Virtual Seminar on Domestic Violence in the LGBTQ+ Community Thursday Evening

BPN Holds Its Summer Meeting via Zoom/Facebook on Thursday Night

From Buena Park Neighbors:

We hope you can join us for our Summer Community Meeting this Thursday, June 24, at 7:00 PM! Tune in via Facebook Live or join us via Zoom (pre-registration required): https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvd-uvqT8uHNLtoQHGUHuQjoVniqDkDlnS

You (And Your Pets) Are Invited To "Pride On The Patio"

Our friends at Hearthstone and Terrace, 1325 West Wilson, are inviting you and your best fur pal to an event on Sunday, June 27th.

"Hey y’all, Happy Pride!!!

In celebration of pride we’d love to see all of our customers and their furry friends dressed to impress on the Terrace this Sunday June 27th, 11am - noon.

We’ll have pride swag, snap some selfies in front of our pride banners and enter to win one of three raffle prizes!!

1. Candle from Chicago’s very own Pride Candle Company
2. An adorable puppy pillow.
3. $50 Gift Card to Hearthstone and Terrace

Afterwards we encourage you to grab a slice of pride cake at Kalish, a cup of coffee at Crema, or a latte from Heritage Bikes and Coffee. Sandwiches from Emerald City Coffee, some poke down at Pokiology Chicago or a chicken sammy at Lucy's!"

Saddle & Cycle Club Fireworks Return On Independence Day

We're really happy to report that the fireworks show from the Saddle & Cycle Club is back after a year's absence.

The show will be held on Sunday, July 4th at dusk (usually around 9pm). Only club members and their guests may observe from the grounds of the club (located at Foster and Marine), but community members are encouraged to to stake out spots on the surrounding beaches and parks to enjoy it.

We really missed this tradition last year (the club closed during COVID), and we are delighted to see it return.

To read about our quiet neighborhood country club and its history, click here.

The Wilson Club Studio Apartments Open At 1124 Wilson Avenue

The exterior, before and after renovations (click to enlarge)

The Wilson Club, formerly the Wilson Men's Club Hotel, has just opened as an apartment building at 1124 West Wilson. New tenants are beginning to move in, and leases are available. 

The gut-rehabbed building, which now consists of 76 studio rentals and a retail space at street level, has been under renovation for a couple of years now. In 2017, former owner Jay Bomberg sold the building to City Pads, which began the process of finding new housing for the existing tenants before beginning a total restoration of the building.

24 of the new 76 units (32%) are now reserved for low-income tenants, a higher percentage than the 20% promised by City Pads at the time of the sale.

From "ancient" elevator to modern study area

A new elevator has been installed in the four-story building, making the upper floors accessible to those who are unable to navigate stairs, which is a welcome change. The "ancient" original elevator, which was stuck for decades in the building's basement, has been refurbished and now is a private study area (see above).

The announcement of the building's opening from City Pads is here, including some history of the building and great before-and-after photos.

An Uptown Update history of the building is here.

For years, the Wilson Men's Club Hotel was a remnant of another era, one of two "cage hotels" remaining in the city, with 256 cubicle rooms, some separated only by chicken wire. There was little ventilation, just a couple windows per floor (the reason for the chicken wire). Chicago law requires a minimum of 70sf per living area, but the WMCH was grandfathered in, with some cubicle areas measuring less than 50sf.

As noted above, there was no working elevator, and the hotel was a regular fixture on the housing court calendar, with scores of building violations. During the summers, the extreme heat transformed the upper floors into virtual ovens, and heat-related deaths were not uncommon. 

There were some definite improvements made over the past decade, such as the hiring of an on-site social worker and the addition of an air-conditioned community room, but the conditions remained grim.

As a former resident wrote in a comment on Uptown Update, 

"This place gave me a roof over my head, and was noisy, loaded with drunks and druggies, with hookers working on Clifton. Thankfully, I was able to get my head out of my butt, and my wife and I moved on.

But for many of the men who lived here, it was the end of the line. I saw, several times over the 4 years, men being taken out on a covered stretcher.

I will never forget the Wilson, but I also never want to go back there or any place like it. [...] The Wilson made me decide that I NEVER want to drink that low again. I quit drugs, alcohol and wild parties, became a MAN, have 3 kids and 8 grandbabies.

But it wouldn't have happened unless I got bottom like I did in this cockroach infested cage hotel, and I use that word REAL loosely.

Glad to see it's being made into something more than the Hotel California. I say that because too many never left."

We're glad to see the 100-plus-year-old building get a new life, and bring new life to the ever-changing streetscape of Wilson Avenue.

Computer Recycling Event On Saturday

 

'Uptown Underdawg' Now Open At Coming Soon to 1122 W. Wilson

UPDATE: As of June 18th, Uptown Underdawg is OPEN! Hours are Tuesday-Sunday 11am-8pm (closed on Monday). Stop by for a burger, a dog, and/or some gelato.

ORIGINAL POST: A spot on Wilson Avenue that was most recently home to beloved "Uptown Donuts" is slated to become a restaurant focusing on hot dogs and of course, Chicago-style hot dogs.

Signage is up at 1122 W. Wilson and a Facebook page has been created for "Uptown Underdawg." A sign in the window also mentions the differences between gelato and ice cream, so expect to see that on the menu as well.

We welcome "Uptown Underdawg" to Wilson Avenue. No opening date is mentioned on their Facebook page, but we hope to check it out soon!

46th Ward Zoning & Development Committee Gives Thumbs Up to Zoning Change For 3636 LSD Building

Rendering of proposed 3636 Lake Shore Drive complex

At a virtual meeting Thursday evening, community representatives at the 46th Ward Z&D Committee overwhelmingly approved a zoning change that paves the way for construction of a new residential rental / mixed-use complex at the corner of Lake Shore Drive and Waveland Avenue in Lakeview.

The committee's vote was 25 in favor, two against, and five abstentions.

The developer, City Club Apartments, has been meeting with nearby residents since mid-2019 and has obtained zoning change approval from East Lake View Neighbors, the New York Private Residences (3660 North Lake Shore Drive), and the 3600 Lake Shore Drive Condo Association.

The planned complex would include two residential buildings connected by a one-story building. The building to the south is planned to be six stories tall, with 147 units. The one to the north is planned to be 19 stories tall, with 187 units. 

Four townhomes would be built into the taller building, facing Waveland Avenue, encompassing the first and second floors. A restaurant space is planned for the corner of Lake Shore Drive and Waveland.

The apartment sizes would be divided among studios, and one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. 170 parking spaces would be built underground. 

You can see the latest plans, with new renderings and elevations based on Chicago Department of Planning and Development recommendations, here.

Development of this prime two-acre lot in front of the New York Private Residences has been sought for decades. 

The developer of the New York, Louis Silverman, envisioned a twin to the 47-story original building (completed in 1987) on the site, along with 46 townhomes and a 50,000 square foot retail and recreational complex. He planned for construction of the 600-unit building to begin in 1990. 

Obviously, that didn't happen, and over the years, a long line of ambitious developers have proposed projects there that never came to fruition.

Will the current project be the first to succeed in building on this rare empty Lake Shore Drive lot, or will this proposed plan turn out to be another also-ran? The developer must obtain the approval of the Chicago Plan Commission, Committee on Zoning, and City Council before ground can be broken. 

Time will tell, but the approval of the Zoning and Development Committee, which guides Ald. Cappleman's zoning decisions, is a big step in the direction of development.

In other Z&D news...

Plot twist! Last week the Committee voted against approving a residential building to go up at 4600 Marine, in what is now a parking lot for Weiss Hospital. The vote was 16 votes against, 15 votes in favor, and one abstention.

But at tonight's meeting, the vice president of North Halsted Business Alliance, which voted "against" the proposal (via their rep) at the prior meeting, appeared and asked that the "no" vote cast at last week's meeting be reversed and changed to a vote in favor of the project. 

We hear he told the committee that the organization previously met and voted in favor of the proposed building and that the rep at the June 11th meeting voted using his personal opinion, i.e. not consistent with that of the board of the North Halsted Business Alliance. He asked that the vote be officially changed and the record amended to reflect the organization's intention. 

So, assuming that request is granted, the vote flips to 16 votes in favor, 15 votes against, and one abstention, thus approving the proposal.  

Of course, this is a major change of events.  If Alderman Cappleman now approves the project based on the vote in favor, it means the project goes forward and much needed money will flow to both Weiss Hospital and Sarah's Circle.

We will watch developments with interest.

'The Winnie' At 4750 N. Winthrop Now Leasing

 

A one bedroom model unit at The Winnie (FLATS)

A brand new building is now welcoming its first residents at 4750 N. Winthrop, in the heart of the Uptown Entertainment District.

"The Winnie" (get it, Winthrop, Winnie?) features a modern mix of studio and one bedroom units with all of the conveniences one might expect including in-unit laundry. A beautiful roof deck also gives residents a panoramic views of Uptown. Residents of The Winnie also have access to amenities in other FLATS properties like the nearby Lawrence House at 1020 W. Lawrence, with its restored swimming pool or boxing ring.

Check out The Winnie website for floor plans and to schedule a tour.

The roof deck at The Winnie (FLATS)

Be A Part of Uptown's Art During 2nd Annual Uptown Art Week

A great event sponsored by Uptown United & The Uptown Chamber of Commerce, 4619 N. Broadway:

You may have noticed that Uptown is quickly becoming a public art hot-spot in Chicago. From the Clifton Avenue Street Art Gallery to the iconic murals along Argyle Street, Uptown is the place for public art in Chicago. But that’s just the beginning. During the week of August 6th - 15th we plan to add more than 40 new murals across the neighborhood—and we need your help. We’re planning to use this week in August to blanket the community with art—from large-scale murals to community-led art projects.

As you know, the pandemic has forced us to cancel some of our events that typically bring 60,000+attendees to Uptown each year. These events not only helped boost Uptown’s profile and attracted visitors to our community, they also helped fund our organizations. Your generous sponsorship helps Uptown’s small businesses, organizations, and neighbors thrive. Sponsorships benefit Uptown United & the Uptown Chamber of Commerce. Payment should be made payable to Uptown United. Uptown United is a 501c3 non-profit organization, and your sponsorship may be tax deductible. Click here for the sponsorship form.

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS & BENEFITS: Print deadline is Thursday, June 10.

$5,000 BENEFACTOR: Fund one large scale mural. Your logo on all printed & digital event materials.

$1,000 MURAL SPONSOR: Fund one 8’x8’ sized mural. Your logo on all printed & digital event materials.

$500 PATRON: Fund one 4’x8’ mural. Your logo on all digital event materials.

$250 ART LOVER: Fund one 4’x4’ mural. Your logo on all digital event materials.

$100 NEIGHBOR FOR THE ARTS: Name listed on website, plus an Uptown sticker pack

'State of Uptown' Virtual Event June 9

State of Uptown

Wednesday, June 9  |  12:00pm – 1:30pm

The annual State of Uptown event convenes Uptown's business, development, and non-profit communities to hear from our local elected officials.  Join us again virtually this year!

Scheduled to appear:  

Illinois State Representative Greg Harris

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)*

*All Members of the Uptown Chamber of Commerce are eligible for $5.00 tickets.  The discount code has been sent via email.  Contact Greg Carroll for more details - greg@exploreuptown.org.   

Click here to register.

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 the Uptown Chamber 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!