is offering a complimentary (FREE!) breakfast between 9am and 11am, while supplies last.
• Michael's Pizza (4091 North Broadway) says, "The 49th Annual Pride Parade, outdoor seating available on Belle Plaine St. Parade Kicks Off At 12noon. We will be serving up Michael's Originals, Vodka Lemonade & Cold Bud drafts. Stop by early for great seats."
• SoFo Tap (4923 North Clark) says, "Our patio will be the place to be tomorrow during Patio BEEF: Pride Sunday, starting at 3 pm! FREE EATS while they last and Moose the DJ on the decks spinning your favorite pride anthems! Come as you are, before or after the parade! NO COVER!"
• Provisions Uptown (4812 North Broadway) is opening early and giving 10 percent off when you show off your UPTOWN PROUD flag. Don't have one? Snag one there.

Additionally, check out these great deals available through Uptown United -- discounts on food, haircuts, yoga, shopping, and more!

Did we forget any Pride specials? Email us and we'll add you to the list.

Lionel's Ready For Pride - Are You?

From the World's Most Interesting Plastered Feline, "live" at Dayton and Montrose.

An Anniversary Worth Bragging About

In 1954, there was not yet an interstate highway system, the Crew Cuts and Perry Como were tops on the pop music charts, and a loaf of bread cost about 17 cents.

That's when National Car Wash opened at Broadway and Ainslie. Congrats on celebrating your 65th year of business! With the recent facility upgrade, it looks like they're planning an extended run.

Felix Lock and Key is probably the longest continuously running business in Uptown (since 1916!), but National Car Wash may just be next runner-up.

Pride Police

Thirty-five years ago, one of our contributors remembers walking by the old 23rd District (now the 19th District) police station at Halsted and Addison and seeing a man wearing a dress being taken from a squad car. He was being verbally harassed with homophobic slurs by officers standing outside smoking, as well as the ones taking him into custody. It's a memory that tends to stick.

Today, in contrast, it is very encouraging to see this on the 19th District's Twitter feed:

"#Pride Parade is this weekend and the @Chicago_Police Dept put together a little squad car makeover for the 49th annual #ChicagoPride Parade. Keep an eye out for our #Pride2018 @Chicago_Police squad car & be sure to say hello to our Officers marching on Sunday."

Enjoy the parade, officers!

We Love A Parade! Enjoy Uptown Pride on Sunday

The green line is the parade route

In the unlikely event you haven't heard, the 49th Pride Parade will kick off in Uptown on Sunday.

The parade begins at Montrose and Broadway at noon, but the celebrations will begin much earlier, since the streets around the intersection will provide the staging area for the 150 groups participating in the parade. Ald. Cappleman invites you to drop by his office, which is located in the staging area (4544 N Broadway) prior to the parade.

Parking restrictions will be in effect between 5am and 8pm on Sunday. Please check the map on the right for the Uptown restrictions. A complete list of closures can be found here. Police warn that tows will begin promptly at 5am. We suggest moving your car as soon as possible if you are currently parked on a restricted street.

parking restrictions in Uptown will be
in effect on the highlighted streets
between 5am and 8pm on Sunday

Organizers also warn that there will be $1000 fines written for drinking on the public way during the parade.

Additionally, "Rooftop parties will not be allowed on the parade route during the Pride Parade or after the parade. In addition, balconies and porches will not be occupied past capacity and items are not to be thrown from balconies and porches onto the street."

CTA has an entire page dedicated to Parade Day, including the rerouting of buses.

Enjoy the day, which is projected to have mild temps (63 - 75 degrees), spread some joy and pride, and be #UptownProud!

LunchStop Program Provides Free Meals For Kids 18 & Under Throughout The Summer

CPS and Aramark will be providing lunch to all children 18 years and under throughout the summer through the LunchStop program. Participants are not required to be CPS students. Meals begin this Monday, June 25th.

The Uptown location is Uplift High School, at 900 West Wilson. The hours for lunch are 10:30am to 12:30pm, Monday through Friday.

Other nearby locations are Gale Community Academy (1631 W Jonquil Terrace) and Gale Elementary (7414 N Wolcott). A complete list can be found here.

Soft Opening For Hong Ngu On Argyle

Hong Ngu, at 1113 Argyle, has "soft opened" as of Thursday. It's one storefront east of the Argyle Red Line station. For now, the hours are 10am-10pm Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesday).

We've heard about the restaurant for nearly two years. The owners promise to bring Vietnamese street food and a streamlined menu and decor to Argyle.

We are hearing that different menu items will be tried out before the menu is set, and a grand opening will take place in about a month.

Don't be surprised to see shaved ice on the menu: the owners also run Snow Junkie Cafe in Wrigleyville.

Welcome to Uptown, Hong Ngu!

20-Unit Rental Building Approved On Agatite

rendering of new building, courtesy DPD

The City's Department of Planning and Development today approved a 20-unit residential rental building to be erected on a long-empty lot on Agatite, next to the 811 Uptown development.

According to information we received from Mavrek (the developer) last March, the four-story building at 843 West Agatite will be a mix of 2 bedroom/2 bath apartments, 2 bedroom/1 bath apartments, and 1 bedroom/1 bath apartments. There are 19 parking spaces included, and availability is estimated to be sometime in late 2019.

The lot the building will occupy has been empty since sometime between 1973 and 1988, seen below:

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

BPN Quarterly Meeting Is Monday, At the Yacht Club

Clarendon Park Neighborhood Association To Meet Next Tuesday

If you live on or east of Broadway between Wilson and Montrose, come get involved in your block club!

CRG Officially Breaks Ground On 4555 N. Sheridan

Dan Eicht (Clayco), Dan Lester (Clayco), Ald. Cappleman, Tressa Feher (46th Ward Chief of Staff)
Curtis Florence(Clayco), Tom Bohac (Clayco), Sandra Marks (Clayco Senior Vice-President)

CHICAGO, June 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CRG, Clayco's real estate development group, is breaking ground to develop a multifamily apartment building in Chicago's historic Uptown neighborhood at the intersection of Sheridan Road and Wilson Avenue. The development is located two blocks from the Red Line Wilson Stop at 4555 North Sheridan Road and a ground-breaking ceremony will take place today at 11:00 a.m. CST. Construction will proceed throughout the next year, with delivery of the building and occupancy planned for July 2019.

"The long neglected Uptown neighborhood is emerging from its shell," CRG Principal Jay Case said. "New developments, including apartments and an urban Target, historically significant entertainment venues and the proximity to the lakefront make Uptown an exciting place to live."

Clayco will serve as the design-builder and its subsidiary, BatesForum is the architect on the project. Capital partners include POB Capital and Principal Real Estate Investors. This project will also extend CRG's work with Chicago-based minority and women-owned firms and continue to build the pipeline of minorities and women in the trades, as CRG works with subcontracting partners to create and sustain jobs for those who live in the community.

When completed, this transit-oriented development will contain 149 apartments in a twelve-story

Aerial view of the groundbreaking (Ryan Brevard)

glass tower with 5,000-square-feet of ground floor retail space and 29 parking spots.  Residents will be able to enjoy cutting edge amenities such as a 2,000-square-foot rooftop deck with views of Downtown Chicago, a coffee bar, exercise facility, business center and dog salon.

"The Sheridan and Wilson development is an exciting addition to CRG's multifamily footprint and portfolio," CRG President Shawn Clark said. "CRG committed to expanding its multifamily platform in 2015.  Since then, we have developed a meaningful portfolio in strategic markets across North America."

CRG is currently developing AM 1980, a multifamily rental building in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood located at the intersection of Milwaukee and Armitage Avenues. Additionally, CRG recently completed student housing high-rise developments in St. Louis and Cleveland.     

For more information about the development at Sheridan Road and Wilson Avenue, visit realcrg.com/project/Sheridan-Wilson/.

Windy City Ribfest Kicks Off July Fourth Holiday Weekend

Windy City RibFest
Lawrence & Broadway

• Friday, June 29 (12pm-10pm)
• Saturday, June 30 (12pm-10pm)
• Sunday, July 1 (12pm-9pm)

$5 suggested donation – a portion of the proceeds benefits Business Partners, the Chamber for Uptown

It’s a saucy summer happening! From tasty slabs (and sides) to a smokin’ music lineup, this pre-Fourth of July party in the eclectic Uptown neighborhood brings its A-game on when it returns for its 10th anniversary year! 

Beyond the flavorful offerings of top local and national ribbers and cool summer tunes, this popular three-day fest also features arts & crafts plus an activity area for kids and families.  And with the vibrant Broadway-Lawrence intersection boasting acclaimed Chicago music venues that include The Green Mill, Aragon Ballroom and Riviera nightclub, Windy City Ribfest is the perfect urban destination for both daytime and evening fun.

• Click here for full Windy City RibFest details.
• Click here to share the Windy City RibFest Facebook event.
• Click here to share Walking Tour Facebook event. 

Copper Cornice Comeback

Newly constructed copper cornice meets the 109 year old cornice

The Stewart School Lofts are nearing completion as new residents move into the unique floorplans to enjoy amenities like a gorgeous rooftop deck with beautiful views of the city.

Outside, Morningside Development has been hard at work with tuckpointing, installing a new roof and repairing the copper cornice that was sagging in sections and in danger of falling completely off.
Take a good look at the copper cornice as this is how the cornice would have looked shortly after construction was completed in 1905. The green cornice we know so well is the result of how copper patinas over time. We assume that it will be helped along in the aging process so that it matches the rest of the cornice. Either way, it looks gorgeous.

We love seeing buildings in Uptown brought back to their former glory.

Graeme Stewart School, shortly after completion in 1905 (B Latoza)

Excessive Heat Warning Today Through Monday Night

It's gonna be crazy hot and humid through Monday night, with little relief after the sun sets. WGN says that "Conditions similar to the 1995 deadly heat wave could evolve." This is serious stuff. So we urge you to not only be careful for yourself, but for your pets and most vulnerable neighbors.

While you may have air conditioning, not everyone does, so please remember to check in on neighbors and friends who may not, or who don't want to use it due to costs. Every year we have the sad duty of reporting the heat-related death of someone in Uptown, usually someone who lives alone and is found in a closed-up home. Let's do our collective best to not let that happen this summer.

Below is the City's flyer on how to handle the heat. Remember that

• several of Uptown's parks have water features to keep kids cool
• there's a cooling center at 845 West Wilson (at Hazel) 
• Gill Park, Chase Park, Welles Park and Uplift High School have public swimming pools
• libraries, police stations, and park fieldhouses are cooling centers as well

And this shouldn't have to be said, but don't leave your kids or your pets in a parked car. Call 911 immediately if you see this.

Good luck! May the blackouts be few and may the weather get temperate soon.

Shop At Provisions Uptown Wednesday and Support Your Local Library

Provisions Uptown is located at 4812 North Broadway, next to the historic Uptown Theater. If you haven't been there yet, this is a great reason to try it! Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream, locally sourced goods, delicious treats (both sweet and savory). Plus, it's a great way to support the programming and community outreach at the Bezazian Branch Library.

A Facelift For Aldi

Upcoming entrance to Aldi directly on the corner of Broadway & Sunnyside

Current view of Aldi with "garden" (Google)

Upcoming Broadway elevation of Aldi (46th Ward Office)

Ald. Cappleman just released the plans for the upcoming remodeling of Aldi at 4500 N. Broadway in his latest newsletter. Work is expected to begin later this month.

Expect to see an updated exterior that reflects the latest Aldi branding and interior design. The steel beams that were added to distract from the lack of windows, and the taller translucent portion on the corner, will be removed.

New windows, though small and too high for our taste, will be added along the Broadway facade. The store will be expanded out to the lot line with a corner entrance directly on Broadway and Sunnyside.

Inside, expect wider aisles, better lighting and higher ceilings.

We are most happy to see the removal of the "garden" along Broadway that had more weeds than flowers most of the time. The tall, overgrown garden also provided a good hideout for not-so-great activities along the front side of the building.

2007 plans for Aldi showing the Broadway entrance
and trees instead of the garden

"Old-timers" might recall that back in 2007, the entrance was planned for the front corner, but was changed shortly before construction began and moved to the back parking lot. Despite renderings of people going through a front door (seen right), the community was told that there was never a front door planned, and that those people were merely "touching" the building because it was so beautiful. Still makes us laugh, even now.

The garden plot was also not in the initial plan, just trees. We are told that the back entrance will remain.

We will be much closer to the plan that was originally presented to the community over 11 years ago after this remodeling.