My Brother Langston Gathering Raves At The Black Ensemble Theater

The Black Ensemble Theater is presenting My Brother Langston through September 18th, and it's a hit, telling the life and world view of Harlem poet and writer Langston Hughes. 

As the promo says, "Do you know Langston Hughes? Everyone who cares about the fate of humanity – should know Langston Hughes. Join us to learn more about this outstanding and controversial Harlem Renaissance writer. Get aboard the A Train hearing Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and other musical memories along the way. In this world today we need the story of My Brother Langston."

You can get tickets at the Black Ensemble's website.

The theater is located at the corner of Clark and Sunnyside.

Community Paint Day Sunday! Join In Painting The Winthrop Garden Mural

We posted last week about the new look the Winthrop Family Historical Garden is getting; now you can help be part of it by joining the Community Paint Day this Sunday, and help make the mural come to life!

Come to the garden (4628 North Winthrop) between 1pm and 3pm on Sunday, September 4th, and add your talents. The mural is being created by artist Mauricio Ramirez, and is being sponsored by The John Buck Company and Uptown United.

See you there, with paintbrush in hand.

Significant Changes to the Religious Fabric of Uptown

As fewer Americans identify as actively religious and even fewer attend services regularly, there have been significant changes in religious institutions as church leaders reassess their need for large religious buildings.   

This change is playing out in significant changes to the religious fabric of western Uptown. (Yes, the western border of Uptown at this point on the map is Ravenswood, despite the protests of real estate agents).

In 2016, the Truc Lam Buddhist Temple announced it was closing, and after a residential conversion plan was denied, the building was demolished and replaced with a daycare facility in 2020.

We learned in 2021 that the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago was closing Our Lady of Lourdes at 4640 N. Ashland and merging the parish with St. Mary of the Lake at 4220 N. Sheridan. This action included sale of the church buildings on the east side of Ashland. 

But before the closure and sale were publicly announced, the Church quietly sold the building at 4637 N. Ashland in July 2020 to a private developer, Larry Nyhan. Then, in April 2021, the Church, working jointly with 4637 Ashland LLC (Nyhan's corporation) and with the blessing of Alderman Martin, rezoned the Church building to RT-4 to allow for the renovation of the existing building along with construction of an additional floor and rear structure, creating 14 units with an elevator, balconies and 11 parking spots. 

The construction is ongoing, as we see here:

4637 N. Ashland

Now, via an observant reader, Alderman Martin has announced a proposal to wreck and replace the church and rectory buildings of First Spanish Christian Church at the corner of Sunnyside and Greenview. 

LakePointe Development is the developer. LakePointe is requesting an upzone from RS-3 to RM-4.5 to complete the project.

1501 W. Sunnyside (Google Street View)

By way of history, First Spanish Christian was the oldest Spanish-speaking Protestant congregation in the City of Chicago, and its pastor, Rev. Ruben Cruz, was pastor from 1964 through 2021. Rev. Cruz was a significant presence on local TV and in local media, and he wrote the first bi-lingual news column in a major U.S. newspaper, a column in the Chicago Sun-Times. 

After an attempt at bringing in a successor to Rev. Cruz failed in 2019, declining attendance and then COVID led to the church closing. Rev. Cruz passed in 2021, and the board of the church elected to dissolve the church and donate its assets to the Disciples of Christ of Illinois and Wisconsin. As part of the sale agreement, 25% of the proceeds from the sale of the building will go to the creation of a scholarship fund for seminary students.  The church buildings are currently empty.

As of now, the plans call for 2 buildings with 2 condos each. The building on Greenview will have 2 units, each with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. The building on Sunnyside will feature 2 units with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Because there is no alley access, each building will have garages and curb cuts to accommodate vehicle access.

1501 W. Sunnyside (Proposed)

LakePoint Development / SPACE Architects

1507-09 W. Sunnyside (Proposed)

LakePoint Development / SPACE Architects

We have mixed feelings about this one. The existing church building is a plain but good looking building. The proposed replacement is fairly generic, but adding additional housing and residents is certainly better than having empty and decaying buildings on the site. We also support these larger units, which are better for families. (Ed Note: Alderman Martin previously denied a proposal to convert the Philadelphia Church of God (1701 W. Sunnyside) to residential in 2021).

We will update as we hear more, with more developments yet to come. 

How Aldermen Are Spending $100K In No-Strings-Attached Money

From an article in today's Chicago Tribune:

"When Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot rolled out her 2022 budget, she offered each alderman a $100,000 sweetener to spend in their wards virtually however they please. [...]

Ald. James Cappleman, who has announced he won’t seek reelection next year in the Uptown-based 46th Ward, is spending much of his grant on housing homeless people in hotels and motels.

• Cappleman allocated $7,000 to Cornerstone Community Outreach to assist Heartland Alliance Health with providing vital supplies such as phones and Ventra cards for a pilot program to give shelter to homeless people, according to the contract. 
• Another $48,000 will go toward fellow nonprofit organization Trilogy, mostly to find emergency housing for more than 50 homeless people at motels and hotels, running about $100 per night, the contract says. 
• The remaining $45,000 was awarded to Heartland Alliance Health to assist people living outside with temporary housing.

Cappleman’s office aimed to put the microgrant money toward long-term “outcomes-oriented pilot programs to reduce chronic homelessness” that could be duplicated elsewhere in the city, a staff member said."

The Trib is requesting FOIAs to find out how each alderman is allocating the money, but gives a few examples of other wards' spending. Neither of Uptown's other wards (48th - Harry Osterman or 47th - Matt Martin) are included in the Tribune article.

• "Freshman North Side Ald. Andre Vasquez is spending $23,000 for a new 40th Ward website. He also paid $15,000 to an advocacy group to engage residents about their perceptions of how safe they are and “think through” public safety solutions that don’t involve policing."
• "19th Ward Ald. Matt O’Shea is hiring private, unarmed security to patrol business corridors in Beverly, Mount Greenwood and Morgan Park."
• "Ald. Daniel La Spata, 1st: $50,000 for an anti-violence program in Logan Square, $25,000 to run a forestry program and $25,000 for a health and wellness program.
• Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd: $16,000 for a street outreach program.
• Ald. Michele Smith, 43rd: $50,000 on youth mentorship and education.
• Ald. Maria Hadden, 49th: $5,000 on “voter education and mobilization” within the South Asian community and $5,000 on a food pantry service."

"Fat Miilk Coffee Company" Coming This Fall To Argyle & Broadway

 

Fat Miilk Vietnamese Coffee (photo: @alyssadrinkscoffee)

We were sad to see T'oui Macaron & Patisserie close, but we are fortunate that a coffee shop specializing in Vietnamese coffee drinks is replacing it!

"Fat Miilk" will take over the space at 5018 N Broadway sometime this fall, and will offer fair trade coffee from the central highlands of Vietnam. They already have a strong following online and on social media and are 100% female-owned.

For those unfamiliar with Vietnamese Iced Coffee, it's generally more robust than typical iced coffee and is delicious on a hot summer day, or any day, for that matter.

Fat Miilk will also feature its four signature roasted coffees for you to brew at home. Check out their website here, as well as their Facebook and Instagram. 

We look forward to welcoming Fat Miilk to the bustling Argyle food scene this fall!

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, WHERE Did Your Garden Go?

click to enlarge

People who have grown used to seeing the Winthrop Family Historical Garden on the 4600 block of Winthrop have been wondering... "What happened?"

The good news: Because the plot of land is owned by NeighborSpace, it cannot be anything but green space. In perpetuity.

The great news: The managing agency of the Garden, Uptown United, applied for and received a grant to re-invigorate and reconcept the garden, with work ongoing now. 

The new version will have raised plant beds, overhanging decorative lighting, signage, reused bricks from the alleys that surrounded the space, shipping containers functioning as a bar for events and storage, a huge mural on the side of Platform 4611, which serves as the south wall of the space, and interpretative story telling panels. 

The entire space will be open to the community and will host events in addition to serving as a nice outdoor area for all Uptown residents, including residents of Platform 4611, to share.

Work is scheduled to be finished by the end of September.

Package Thief - Help Your Neighbors and Police

From a reader, this man entered the vestibule of 1107 W. Lawrence this morning and stole all of the residents' packages.

Video of the thief in action here:

If you have any information, please dial 911.

Comings and Goings

While we eagerly await the arrival of Malden Tap Room and Marina's and are enjoying the newly opened patio at L/A Mex, three longtime Uptown restaurants have closed their doors in recent weeks.

We start in Sheridan Park at Three Harmony. Open since before our founders started this little blog, Three Harmony was a Chinese restaurant at Wilson and Magnolia known for great crab rangoon and sesame chicken. Unfortunately, it also had a reputation as a haven for local gang members to charge their phones and do drug deals.

While things had improved greatly over time, the restaurant kitchen churned out consistently good food until early this year, when a change in ownership led to a bunch of dissatisfied customers and negative Yelp reviews. [Ed. Note - none of us tried the new Three Harmony, as we all eat from different Chinese restaurants in Uptown.] The "new" Three Harmony closed abruptly and without warning, and we presume that business suffered from the food quality issues.

Next, on Clark, longtime Thai favorite Thai on Clark also closed without warning. Thai on Clark was in the neighborhood for many many years and weathered some lean years while putting out very solid versions of Thai classics. While business remained good through COVID, the owners put the building and business on the market earlier this year, and after a short time on market, they were successful in finding a buyer. The owner and his family have now moved back to Thailand to be with their elderly parents. 

We wish the family that ran Thai on Clark the best and hope the transition back home is amazing. 

For those left sad and hungry by TOC's closure, our spies tell us another restaurant is coming to the space. No concrete details to share, but we hear the new restaurant will feature a cuisine that is very popular in the U.S. (not Thai). Details to come soon.

Finally, at Lawrence and Sheridan, the long-running location of Papa Ray's Pizza & Wings closed up shop. Local gossip says a dispute with the landlord could be the issue, but we couldn't confirm further before running our story. 

Papa Ray's first arrived in 2010 and immediately became a local favorite for their monster slices and neighborly business management. Along with the beloved Uptown Deli, Papa Ray's helped tremendously in cleaning up this corner and cutting gang related activity.

Per the note left on the business, there may be a new location of Papa Ray's coming soon to a different part of Uptown, so stay tuned.

We hope to see Papa Ray's back soon and look forward to bringing you more information about the new restaurant coming to Clark.

JVN Night Closes Out The 2022 Argyle Night Market Season

Thursday, August 25th, is the final Argyle Night Market of the 2022 season (how is that possible?!) and, as is tradition, it's a time to celebrate an Uptown legend, John "Vietnam" Nguyen.

"Final Argyle Night Market - JVN Night

As the Argyle Night Market draws to a close, we will once again be honoring the memory of John Vietnam Nguyen (JVN), a young rapper and activist from Uptown Chicago. Though he died way too young while still a student attending the University of Madison-Wisconsin, he accomplished so much with a positive attitude that inspired and encouraged youth and adults alike. 

Join us for JVN Night on Thursday, August 25th as several youth performers, hip hop artists, and friends of John will be taking the stage in his memory. One life, one love.  

Uptown United would like to say a special thank you to Alderman Harry Osterman for his long-time support of the Argyle Night Market. Not only have he and his team been instrumental in the success of this weekly event, but Alderman Osterman also played a pivotal role in bringing the Argyle Night Market to life.

As this will be his last night market in office, please join us in expressing gratitude for all he has done for Argyle while in office.

August 25th Market Vendors & Participants

FOOD:

• Immm Rice & Beyond
• Pho Xe Lua
• Tasty Chicago Food Truck
• Urban Tables
• Nuts To Go
• Olga's Aguas Frescas

RETAIL:

• BWYB Products
• ChicagoSeb Designs
• Common Skies
• Eternal Harmony Vegan Wellness
• Fook Hing Hot Chili Oil
• Jewelry by Carlotta
• Plastic Beach Collections
• Sandry's Holy Coffee
• Sammi Ohlson - Artist
• We Each Belong

SERVICES:

• 48th Ward
• Chicago Market - A Community Co-op
• Chiro One Wellness
• JVN Project
• Rocket Tattoo
• South-East Asia Center
• The Gambacorta Law Office, LLC
• The Institute of Cultural Affairs
• Uptown United & Uptown Chamber

FAMILY:

• Fun & Free Kids Activities provided by Uptown Church & Bezazian Library PLUS free face painting!  

August 25th Entertainment Line-Up

• 5:30pm: Drum Circle
• 6pm-9pm: JVN Night featuring a variety of youth performers, hip hop artists, and friends of John Vietnam including Elephant Rebellion, Smiley Gatmouth, Tee Spirit, Crash Prez, Jezi, plus breakdancing & more!  

Ald. Cappleman And Steve Dale On WGN Radio

photo: WGN Radio

If you'd like to hear the latest about preferring mayonnaise on hot dogs, why Ald. Cappleman is retiring after his current term, and about Chicago's latest plans to house the homeless, he appeared on WGN Radio last Sunday with Steve Dale (a 46th Ward resident).

It's about a 15-minute listen. The WGN blurb says:

"46th Ward Alderman James Cappleman joins Steve Dale to discuss the issue of homelessness in Chicago. How does Chicago’s rate compare to other states and what is the city doing to change it? Ald. Cappleman also talks about retiring and working with Lori Lightfoot."

Listen here.

Long-Time Uptown Advocate Joyce Dugan Has Passed Away

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Joyce Warren Dugan on August 7th.

Joyce was the long-time president and CEO of Uptown United, and did everything from promote Uptown in the media, to show retail spaces to prospective tenants, to hold seminars on Uptown's future plans. 

She was the driving force behind the eight-year creation of the Winthrop Family Historical Garden, and then-Alderman Helen Shiller had the street honorarily designated as Joyce Dugan Way.

photo: Google Streetview

In his latest newsletter, Ald. Osterman said:

"Last week, longtime community leader Joyce Dugan passed away. Joyce served the 48th Ward as President of Uptown United and as Assistant to Alderman Mary Ann Smith. She also volunteered at organizations like Sarah’s Circle, helping women find resources and improve their lives, and worked with the Lakewood Balmoral Residents Council. 

Even when she was ill, she was involved with residents at the Admiral. Joyce’s contributions to our community are immeasurable, and she represents the love for her community rooted in the 48th Ward. Our condolences go to her husband, Tim. Joyce will be dearly missed."

We'll particularly miss seeing Joyce at every book club meeting she could get to, either in person or virtually.

As one of our readers said, "She was a tremendous human being."

Godspeed, Joyce. Uptown became a better place because of your dedication and ideas.

NEW DATES: Foster Will Be Closed At Broadway Nights and This Weekend

Original post with old dates has been removed.

As the CTA Red and Purple Lines get rehabbed between Bryn Mawr and Leland, the work on the tracks will necessitate some street closures by the CTA.

Track Support Structure Installation will begin on Friday, August 26th, and run no longer than Friday, September 9th, with work going on 24/7 on the weekend and between 9pm and 4:30am during the week.

There will be no closure on the Labor Day Weekend.

The closure will be between Broadway and Winthrop.

Vehicular traffic will be prohibited, but one sidewalk will remain open for pedestrians, alternating sides as work progresses.

Residents north of Foster will need to access the alley via Berwyn.

If you need further information about alternative parking, please contact the contractor, Walsh-Fluor, at 708-253-9772.

Weeknight work will take place on Monday, August 29 to Friday, September 2, and Tuesday, September 6 to Friday. September 9 (unless they finish the project early). The hours of work will be 9pm to 4:30am, with prep work beginning at 8:30pm.

Weekend work will begin at 9pm on Friday, August 26th and go round-the-clock until Monday, August 29th at 5am. Prep work will begin at 8:30pm on Friday.

There will be noise while work is being performed. Noise will include:

• General construction noise
• Noise from lifting and placing track segments
• Beeping from backup alarms on construction equipment and vehicles

ICA Study Leads to New Nature Habitat Next to Weiss Hospital and 4600 Marine

After the Uptown based Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA) created a program to study restoration of the original natural features of the Lake Michigan coastal zone in 2016, the work has paid off in the form of the new Lincoln Park Uptown Coastal Natural Area, coming soon to Lincoln Park at Marine Drive.

Chicago Park District / ICA

The ICA ran the "Out and About Uptown’s Coast" series in 2017 and 2018, supported by grants from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). A plan was conceived to create a restored native habitat west of DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

The plan seeks to build on the landfill projects of the 1930s, which filled in the area roughly from Marine Drive all the way to the current Montrose Beach. The original Arthur Caldwell plan for the park called for the installation of thousands of native shrubs and trees, but that goal was only party accomplished. 

Before the current empty grassy area, the area was once filled with a "long meandering meadow" west of Lake Shore Drive between Lawrence and Foster and a "smaller meadow" between Wilson and Lawrence. Although most of that vegetation is now gone, the current sidewalks are in the same place as the original pathways.

Fast forward to 2021, when the Chicago Park District, working in concert with the ICA, received a grant from the Illinois Coastal Management program of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to replace the existing grass lawn with native prairie and savanna plantings.

Per plans, the project will begin in the late summer or early fall of this year. Expect fencing to be placed, removal of non-native vegetation, installation of native plants and laying of seed. Signage will educate and guide visitors down the existing paths.

The new natural area will be similar to the ongoing work to create a Horner Park Natural Area on the bank of the Chicago River. We expect that patients at Weiss Hospital and residents of the upcoming 4600 N. Marine will particularly appreciate the beauty of the new landscape, and we look forward to strolling through the area with visions of Arthur Caldwell's original plan in our head.

Rakkan and Rollin' For Real

Although the "grand" opening is at 11am today with free ramen as a giveaway, Rakkan Ramen soft opened over the weekend and we can report it's great!

We broke news of Rakkan opening its first Midwest location back in February. If you are in the mood for ramen, this attractive new restaurant is a great option in the Asia on Argyle district. Remember that they have vegetarian and vegan friendly ramen bases, so it should appeal to all. 

Rakkan Ramen is at 4926 N. Broadway. Initial hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 days a week.

The Walls Come Tumblin' Down...

Several readers have messaged us to ask what's going on with the west entrance of Graceland Cemetery on the 4200 block of Clark Street. The construction is part of the planned renovation of Graceland's entrances, resulting in what appears to be a significant widening of the western entrance along with new brick tower piers.

West Entrance - 4200 Block of Clark

The new entrance appears to be much wider than the old one. For comparison, here's the old entrance:

Google Street View

From the Facebook post:

Graceland Cemetery (Facebook)

Graceland Cemetery (Facebook)

Tower Crane Ahoy!

News arrived this weekend that the tower crane permit has reached the City and we are entering the final stages in advance of the new development coming to 4600 Marine, formerly known as the mostly empty Weiss Hospital south parking lot. 

We have been watching with interest as things have slowly progressed towards full construction. While most permits are already approved, a few are still pending as of this week. In the interim, the gas tanks used for the Hospital were drained in advance of removal and the parking lot was cordoned off this past week, resulting in the empty lot shown above.

In the place of the old tanks, which were located in a small brick structure on the northeast corner of Wilson and Clarendon, the Hospital has built a brand new gas storage and delivery system on the northern edge of the property, just across from the Hospital emergency room entrance. 

With the demolition and tower crane permits pending approval, a construction start is likely by fall. We can't wait!

Airplane Mode ON!

Saturday's weather was a bust for the Air Show, allowing the Blue Angels only ten minutes to do their show and a few fly-bys. But luckily for those of us who like seeing the planes go by, Bob Skutnick -- who has taken so many beautiful photos for us in the past -- was on the scene for Friday's rehearsals, when "The weather was perfect for the show!"

Enjoy the pictures, and hopefully Sunday will present a more welcoming sky for the participants and the spectators.

Thank you, Bob, for your beautiful photos!

UU Note: We suggest clicking on the photos to get the full-size versions to appreciate them.

Paper Shred-A-Thon This Saturday

From Ald. Cappleman's latest newsletter:

"Come join us at Clarendon Park Field House Saturday, August 20th from 10am to 1pm for the 46th Ward Shred-A-Thon. Please bring only sensitive personal information for shredding. 

As a courtesy please de-staple all of the materials you would like to be shredded. These items may not be shredded:

• Spiral-bound notebooks
• 3-ring binders
• Binder clips or paper clips
• Glossy/shiny paper photographs
• Newspapers, magazine, takeout menus, junk mail

Drop by Clarendon Park Field House at 4501 N. Clarendon any time between 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM or until the truck is full."

Bike The Drive Returns During The Labor Day Weekend

Ready to enjoy DuSable Lake Shore Drive by bike, no other vehicles allowed? 

You can do it on Sunday, September 4th, between 6:30 and 10:30am, when BIKE THE DRIVE takes place.

The Drive will be closed between 57th Street and Hollywood, and you can enter at Bryn Mawr, Fullerton, Grant Park, Oakwood, or the Museum of Science & Industry.

Register here! BIKE THE DRIVE is a fundraiser for Active Transportation Alliance, a membership-based non-profit advocacy organization working to improve conditions for walking, biking, and public transit throughout Chicagoland. 

Feel The Need For Speed? It's Coming Thursday, Ready or Not!

Photo by Bob Skutnick, 2019

A gentle reminder, particularly to those who may not have experienced a full Air & Water Show before (it was canceled in 2020 and scaled back in 2021):

Expect the roar! 

The aircraft start practicing along the lakefront beginning Thursday, and will continue until the show is over on Sunday afternoon. The planes are fast, low-flying, and LOUD! And Uptown has a literal front-row seat.

Additionally, there will be a flyover of Wrigley Field on Friday by the Navy's F-35C Lightning II Tactical Demonstration Team, as part of the Cubs' "Top Gun Day."

This year's show will feature the Navy Blue Angels and the Army Golden Knights parachute team, as well as other military and civilian groups, both on land and the lake. 

There may also be loud noises Saturday and Sunday evening as the planes leave for their next destinations and create sonic booms. 

According to the City's website, the show takes place at "North Ave. Beach and along the Lakefront." Enjoy!

Shared Training Facility Opening Soon at 1124 W. Wilson

We have been hearing for several months now about a new fitness center at the base of the Wilson Club Apartments at 1124 W. Wilson. 

Now that permits are approved, construction is ongoing, and the location is live on Google, we can confirm that that JT Training Studio is coming in October.

@jttrainingstudios / Instagram

The concept transforms the large empty space at the bottom of the building into into a "shared training facility" that will cater to private trainers seeking space to work with clients, similar to a shared kitchen concept.

From Google:

JT Training Studios is Chicago's new home for Independent Personal Trainers! With six fully-equipped strength training stations, a shared warm-up area, and an MAT®/LMT table, JT Training Studios has everything you need to deliver the best 1-on-1, partner, and small group training, MAT®, and massage therapy service—without any crowds, waiting, or sharing. Ever. No contracts, no quotas, no commitments—just training. Bring an existing clientele, or build your client base without worrying about paying a high monthly rent or giving the gym half (or more) of your income. Simply schedule online and only pay for the time you use. And with our tiered pricing model, the more you train, the less you pay!"

@jttrainingstudios / Instagram

 We will update when we have a firm opening date. Here's what's behind those black covered windows as of last week:

@jttrainingstudios / Instagram

Clarendon Park Fieldhouse Renovation Ready to Start

Thanks to a tip from a reader, we have learned the long overdue multimillion dollar renovation of Clarendon Park Fieldhouse has received approval to start construction.

Booth Hansen Architects / Chicago Park District

For those who have been following this saga, the fieldhouse was once part of a beautiful and much larger structure that served as beachhouse when Lake Michigan extended to where DuSable Lake Shore Drive is today. Infill moved the park and beachfront further to the east, and the fieldhouse was modified to fit a park use.

The fieldhouse has had numerous structural issues over the years and was once close to demolition. Local residents joined with preservation organizations, most notably Preservation Chicago, and convinced the Chicago Park District to renovate, rather than replace the building.

Although the approval and construction of 811 Uptown was controversial and even opposed by people sitting on the Clarendon Park Advisory Council, the new building and Clarendon Montrose TIF provided most of the necessary funds for the renovation, with $6.9 million in TIF and $4.6 million from Montrose Clarendon Partners LLC.

More details on the renovation, along with some beautiful renderings of what Uptown residents can expect, can be found here. (PDF link)

Uplift High School Hosts Block Party Thursday Afternoon

 

47th Ward Community Bike Ride on Friday

From Ald. Martin's office:

"Join us this Friday, August 12 at Welles Park for a community bike ride led by Alderman Martin! We will be gathering beginning at 6:30 PM and will kick off the tour promptly at 7 PM. 

RSVP HERE

During the bike tour, you will have a chance to hear updates on new projects and happenings throughout the ward. At the end of the ride, we will end in Ravenswood where you can choose to head to a local brewery or grab an ice cream at Margie's! Kids are welcome. 

Hope to see you on Friday!"

Where My Dogs At?

New view looking north on Broadway featuring
CEDARst mascot Lady Louise

The familiar "B" on the south facing side of the former Bridgeview Bank at Lawrence and Broadway is no more.

As Cedar Street completes its conversion of the historic building at 4753 N. Broadway into a 176 unit residential building, they are putting their mark on the building in the form a black & white logo featuring a French Bulldog. Cedar Street founder Jay Michael was the proud owner of a French Bulldog named Lady Louise, who was a constant companion until Michaels death in 2016. 

Lady Louise has since become the symbol of the company, which has saved and renovated multiple historic buildings in Uptown, including the bank building, the Lawrence House, the future Double Door, and many others.

View of the Uptown National Bank sign in the 1970s (Bob Rehak)

Most recent logo on the building, The Bridgeview Bank "B"

We think the new dog looks great and provides a much nicer welcome to Uptown than the old "B."