BPN Presents Concrete Roots In Concert, Saturday, September 7th

"The reggae sounds of Concrete Roots promises a wonderful night of music and fun to close out our summer offerings," said Curt Wiley, Buena Park Neighbors President.

The Concrete Roots is a reggae band based in  Chicago, composed of five musicians from various backgrounds. Their eclectic sound combines roots-reggae-dub with soul and hip-hop. Since 2012 they have been playing live shows at traditional and unique venues throughout the Midwest. Concrete Roots released their debut album in July of 2016 and have developed a following across the nation.

Learn How To Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment

Please note that this is an evening workshop, for those who have been asking for something outside of usual work hours.

"Castlewood Gorilla" Moves To A New Location After Years In Uptown

Even if the name John Kearney doesn't ring a bell, you've seen his work.

• The Hull House gorilla
• The cougars in the playlot at Goudy School
• The cougar perched high above Goudy School
• The whimsical figures of the gang from The Wizard of Oz at Oz Park
• and many more....

The Uptown-based artist passed away in 2014, leaving behind a plethora of sculptures and art that can be found in and around Chicago, as well as in major museums around the country.

But one work in particular puzzled one of his fans, reader Steven Scienski. What, he wondered, happened to the gorilla who perpetually climbed the side of a residence at 841 West Castlewood? When the home sold, the gorilla disappeared. Did it finally achieve its goal and get to the top of the house?

A photo of the gorilla climbing a new wall (Flickr - used by permission)

Steven researched it for a few months and eventually discovered that the Castlewood gorilla has made its way to Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, which has a brass indoor Kearney sculpture onsite as well. New frontiers and new walls to climb.

So if you're a fan of Kearney's, as Steven Scienski is, and you'd like to see a familiar sculpture in a new location, head over to the 'burbs and check it out. Eventually, Scienski would like to see a definitive listing of all of Kearney's work. If you're interested, let us know and we'll put you in touch with him.

Bodi Shak Welcomes Physical Therapist Kali Eckert

Bodi Shak at 4704 N. Broadway is now offering physical therapy on-site by appointment with physical therapist Kali Eckert. Appointments can be made via email or phone (listed above). Direct Access in Illinois means you can begin physical therapy and communication with your MD will follow. For more info, visit www.remedyptchicago.com

Saturday Block Party Hosted By Eden Supportive Living

Eden Supportive Living is located at 940 West Gordon Terrace, at Sheridan Road.

Former Siam Cafe Storefront Hints About Its New Tenant

A tease at the former (and long-time) site of the Siam Cafe at 4712 North Sheridan: a "COMING SOON" sign and a Mexican flag. Stay tuned!

Proposal For Property In Front Of New York Private Residences Revealed

SW view at Lake Shore Drive (CCA)

Ald. Cappleman just sent out an email blast detailing the latest plans for the large, vacant parcel in front of the New York Private Residences at 3660 N. Lake Shore Drive by City Club Apartments.

There have been rumors of development on this spot clear back to 2007. 

When the New York Private Residences were initially constructed in the mid-1980s, the building's balconies and windows were designed at a 45 degree angle to accommodate an additional tower as a "phase 2." Phase 2 was never built. According to its original developer, Phase 2 would have included much more:

''We will begin work in 1990 on a second 600-unit high-rise rental building directly east of the New York but situated for uninterrupted views in the original building,'' he said.

Eventually the $155 million project will include the twin towers plus 46 townhouses and 50,000 square feet of retail and recreational space.

The developer, City Club Apartments, plans a mix of studios, convertibles, and 2 bedroom units and claims the orientation of the proposed building maximizes the lake views of the building behind it.

Proposed NW view from Lake Shore Drive (CCA)

There are still hoops to jump through and ingress and egress issues to hammer out with the NYPR condo board. Eventually, the proposal will be presented to the 46th Ward Zoning and Development Committee who will advise Alderman Cappleman. View the complete proposal here.

CircEsteem Receives ComEd Grant to Support Its Summer Performances

Performing last month at the Bean (photo courtesy CircEsteem)

Congratulations to Uptown's CircEsteem, which has been awarded a grant from ComEd's "Powering The Arts" program. The grant money will support its Advanced Performance Troupe’s summer performance tour, “CircEsteem around Chicago.”

CircEsteem, located at 4730 North Sheridan, is Chicago's only "social circus," and its mission is to "unite youth from diverse racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds and to help them build self-esteem and mutual respect through the practice and performance of circus arts."

Started in 2001 by Paul Miller, a former Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey clown, it trains and mentors youth from all over the city and performs citywide, including juggling, tight wire, gym wheel, clowning, stilt walking, unicycles and various aerial apparatus.

You can follow CircEsteem on Facebook or get more information at its website, circesteem.org.

Buildings Rise As Others Fall

Vintage building at Sheridan & Leland currently being razed

The one thing that is certainly constant in Uptown is change.

The beautiful vintage "Maidenhead" building at Sheridan and Leland is currently in its final throes as wrecking crews demolish it to make way for Sarah Circle's second women's supportive housing project in Uptown, just down the street from its other building.

Mavrek Development's rental building at 839 W. Agatite 

Mavrek Development filled a long-vacant lot with this development that blends in well with the streetscape on the 800 block of West Agatite. The mix of one and two bedroom units will be available beginning October 1. The building features an elevator and rooftop deck. All units feature washer/dryer in unit as well as private balconies. Visit their website for more details.

Agatite Townhomes, part of the 811 Uptown development (JDL)

The eight townhomes on Agatite just west of Clarendon are complete and have already welcomed a few new residents! Each unit is 3 bedroom, 3.5 baths, and has a landscaped front yard with privacy fence. For leasing details, visit the 811 Uptown website.

Retail building at Montrose and Clarendon (JDL)

A "Good Vets" animal clinic and Xfinity Store (possibly the new cafe concept) are coming to the one story retail currently rising at Montrose and Clarendon. At the quick rate of construction, expect a fall opening.

Lawrence Utility Work Completed, #81 Bus Back To Normal Routing

The utility work being done on Lawrence Avenue in preparation for the modernization of the Red/Purple Line finished up a few days early.

As of today, the #81 Lawrence bus will resume its regular routing (no more Wilson detour!) between Sheridan and Broadway.

First Midwest Celebrates Its Grand Opening At Broadway and Lawrence Wednesday Morning

Steamy Summer Nights At Black Ensemble Theater: Tonight and Wednesday

The Black Ensemble Theater would like to announce our 11th annual SEX IN THE SUMMER IN THE CITY series. Unlike our usual productions but just as informative and provocative. As an added summer treat, they are also hot and steamy! It will make you sizzle!  ADULTS 18+ ONLY

$15 ADMISSION. Click here to buy your tickets.

Tuesday, August 27th – 7:30 PM

• Mr. Postman – Written by Lillian Mitchum
• Hesitant – Written by Audery Smith
• Dinner Date – Written by Viola Irvin
• Deposition – Written by L. Maceo Ferris

Wednesday, August 28th – 7:30 PM

• Champagne Wishes – Written by Jil Ross
• Hit and Run – Written by Reginald Williams
• Playa, Playa – Written by Ervin Gardner

Black Ensemble Theater is located at 4450 North Clark.

Final Argyle Night Market Of 2019 This Thursday

From Ald. Osterman's newsletter:

"The final Argyle Night Market of 2019 is next Thursday, August 29, 5-9pm, on Argyle between Sheridan and Kenmore.

As is our tradition, the final market of the year will be dedicated to the memory of John "Vietnam" Nguyen, and will feature performances from the Chinese Mutual Aid Society youth lion dance team, Kuumba Lynx breakdance and footwork performers, and political hip hop act Rebel Diaz.

We will also recognize the late Ron Salazar, who passed away earlier this year and was instrumental in the creation of the Argyle Night Market.

I hope you will join us for one last summer celebration next week. Click here for more information."

For more about John Vietnam Nguyen, click here.

Thinking About Going Solar?

The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) invites Chicago-area residents to this solar power hour info session to discuss the basics of solar, its financial implications for a household, and how the solar group buy program works.

Attendees will also get a free, no-obligation site assessment from the competitively selected installer.

Residents throughout Cook, Kane, DuPage, and Will counties have an opportunity to participate in Solarize Chicagoland, a grassroots program combining volume purchasing with community education to make solar more accessible and affordable. Regardless of where you live in the counties, you can participate in any of the free informational solar power hours.  This solar power hour is:

• 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 10
• Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave.

To learn more and sign up for updates visit www.SolarizeChicagoland.com.

Clifton: From "Blood Alley" to Uptown Art Scene

At 4619 Clifton, another new mural appeared this week! Chicago artist Anthony Llewellyn created a bright scene on the loading dock of CCO's Sylvia Center. He says, "The first day was spent priming this metal door with Rustoleum one can at a time taking 35 cans total. I’ve never seen metal suck up paint like that but it was worth it to get a good foundation to work with."

You can follow Anthony, who describes himself as a "Chicago based art maker, mural painter, urban imagist," on Facebook and Instragram.

Below is a Google Streetview photo of what the door looked like before... quite an improvement!

It's a joy to see the 4600 block of Clifton, known as "Blood Alley" for many decades, becoming downright respectable.

Completed "If You Only Knew" Mural Graces Clifton

The second mural by Florida-based muralist Steven Teller is complete. It's at 4628 Clifton, and can easily be seen from Wilson Avenue.

According to the artist, it's called If You Only Knew. It measures 18' x 32' and is the largest mural he's done using spray paint.  He says on his Facebook page, "Painted on the Cornerstone Community Outreach’s Hannah House shelter in Uptown, Chicago, IL. The Hannah House shelters 55 women and children and has been operating successfully since 1989 enabling hundreds of families to move from homelessness to stable housing."

Like the artist, the subject of the mural is a Floridian. Her name is Akai and you can follow the model/singer on Instagram.

You can see Steven's other mural on Montrose, between Hazel and Dayton.

Volunteers Needed For Yarn Art Project (No Experience Needed!)

From Alderman Osterman's newsletter:

Chicago Methodist Senior Services seeks volunteers for a wind chime project. CMSS at Wesley Place, 1415 W. Foster Ave., is looking for folks to help construct a large art installation.

No experience is required and everyone can take part.

Volunteers will spend time with residents and rehab patients wrapping sticks with yarn. It’s just that simple.

Once the sticks are wrapped, small bells and eye-hooks will be attached, and together will be hung under the awning to be exhibited during Andersonville Arts Week starting Sept. 16.

Please contact Jenn Ross, Art Programming Coordinator, at 269-567-4358 or jenn.ross@cmsschicago.org if you are interested.

Another Sheridan Park Mural Coming To Life

Rendering of mural coming to the alley side of 4600 N. Magnolia (@rodneyduranart Instagram)

Uptown resident Rodney Duran is currently hard at work on a colorful mural in Sheridan Park.

The mural is being done in collaboration with Pokiology, who is one of the businesses in the building at 4600 N. Magnolia. Residents walking east on Wilson will be greeted by a lion interspersed with bands of vibrant colors.

Uptown artist Rodney Duran preps the wall at the alley of 4600 N. Magnolia

Sunnyside Mall's Annual Block Party Seeks Volunteers and Attendees

On August 31st, join your neighbors for Sunnyside Mall's annual block party. Expect lots of fun events for kids and adults.

We are looking for volunteers and donations (no size is too small) to make this event a success. Please message us with any questions.

Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event ($5 for 6 tickets and a free Sunnyside Mall Koozie)! We will be accepting cash and Venmo.

If you would like to help with setup or clean-up, please message info@sunnysidemalluptown.com.

Sunnyside Mall is the portion of Sunnyside Avenue between Magnolia and Beacon.

Uptown Garden Walks And Associated Activities, On Saturday, September 7th

The  annual Uptown Garden Walk is returning for its fourth year on on Saturday, September 7th.. Come out for a day of fun and enjoyment as we explore the diverse identity of Uptown through its local gardens! We will enjoy morning yoga, two guided tours, and a garden gathering.

• Yoga in the Garden, 8:30am – 9:30am*. Start your day in one of Uptown's favorite garden spaces (Clarendon Park, 4501 North Clarendon Drive). Yoga in the Garden will be led by Cindy Huston of Yoga Body Elements. *Please register for Yoga in the Garden through Yoga Body Elements at yogabodyelements.com/events/
• Climate Action Tour, 11am – 12:30pm.  Learn how Uptown’s history and gardens matter in our climate-challenged times.  Lake Effect: Gardens and History for Climate-Challenged Times will be led by Melanie Eckner of Uptown Coastal Initiative and Susan Ask of animalia project.
• Garden Gathering, 12:30 pm – 1:30pm. Mingle, enjoy refreshments, experience mini-workshops, and meet garden representatives.
• Tree Tour, 1:30pm – 2:30pm. The Trees of Uptown Tour will be led by Andrew Lueck of Planned Forest Solutions.

This event is free and open to the public, but please register if you plan to join us at bit.ly/GW19RSVP

If you'd like to get volunteer, help plan, or otherwise get involved, contact Samantha at ssainsbury@ica-usa.org

For more information, click on the webpage, www.ica-usa.org/gw2019.html.

Enjoy End of Summer Picnic At Buttercup Park, Followed by Spiderman: Into The Spiderverse On Saturday

Buttercup Park Advisory Council is hosting its annual community picnic followed by a movie this Saturday, August 24th, at Buttercup Park (4901 N Sheridan).

The BYOP (Bring Your Own Picnic) will feature a community dessert sharing table in the plaza where we encourage everyone to bring a dessert to share with your neighbors. Don't forget your chairs and blankets!

As in prior years, everyone is encouraged to get out their “summer whites” for one last wearing before Labor Day. 

The picnic begins around 6pm.

The free movie is Spiderman: Into The Spider-verse. It begins around 8pm.

New Look, New Name for North Side Community Federal Credit Union

The North Side Community Federal Credit Union, which has served Uptowners since 1974, has a new name. On August 1st, it merged with Great Lakes Credit Union. It will remain at the same office at 1011 W. Lawrence, and the staff will remain the same.

If you are a credit union member and have questions about the merger and how it affects you, click here for info.

See Incredibles 2 At Pride Theater Courtesy of BPN

Incredibles 2 is the second highest grossing animated film ever and features everyone's favorite family of superheroes.  This time Helen (voiced by Holly Hunter) is in the spotlight, which leaves Bob (voiced by Craig T. Nelson) at home to deal with Violet and Dash.  It's a tough transition for everyone and made tougher because the family is still unaware of baby Jack's emerging powers.

Bring food and enjoy the air conditioned comfort of Pride Theatre.  You can learn more about productions that regularly appear at Pride Theatre by going to PrideFilmsAndPlays.com.

Penultimate Argyle Night Market Of The Year On Thursday

It's hard to believe how fast this summer is going! There are only two Argyle Night Markets left.

If you've been meaning to go, why not tonight? It's open 5pm-9pm, and sounds like a great night. Admission and entertainment are always free. It takes place on Argyle near the intersection of Sheridan.

Uptown United says, "Join us this week for the 7th annual Argyle Night Market featuring delicious food, cultural performances, live music, and family fun. FREE admission. Growing in popularity and attendance, the Argyle Night Market draws over 4,000 people on a weekly basis!"

This week's market will feature more than 30 different vendors, as well as:

• 5:30pm: Community Drumming Circle
• 6pm: Aloha Center of Chicago Performance
• 7pm: Run and Punch Live Music. Run and Punch is a female-fronted 6 piece ska band from Chicago, Illinois. Their unique blend of aggressive pop punk hooks, soulful vocals, and catchy horn lines push the boundaries of third wave ska. Influences range from Catch-22 and Alkaline Trio to Ella Fitzgerald and even music from Little Shop of Horrors.
• 5pm-7pm: In the kids area, there will be face painting.

Up, Up and Away!

Long-time Uptown resident Bob Skutnick is an avid amateur photographer, and he was out on Friday to take some breath-taking photos of the final rehearsals for the 2019 Air and Water Show. These are wonderful shots, and he got the best weather day, too! The only problem was deciding which ones to use on the blog, because so many of them were so good.

Thanks, Bob, for sharing these with us! (click on each one to enlarge it and see all the details)

Join Your Neighbors For An Art Block Party This Weekend

According to Ald. Cappleman's newsletter, "The idea for this event came from neighbors, along with Ald. Cappleman, having dinners together at the Haitian American Museum and Emerald City Cafe to explore ways to get more people from different backgrounds interacting with one another to deepen the sense of community. This is an event that celebrates all the many people who make up our community."

Construction Career Networking Fair Coming August 28

The CTA and Walsh-Fluor Design-Build team will be hosting a series of RPM Construction Career Networking fairs to diversify the project workforce and reach disadvantaged workers and communities throughout Chicago. The first event will take place on Wednesday, August 28 at the JLM Center (2622 W Jackson Boulevard) from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Event participants will be able to –

• Learn more about what kind of jobs will be available on the RPM project
• How to qualify and apply for jobs that will be created
• Network with union representatives and job assistance agencies to learn how to become eligible and ready to work on construction jobs throughout Chicago

Pre-registration is recommended because space is limited at https://rpmcareernetworking.eventbrite.com.

The Red Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One project is the CTA’s largest-ever capital improvement project.

Learn How To Protect The Rights Of Immigrants In Our Communities

Black Ensemble Theater Holding Auditions On Wednesday

Southbound Lake Shore Drive Closed To Vehicles Sunday Morning; Simonds Drive Closed Saturday Morning

The bike portion of the Chicago Triathlon will take place on Sunday morning, August 25th. The southbound lanes of Lake Shore Drive between Hollywood and Randolph will be closed for the event between 5am and noon. Northbound lanes will remain open.

Also, on Saturday, August 24th, Simonds Drive in Montrose Harbor will be closed between Montrose and Foster between 5am and noon in both directions. You can see all closures that will take place throughout the weekend here.

Be prepared for some extra traffic in the neighborhood, particularly on Sunday morning!

For 35 years, motorists and triathletes successfully shared the Drive in both directions. But in 2017, an uninsured 20-year-old driver grew impatient with the traffic slowdown and decided to ignore the traffic cones. She drove into the lane with the cyclists, and hit and injured two of them.

And that's why we can't have nice things.

Sarah's Circle Begins Demo For New Supportive Housing Project

Demo has begun at 4654 N. Sheridan (at Leland)

It's been well over 2 1/2 years since Sarah's Circle received the green light from the 46th Ward Zoning and Development Committee to begin construction on their 38 units of supportive housing for women. A 50-bed interim housing program is planned on site. Demo work is set to begin this week.

It was a long road to funding and garnering neighborhood approval for Sarah's Circle. The local block club (Truman Square Neighbors) voted against the development along with neighboring Lakeside Neighbors (LANA). It was ultimately approved by the 46th Ward Zoning and Development Committee in January of 2017.  The state initially denied their request for $14M in funding but then an anonymous good samaritan donated the $14M to the organization and the city approved $3.5M in TIF. 

Workers were on site last week removing the few terra cotta elements that will be incorporated into the re-imagined lower two story facade. The entire building will be demolished then rebuilt to look like the rendering below. Thankfully, the terra cotta "maidenheads" will live on.

Sarah's Circle (Perkins + Will Architects)