Leland Is "Shared Street" In 47th Ward, But Summer Construction Precludes It In The 46th Ward

For those who have been asking about Leland Avenue becoming a shared street, there's an answer: It both is and isn't, depending on what side of Clark you're talking about.

Between Clark and Lincoln (47th Ward), the barriers went up Friday and people are using that stretch as a shared street.

East of Clark (46th Ward), a shared street is not practical due to planned and existing construction projects this summer.

(A shared street means pedestrians and cyclists can use the street along with cars. Local vehicular traffic is allowed; but through traffic is prohibited.)

Ald. Martin (47th Ward) says:

"The Chicago Department of Transportation is piloting a 'shared streets' program, which will include Leland Ave east of Lincoln Ave in the 47th Ward. You may have seen that most other major cities in the United States have implemented shared streets programs which allows pedestrians more space to socially distance while walking or running.

It's important to know that a shared street does not close the street to local traffic, but does discourage through traffic.

Here's what a shared street does:

• Redirects cars that are using the street as a through street to a major thoroughfare
• Allows pedestrians to walk and run in the streets with very limited car traffic to avoid crowding on sidewalks
• Gives children more space in the street to play

Here's what a shared street does not do:

• Eliminate parking for those who live or work on the block
• Prevent those who live on the block from accessing garages or driveways
• Prevent delivery drivers, emergency vehicles, or moves from accessing your block

Our 47th ward neighbors on Leland east of Lincoln Ave can expect CDOT to install sawhorses in intersections on Leland on Friday. Our office is working to reach out to neighbors to ensure that everyone knows about this exciting pilot and to answer any questions. If you live on the block, you can email Josh at josh@aldermanmartin.com with questions."

Ald. Cappleman (46th Ward) says:

"Many of you saw news this week that a number of streets on the north side were being converted into shared streets, where vehicular through access would be restricted to provide greater social distancing for pedestrians and cyclists.

It was reported that Leland between Clark and Sheridan in the 46th Ward would become one of these shared streets.

Unfortunately, a web blog errantly and preemptively posted this information before the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) had finalized their plans.

The portion of Leland in the 46th Ward, from Clark to Sheridan, was never going to be a part of this plan because Leland already has, or will have, significant construction taking place this summer. So, according to CDOT, this portion of Leland is unsafe for promoting a shared streets concept.

For reference, these projects include:

• MCI utility installation, 
• resurfacing of the 1200 block of Leland and the 4700 block of Malden, 
• water main installation on Racine that will cross Leland, and 
• the ongoing building construction at Sheridan and Leland for the new Sarah's Circle facility. 

It is because of all of these conflicts that CDOT is not supporting Leland as a shared street at this time.

Safe open space is critically important for everybody's mental and physical health during these Stay at Home orders, and that is why we continue to advocate for the Lakefront trails to reopen.

This is a plea my office hears daily from residents, and I agree that the trails should open in a phased and planned way to provide safe, and equitable social distancing for recreation and transportation throughout the city.

Both my office and the Department of Transportation want to hear your feedback and thoughts on transportation and mobility issues during the time of COVID-19, so I strongly encourage you to send your ideas to: covidmobilty@cityofchicago.org. You may also contact Mayor Lightfoot's office at: letterforthemayor@cityofchicago.org. And please copy info@james46.org on those communications as well."

13-Year-Old Girl Missing From Uptown (Updated: Located!)

Update 6/1/2020: Police sent out an alert that Charlotte has been located.

Original Post:  Charlotte Thornton, age 13, has been reported missing.

She was last seen on Tuesday, May 26th, on the 4500 block of Sheridan Road.

Charlotte is 5'5" and weighs 113 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

If you know of her whereabouts or have any information that can help locate her, please call 911 or the Area 3 Special Victims Unit at 312-744-8266.

Rendering Reveal: "The Balaban" at Lawrence & Magnolia

JAB Real Estate's upcoming 5 story transit-oriented development at Lawrence & Magnolia (SPACE Architect + Planners)

We told you back in March about JAB Real Estate's plans for the parking lot they purchased at Lawrence and Magnolia which included building a five-story transit-oriented development with ground-floor retail. As with any new development, parking was a concern from neighbors, and we can report that the plans were updated to include 27 parking spaces for the 54 residential units. 

The developer is building what is allowed under the current zoning, which bypasses any community input in the building process. Because of that, Ald. Matt Martin's 47th Ward office was not notified of plans for the site as the developer was not required to do so.

Thanks to "spyguy" on the SkyscraperPage Forum, we now know what "SPACE Architect + Planners" has in store for the lot that has been vacant longer than most Uptowners can remember.

The Instagram account for the architecture firm mentions that the building will give a nod to the famed operators of the Uptown Theatre, Balaban & Katz, and will be known as simply "The Balaban."

Thursday Night Seinfeld Virtual Trivia From Fat Cat

"Calling all Seinfeld super fans!!! Join us 8pm on Thursday night for our Zoom house party Trivia Night, hosted by your favorite bartenders James and Amanda.

There will be prizes, there will be an Elaine Dance dance off, there will be serenity now, and insanity later.

Please RSVP by Thursday at NOON. We'll email you the Zoom link shortly before the scheduled start time."

No Saddle & Cycle Fireworks Show This Year

We learned today that the Saddle & Cycle Club has made the difficult decision to cancel its Independence Day fireworks show for this year.

Of course; it's 2020. 

The annual display, which can be seen by those who watch from the areas outside the club's grounds at Foster and Marine, is a much-loved neighborhood tradition. 

Given the importance of social distancing, and the large crowds that gather in the parks and beaches around the club to view the fireworks, it's a smart decision.

But it's very disappointing.

As the club's representative says, "Hope for the best for next year." We agree.

**According to Navy Pier's website, the July 4th fireworks there are tentatively still on, and will take place at 9pm.

Former Decibel Bar Building To Convert To Residential With Ground Floor Retail/Restaurant

A building permit has been filed that allows permission to convert the former Decibel Bar building into a restaurant/retail space at street level with a dwelling unit above.

The site, at 4437 North Broadway, has been the home of several clubs and restaurants over the past couple decades: Frankie J's, then The Spot, and most recently, Decibel Bar. It has been vacant for several years, and has recently been listed at various times for sale and for lease.

It was originally built in 1909 and functioned as a funeral home, with the chapel and reception rooms on the ground floor. The undertaker and his family lived above, on the second floor. You can still see the outline of the word "CHAPEL" over the main entrance door.

Retrofitting the second floor into a residential space will be returning that part of the building to its roots.

It has the potential to be amazing, with beautiful terra cotta ornamentation on the exterior of the building, and second-floor windows that look like they were designed for stained glass. Each level consists of about 1750 square feet.

We'll keep an eye on the site and see what develops.

Hey There, Rosie!

The weather is nice, and Rosie the Buena Park Pig is back to making frequent appearances in her yard. A reader who prefers to remain anonymous sent in these photos of Rosie, taken a few days ago.

If you've yet to learn about Rosie, she's a neighborhood favorite who lives at the SE corner of Hutchinson and Clarendon.  She can frequently be seen in her yard when she's feeling social. You can follow her on Facebook here.

If you have more questions, check out this video from Localish:

St. Boniface Memorial Day Field Mass Goes Virtual This Year

St. Boniface Cemetery traditionally holds a Memorial Day field mass to remember those who died in service to their country.

But, this is 2020 and everything's different.

While all Catholic Cemeteries will be open to visitors on Monday, masses will be available only online beginning at 8:30am.

Services will be offered in English, Polish and Spanish, and can be accessed at www.CatholicCemeteriesChicago.org.

Visitors to cemeteries are asked to wear face masks and gather in groups of ten or fewer people.

Track Work This Weekend Triggers "Noise Alert"

The Red/Purple Line Modernization project will be working on the tracks between Lawrence and Thorndale this weekend.

• Dates: Friday, May 22 to Tuesday, May 26, 2020
• Location: Red and Purple Lines – CTA southbound tracks from Lawrence Station to Thorndale Station
• Work Hours: 10pm Friday to 4am Tuesday (Continuous around-the-clock work)
• Work Activity: Contact Rail Replacement

Local Impact:

• A crane will be staged in the parking lot at 1130 W. Lawrence.
• There will be noise while work is being performed. Noise will include:

• General construction noise

• Use of pneumatic tools

• Metal on metal material handling

• Noise from rail equipment, crane and maintenance equipment 

• Beeping for backup alarms on maintenance equipment and vehicles

• Flagging horns

• This is rolling construction work. No singular location outside of the area where the crane is staged will have constant noise while the work activity is taking place. 

Oh Happy Day! Funding Approved For First Phase of Clarendon Park Fieldhouse Improvements

Today is a good day for Uptown! The City Council has approved a plan to pay for the first phase of restoring the Clarendon Park Fieldhouse, which will correct the worst problems of its crumbling infrastructure.

According to the statement released by the city, Phase One will include

• concrete and masonry restoration
• new interior finishes
• new plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems
• ADA-access upgrades. 

Total cost for this phase of the renovations will be $13million. $6.9million will come from the Clarendon-Montrose TIF, $4.6million will come from Montrose Clarendon Partners LLC (developers of the 811 Uptown apartment complex), and $1.6million will be provided by the Chicago Park District.

On Monday, after the Finance Committee of the City Council approved the deal, Ald. Cappleman posted on Facebook:

"Had we waited until the year 2034 for sufficient TIF to accrue to do this rehab, the building would have fallen into more disrepair and would have required demolition. Instead, we had the developer contribute the entire TIF amount into a fund and now he will get paid back in 2034. This win feels good."

After the necessary renovations have been made to keep the fieldhouse standing, Phase Two will add features to enhance the building for those who use it.

According to Ald. Cappleman's 2019 summary:

"The second stage of this extensive renovation will complete the full project when additional funds are raised. The rehab will include draining work to prevent further flooding, a new gym, redesigned meeting rooms, and a new dance space for Kuumba Lynx."

We've been hearing about the necessity for an improved and safer fieldhouse since 2010, when then-Ald. Shiller created the Montrose-Clarendon TIF.  One of the stated reasons for the TIF was the renovation of the fieldhouse.

After a decade of votes, debates, community meetings, and open houses, it's good to see the financing finally in place. We'll let you know more about the restorations as we find out more.

The fieldhouse was built in 1916 and was known as Clarendon Municipal Bathing Beach. But time has not been kind to it, and by 2015, it was listed by Preservation Chicago as one of Chicago's most endangered buildings.

We are so happy to know that this once-magnificent building will be preserved!

Get Loud in Buena Park on Friday Night!

New Date! 48th Ward Virtual Town Hall Meeting

48th Ward Virtual Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, May 27th, 7pm

Online - 48th Ward Facebook Live

Join Alderman Osterman for a Virtual Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, May 27th.

The meeting will be streamed on the 48th Ward Facebook page, please be sure to tune in at 7pm! If you do not have a Facebook account, you can still watch the video.

This is an opportunity to get updates about the City's Coronavirus response, as well as other updates about 48th Ward happenings. There will be an opportunity for Q&A and we will do our best to ensure every question is answered.

If you would like to send in questions in advance, please email ally@48thward.org. Additionally, if you have questions about how to participate without a Facebook account, please email Ally.

Join Powerful Women, Sponsored By Black Ensemble Theater

Click here for the Facebook Event page.

"State of Uptown" Virtual Luncheon On Thursday

Join Uptown's aldermen and Rep. Jan Schakowsky on Thursday, May 21st, noon to 1:30pm for a virtual luncheon (via Zoom) and to hear what's going on in Uptown.

"The annual State of Uptown event convenes Uptown's business, development and non-profit community to hear from our elected officials.

Join us virtually this year as we hear from our local elected officials:

• U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
• 40th Ward: Alderman Andre Vasquez
• 46th Ward: Alderman James Cappleman
• 47th Ward: Alderman Matt Martin
• 48th Ward: Alderman Harry Osterman

TICKETS:   $10.00 (plus fees)* Click here to register.
*All Members of Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown are eligible for $5.00 tickets.  The discount code has been sent via email.  Contact Greg Carroll for more details - greg@exploreuptown.org. 

Once you've purchased your ticket(s), you'll receive a confirmation email from us with a link to the Zoom meeting.

All funding collected through this event goes to support the work of Uptown United and Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown whose joint mission is to lead efforts to build a strong, unified business environment; facilitate economic development; and strengthen community – all to nurture a diverse, vibrant, thriving and strong Uptown.

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS! Given that this annual event is typically a luncheon - please consider ordering delivery or pick-up from your favorite Uptown spot to continue the tradition of supporting local businesses.  If you need some ideas, please click here!"

COVID-19 Tests Available At No Charge Through Swedish (Covenant) Hospital

According to the hospital's website on COVID testing, "Our testing tent is open to all community members, with or without insurance. You do not need to have a physician's order. An appointment time will be assigned to you."

The testing center is located at 2899 Carmen.

Street Sweeping To Resume Next Week

Ald. Cappleman sent out an email blast today about street sweeping resuming.

"Street sweeping will resume [UU Note: On Monday, May 18, according to the City's website]. Our office has received additional information, and ticketing will not occur during the Stay at Home order. You can see the full street sweeping schedule and learn more on our website. When your street is scheduled for sweeping, please move your car if you are able - street sweeping now prevents street flooding later."

• The 47th Ward's interactive map is here.
• The 48th Ward's interactive map is here.
• The City's website has maps and schedules here.

We strongly recommend signing up for messages from SweepAround.Us for reminders.

Streetside Concert At Wilson Yard Performed By Singer John Vincent

John Vincent, who's made a name for himself singing the National Anthem at many Chicago teams' games, has been doing streetside concerts in front of senior homes all over the area. On Wednesday, he sang for the seniors at Wilson Yard, setting up in the middle of Montrose near Kenmore.

The photos are from the 19th Police District's Twitter (they were one of the sponsors) and the video is courtesy of Uptown United.

Next time there's a "Spreading Some Love" event in Uptown, we will try to let you know in advance.

Miss Being In The Office? Play The Office Virtual Trivia Night On Thursday

From Fat Cat, 4840 North Broadway:

Join us for our virtual trivia house party this Thursday at 8pm. We had such a blast seeing so many familiar faces we cannot wait to do it all again!

Let’s be honest, the longer we each spend in isolation the more we are all becoming our own versions of Michael Scott. Look deep inside yourself and ask, are you a Jim or a Dwight? Maybe it’s time to admit we’ve all been a bit more Meredith than usual.

Come celebrate all your favorite characters and use The Office Trivia as a great excuse to binge watch your favorite TV show for the fourth time in a calendar year (hey, we aren’t counting). Please RSVP by noon on Thursday to receive an invite to our Zoom and game application.

RSVP HERE

Pro move: Swipe some $6 Quarantini’s from Fat Cat’s Thursday night martini special and settle in with your favorite hosts, James and Amanda for a night of awkward impressions and mass hilarity. Prizes will be awarded. Bonus points if you BYO bobble head.

Uptown's Own Garden Shop To Open On Friday

What do you do when you're getting ready to open a furniture store and design showroom, and a pandemic hits?

If you're JT and Charlie, the owners of Hearthstone & Terrace, you pivot.

That's the story of why you will be able to purchase annuals, perennials, candles, and other botanicals on the terrace at 1329 West Wilson (at Beacon), beginning on Friday.

As the owners say on the store's Facebook page:

"We are excited to be opening the Terrace garden shop, featuring summer annuals and perennials, a nice assortment of tropicals, amazing outdoor rugs, and even Nest candles. [...] This definitely wasn’t what we planned for the opening of our business, but we are thrilled for the opportunity to help our community infuse their lives with some botanical love."

Here's how the plant sales will work, according to Facebook:

"Great news, everyone! Our Terrace garden shop will be opening this Friday! We will be setting up the patio to optimize social distancing for a safe shopping experience, but we are also offering pre-order online with curbside pickup... even better!

https://hearthstoneterrace.com/shop/ols/categories/annuals

• Hours for in-person shopping: Friday to Monday 11am-5pm
• Hours for curbside pickup: Friday 2-6pm; Sat/Sun 9-11am, 5-6pm; Monday 11am-5pm

Online orders need to be in by Thursday at 7pm for pickup the following weekend.

We are still finalizing our perennial and vegetable/herb availability, and hope to have them online soon.

We very much look forward to seeing you soon!!"

Check out Hearthstone & Terrace's website and Facebook page, and enjoy shopping beginning on Friday!

Drilling Taking Place At Site Of New Broadway/Wilson Planned Midrise

McHugh Construction workers are inside the former Rainbow Shop at 4607 Broadway this morning, doing what looks like drilling. Soil testing, maybe?

In any case, it's a good indication that the long-delayed mixed-use development at that site is on track.

As we posted a couple weeks ago, the long-anticipated sale of the current buildings took place in February and the new lead developer on the residential/retail midrise is The John Buck Company.

Here's hoping for ground-breaking before too long.

Blue Angels Fly Over Uptown To Salute COVID-19 Patients and Frontline Workers

As promised, the Navy Blue Angels flew over Chicago Tuesday in a salute to the pandemic's frontline workers and COVID-19 patients. Photographer and Uptown resident Robert Skutnick managed to get some great pictures despite the planes' relatively quick pass over Uptown.

He says, "For the flyover, I was just west of Lake Shore Drive at Margate Terrace (behind Margate Park Field House). It was a very quick event!"

We particularly like that you can see the Blue Angels just beginning the "missing man formation" in the bottom photo.

The route over Chicago was designed to take the Blue Angels over all the major hospitals, including Weiss here in Uptown.  CBS Chicago did a story with the Weiss staff, including interviews with some of the hospital workers. The story is here and the embedded video is below.

"Drag" Up The Census Numbers / Virtual Interactive Forum on Tuesday

From Ald. Cappleman's latest newsletter:

"Drag" up Census numbers and take action in your community during COVID-19! Learn more during an interactive forum hosted by Alderman Cappleman, Alderman Smith, and Senator Feigenholtz on Tuesday, May 12th at 12:30 pm about ways to support our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The panel will feature community speakers, including Kellie O'Connell from Lakeview Pantry, who will present steps you can take right now for your neighbors. This virtual event will also include a special performance by Drag Queen CircuitMOM!

RSVP here.

You Should Be Dancing (For A Cause)!

As born and bred Uptowners, avid dancers, and fans of the many early house shows of our youth at the Riviera and the Aragon, we were thrilled when we finally got our own nightclub, Le Nocturne, in 2019.  

Since opening, owner Francois Crokaert has delivered on his opening promise to bring outstanding DJs from around the country and the world, and most importantly, he has also focused on promoting the amazing talent right here in our backyard.   

While we missed the event live this past Friday, Le Nocturne, working with the Frankie Knuckles Foundation and Chicago's living legends The Chosen Few DJs held an online fundraiser to purchase a headstone for Ron Hardy, who was buried in 1992 without anything to commemorate his critical contribution to the world's music scene. The fundraiser raised enough money for the headstone, and all proceeds raised over the cost of the headstone are going to COVID-19 relief efforts (you can still contribute here).

If you like to dance like we do during isolation, you can find the music side of the fundraiser on YouTube here (DJs Jamie 3:26, Bill Hardy (Ron's nephew), Andre Hatchett and Craig Loftis Part 1) and here (DJ's Craig Loftis Part 2, Mike Dunn, Gene Hunt, Wayne Williams, Ron Carroll and Celeste Alexander). 

Since we can't go to our local fitness clubs just yet, dancing for 10 hours straight is a great way to hold off the pounds we are all gaining by supporting our local restaurants.  

Apparently the video livestream got over 100,000 views live and had viewers from all across the world.  And that's not all.  Le Nocturne continues to run a series of weekly shows for all of your socially distanced dancin' needs, featuring some of the very best of Chicago's DJs and curated by Chicago legend Ron Carroll.

Pretty cool that one of the newest members of our entertainment district is getting attention from around the world. Although we're past our clubbing days, we very much look forward to having a drink or two at Le Nocturne and maybe testing out our arthritic knees once they reopen.

And, if you ever see him, thank Francois (featured here, speaking about his decision to move from Paris and open a club in Uptown) for bringing something great to our backyard!

What's That Noise? On Tuesday, It Will Be The Blue Angels

The Navy's Blue Angels will fly over Chicago on Tuesday in what is billed as a salute to healthcare workers.

The graphic to the right shows the timing and flight path.

There are always readers who are startled when noisy practice flights before the Air and Water Show take place, so this is to let you know what to be ready for.

With all large gatherings in doubt this summer, it may be the only opportunity to see the Blue Angels in 2020.

The stunning photo above was taken by reader Robert Skutnick during one of the practice runs for the 2019 Air and Water Show. We appreciate the wonderful photos that he shares each year.

Alley West Of Kenmore Between Buena & Montrose Closed May 20-27 [NEW DATES]

Please note that the work schedule has changed and there are new dates for the closure.

The Red/Purple Line Modernization Project will necessitate the closure of the alley west of Kenmore between Buena and Montrose next week.  Work will take place between the hours of 7am and 7pm, beginning on Monday, May 20th, and continuing through Wednesday, May 27th.

The work is described as "Test Micropile Drilling and Installation."

CTA describes the local impact as:

• Access to the alley from W. Montrose Avenue will be prohibited (24/7) until the work activity is completed.  
• The alley will be accessible for local traffic only from W. Buena Avenue.
• The sidewalk on the south side of W. Montrose Avenue will be closed under the CTA tracks. 
• The sidewalk on the north side of W. Montrose Avenue will remain open. 
• The contractor will maintain garbage and recycling pickup.
• There will be noise while work is being performed, including:

• General construction noise

• Noise from drilling and loading

• Beeping for backup alarms on maintenance equipment and vehicles

Dispensary 33 Seeks Approval To Expand

photo via Google Streetview

The 47th Ward's Zoning Advisory Committee will hear a request by Dispensary 33 for a zoning change that will allow it to expand into the storefront north of its existing building, according to Ald. Matt Martin's latest weekly newsletter.

The marijuana dispensary, located at 5001 North Clark Street, seeks to expand into 5005 North Clark, a storefront that is currently home to Jenny's Nail Salon.  Residents are encouraged to submit feedback via the 47th Ward's website.

According to Ald. Martin,

"Proposed Dispensary 33 Expansion (C1-2 to C2-2). The existing cannabis dispensary Dispensary 33, located at 5001 N Clark, seeks to change the zoning of the building to expand into the next storefront to the north (5005).

The next storefront to the north (5009) would not be used as part of the dispensary. In addition to a zoning change, this expansion would require a Special Use to be granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), with the application process mandating a community meeting."

When the Zoning Advisory Committee gives its opinion, we'll update.

Uptown's 5K Goes Virtual; Proceeds Go To COVID-19 Relief

Due to well, you know, the fourth annual Dim Sum and Then Some 5K has had to go virtual.

Runners are still encouraged to put in their distances, but on their own routes and in their own times. (Even if it's on a treadmill at home.) There will be group posts for those who choose to run it between Wednesday, May 20th and Saturday, May 30th.

This is what the race website says:

"While it is important to maintain social distancing parameters during the COVID-19 crisis, we still want to offer people a fun, positive event and the opportunity to make a difference...so we have chosen to convert this event to a virtual 5K!

​The Dim Sum 5K is held by 501(c)(3) nonprofit social services organization, Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA). CMAA’s goal is to make the biggest impact we can right now through our COVID-19 relief efforts, which will be supported by this year’s 5K proceeds.

To ensure that every dollar raised goes to those who are most affected, we are not offering t-shirts and bibs this year, but we will be giving participants coupons for dim sum from our longtime partner Furama Restaurant in Uptown and launching a social media campaign to foster positive social connection during this time."

You can read more about it here, and you can register here.

Spaces Real Estate Announces Start of Pre-Leasing at The Darlington Apartments

Residences at The Darlington Apartments feature brand-new kitchens
with stainless steel appliances and retro cherry-red or black refrigerators.

CHICAGO (May 7, 2020) — Chicago-based Spaces Real Estate today announced pre-leasing is underway at The Darlington Apartments, a boutique 48-unit rental community located at 4700 N. Racine Ave., in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. Developed by Elmdale Partners, with Spaces serving as the exclusive leasing agent, The Darlington Apartments is scheduled to welcome its first residents June 1.

 “The gut rehab of the former Darlington Hotel will bring modern yet attainably priced rental housing to the Uptown neighborhood,” said Bentley Phillips, founder of Spaces Real Estate. “As part of the renovation, the building’s vintage red signage has been restored, maintaining the character of the existing structure even as much-needed structural and cosmetic repairs are made.”

The Darlington Apartments will offer studio and one-bedroom floor plans with monthly rents ranging from $785 to $1,400. Residences will feature 9-foot ceilings, brand-new kitchens with stainless steel appliances and retro cherry-red or black refrigerators, and in-unit laundry in select plans. Select units will also be equipped with Murphy beds and drop-down desks/tables.

Shared amenities include free high-speed fiber-optic internet, a workout room, 24/7 laundry facilities with an adjacent gaming area, coworking lounge, TV lounge and a full, private backyard. Additional storage is also available.

“It has been a labor of love restoring this historic building for the Uptown community and our 48 future residents,” said Jim Sayegh, principal at Elmdale Partners. “The units are bright and beautiful with many custom touches; I think our community as a whole will be vibrant, inclusive and comfortable – a special place to call home.”

Uptown is known for its vibrant music scene, vintage architecture and global cuisine. Residents at The Darlington Apartments will be within walking distance of Montrose Beach, the Lawrence Red Line station and several CTA bus routes.

Elmdale Partners acquired the Darlington property through a transaction brokered by Spaces Invest, a division of Spaces Real Estate focused on the sale of multifamily and commercial properties, including redevelopment opportunities.

Beyond Monty and Rose: Become A Birdwatcher For The Day On Saturday

If the story of piping plovers Monty and Rose has inspired you to take a closer look at local birds, a fun opportunity to do so is coming up on Saturday.

Bob Dolgan, the filmmaker behind the Monty and Rose documentary, tells us that Saturday, May 9th, is "Global Big Day," where birdwatchers in over 170 countries keep an eye out for migratory birds and report their findings.

According to "Nature Loves Chicago," you can do it from your backyard, your deck, or even the sidewalk in front of your home:

"In birding parlance, a 'Big Day' is when an individual or group devotes an entire day to finding and identifying as many birds as possible. Interest in birding has increased due to the stay-at-home orders in place across the country. Last year on May 4, Cook County birders submitted 683 checklists, finishing second nationally."

This year Cook County is aiming for that elusive first-place spot and would love your help!

For info on how to join in and be part of it, visit the Nature Loves Chicago website or eBird.

As for Monty and Rose, they are definitely back at Montrose Beach in 2020, and starting to display courting behavior:

• After winter apart, piping plovers Monty and Rose reunite at Montrose Beach (Chicago Tribune)
• They're Back! (Chicago Ornithological Society blog)
• Monty And Rose, Chicago’s Piping Plover Pair, Return To Montrose Beach For Second Year (Block Club Chicago)

Play Andersonville Trivia (Virtually) On May 14th

Join Alds. Martin (47th Ward), Osterman (48th Ward) and Vasquez (40th Ward) for a virtual trivia night to celebrate the Andersonville neighborhood. It happens on Thursday, May 14th, between 7pm and 8:30pm. And it's free, with registration required.

We're all stuck at home -- let's have some fun! Why not challenge your knowledge of the Andersonville neighborhood and its people, places and culture.

Test your knowledge of Andersonville history, learn how to support local businesses and organizations during the pandemic, and share your love of the community.

We'll announce guest hosts from the community and prizes in the coming days! Please RSVP on Eventbrite to received event login information.

"That's Weird, Grandma" Takes Shows Online

PlayMakers Laboratory Goes Online with

THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: House Par-Tay

Streaming Begins Monday, May 11, 2020

PlayMakers Laboratory is taking its signature revue online with That’s Weird, Grandma: House Par-Tay, featuring a creative line-up of stories written by elementary school students, adapted and performed by professional actors and directed by Artistic Director Brandon Cloyd.

Streaming will begin Monday, May 11, 2020 via Patreon, with a new line-up released every Monday. Tickets ($3 for a one-week pass) will go on sale Friday, May 8, 2020 at playmakerslab.org.

The cast includes Kaylyn Carter, Brandon Cloyd, Mariana Green, Aissa Guerra, Nick Hart, Cedar Larson, Nic Park and Rachel Wilson. The production team includes Cedar Larson (production manager).

That’s Weird, Grandma: House Par-Tay will include stories from PML’s “Submit Your Story Challenge,” which encourages students from across the nation to submit stories from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit playmakerslab.org/education.

Social Distancing: Sharing Graceland With Its Wild Residents

With the lakefront parks closed due to the pandemic's social distancing requirements, many have taken to walking and biking through Graceland Cemetery & Arboretum. Photographer Bill Biederman was there last week and came across one of Graceland's few living residents. He was gracious enough to share his photos with Uptown Update.

Coyotes have lived at Graceland for decades. They tend to be shy and avoid all interactions with human visitors. Many commuters have seen them romping around the grounds, observing them from the el that runs above the cemetery's east wall.

If you do go to Graceland and come into proximity with a coyote, remember that it is an unpredictable wild animal and predator. Do not approach it; do not attempt to feed it; and do not try to pet it.

There are between 2,000 and 4,000 coyotes living in Chicago, and it's a relationship based on mutual respect and keeping a safe distance. Attacks by coyotes on humans are extremely rare, but any wild animal, when confronted with an uncomfortable situation, is not safe to be around.

Thank you to Bill for sharing his photos of this beautiful untamed creature. It's probably as close as any of us should ever want to get to one.

If you decide to visit Graceland, remember that it is the final resting place for the loved ones of many people, and it is privately owned. We are there as guests and need to abide by its rules.

Rosehill Cemetery in Edgewater recently made the decision to deny access to the public because of people who treated it like a public park. There were parties; loud music; drinking; dogs running off-leash; and kids using the monuments as playground equipment.

In response to such loutish behavior, the owners of Rosehill locked the gates and made the decision that visits to the cemetery are now by appointment only.

We would hate to see the same thing happen at Graceland.

Click here for a list of Graceland's rules.

• Enjoy the gorgeous grounds as spring flowers emerge; 
• stroll and jog and bike; 
• enjoy the history and the monuments; and
• hope for a socially distant coyote sighting.'

But please don't be the reason Graceland closes its gates to visitors.

Face Masks Available From Aldermen's Offices, For Sale At Local Cleaner's

Part of the revised Illinois Stay-At-Home Order is that residents over two years old need to wear face masks in public spaces where social distancing is not possible. In response, several wards are offering free face masks to residents who may not have them or be able to afford them.

Here's the situation in Uptown. It's suggested that you bring an ID to prove you live in the ward.

• 46th Ward/Uptown: 10am-2pm Tuesdays and Saturdays at Ald. James Cappleman's office, 4544 N. Broadway. Masks are also available for delivery. Call (773) 878-4646 for details.
• 47th Ward/Lincoln Square: Residents can request a free mask from Ald. Matt Martin's office by filling out a form or calling (773) 868-4747.
• 48th Ward/Edgewater: Residents can request a free mask from Ald. Harry Osterman by calling (773) 784-5277 or email harry@48thward.org.  There will also be distribution at St. Ita's Church Tuesday and Sunday between 10am and 2pm.

Additionally, many neighborhood cleaners are selling masks they've manufactured. We've heard about:

• JS Cleaners (in Weiss Plaza, Lawrence and Sheridan)
• Cleaners at 1038 W Argyle, at Kenmore
• Monitor Cleaners, Clark and Wilson
• Note: Most cleaners are cash-only businesses.

If you know of any other places to get masks, please add them in the comments.

Monty and Rose Documentary To Play On PBS This Saturday

Monty and Rose, the rare piping plovers who made a nest and raised a family at Montrose Harbor last summer, are the subjects of a documentary that played around the area last autumn.

Now you can see it in the comfort of your own home, as it plays on WTTW (PBS) on Saturday, May 2nd, at 5:30pm.

It's also available to stream on Vimeo for $1.99.

In another development, Block Club Chicago reports that, with the lakefront closed to humans, it is prime for another possible nesting season. Birdwatchers report that plovers are now taking a break there on their northern migration, raising hopes that Monty and Rose may return.