Palestinian Coffee Cafe Coming To Broadway

Looks like another international coffee option is coming to Uptown! Nabala Cafe has received permits to start construction at 4660 North Broadway (corner of Clifton).

On its Instagram page, it says it will feature "Coffee, chai, espresso drinks, sandwiches, pitas, and more!" Opening is set for sometime this spring.

We look forward to getting a java jolt there before too long.

Easter Egg Hunt At St. Mary of the Lake on Sunday

"Join Saint Mary of the Lake Church this Sunday, March 31st for an Easter egg hunt! All are welcome to attend."

"Breakfast House" Coming To Lawrence House

A sign outside the former 3 Squares Diner space at 1020 W. Lawrence

While we were sad to see 3 Squares Diner close in Lawrence House, we have a new restaurant to look forward to!

"Breakfast House" currently has 6 locations around Chicago, including Wrigleyville and Lakeview. They specialize in good ol' diner food like steak and eggs, fried chicken, huevos rancheros and hash. They also serve burgers, chicken sandwiches and salads. Check out the full menu here. 

Rumors of an April 1 opening are swirling, but keep an eye on their Facebook page for a definite opening date.

We are so happy to see another diner fill this beautiful space in such beautifully renovated building. Welcome to Uptown, Breakfast House!

Lawrence & Marine BP To Get Upgraded

Rendering of new BP at 755 W. Lawrence

If you use the BP at Lawrence and Marine, get ready for an upgraded experience. 

Plans were finally submitted to the Zoning Board of Appeals and were approved on March 15. You can expect an actual convenience store as seen in the rendering above, along with 4 new pumps and landscaping along Lawrence Avenue. 

The current BP at Lawrence & Marine (Google)

Lakeside Area Neighbors gave their approval on BP's plans when Ald. Cappleman was still in office. 

We are still waiting to hear the results of LANA's meeting to discuss 936 W. Leland. According to Ald. Clay's website, LANA hosted a meeting on February 6 but no mention of the meeting on the LANA Facebook page or website. Also no mention of the results of the survey on the development that was conducted from 1/19-2/2.

Did You Spring Forward?

We returned to Daylight Saving Time at 2am Sunday. Are you on time?

One less hour of sleep, always a lot of fun if you have a kid or pet who's firmly tied to a 24-hour schedule.

On the flip side, it means that evening light will last longer, with sunset taking place at 6:52pm tonight. It's lovely if you like staying outside in daylight longer.

(photo from the JJ Sedelmaier Productions Collection, used with much appreciation)

Lawrence Closed to Through Traffic at CTA Tracks Friday Night For Up To 24 Hours

Beginning Friday night at 9pm, and lasting up to 24 hours, Lawrence Avenue at the Red Line tracks will be closed to vehicular and bike traffic while equipment mobilization happens for the Red Purple Line modernization project.

Pedestrian access to Lawrence Avenue will be allowed, but will switch between sides of the street as things progress. The sidewalk on the north side of  the street will close beginning at 6am on Friday, March 8.

Work will be continuous until completed. According to the CTA:

• There will be noise while work is being performed, including nighttime noise:

General construction noise

Beeping from backup alarms on construction vehicles and equipment

Flagging horns

Stephens Commons Nearly Complete, Now Leasing

March 2024

preconstruction rendering by Landon Bone Baker Architects

It's been astounding how quickly the new building at 835 West Wilson has gone up. From ground-breaking in late 2022 to near completion now, it's been great fun to watch it take shape.

Stephens Commons, as it's known, is a 73-unit all-senior (62+), all-affordable residential rental building. There's no ground-floor retail (as is the norm on that stretch of Wilson) and the units are a mix of 10 studios, 49 one-bedrooms, and 14 two-bedrooms. There are amenities like a weight room, community room, outdoor deck, and a garden.

You can read more about it and fill out a rental application here.

Early Voting in the Presidential Primary Election Opens Monday, Runs Through March 19th

a blast from the past

If you'd like the convenience of voting early in the Presidential Primary Election and choosing where to do so, the city has a deal for you!

Beginning Monday, March 4th, you can vote at any site in the city of Chicago (full list is here) up to and including Election Day, March 19th.

The ballot will give you options to vote for:

Nominations for:

• U.S. President
• U.S. Representative
• Illinois State Senator
• Illinois State Representative
• Water Reclamation District Commissioner
• Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court
• Cook County State's Attorney
• Cook County Commissioner
• Board of Review Commissioner
• Illinois Supreme Court Judge
• Illinois Appellate Court Judge
• Circuit Court Judge
• Subcircuit Judge

Elections for:

• Ward Committeeperson
• Delegates and Alternate Delegates to National Nominating Convention

The closest sites to Uptown are listed below. Again, you can vote at ANY early voting site, no matter in what ward you are registered to vote.

• Merlo Library, 644 W Belmont
• Truman College, 1145 W Wilson
• Welles Park, 2333 W Sunnyside
• Edgewater Library, 6000 N Broadway
• Chicago Board of Elections, 69 W Washington, 6th Floor
• Downtown Supersite, 191 N Clark

Hours of operation are:

• Weekdays: 9am - 6pm
• Saturday: 9am - 5pm
• Sunday: 10:am - 4pm
• Election Day: 6am - 7pm (March 19)

"Government-issued photo ID is not required but ID is helpful if there is a question about the voter's registration, address, signature, or if there are two voters at the same address with the same names or similar names."

Got Questions? Check out the Board of Elections website.

Sidewalk Reconstruction and Closures on Argyle From March 6th Thru 20th

The sidewalks on Argyle Street will be closed on an alternating basis at the CTA Tracks, as the latest part of the Red Purple Line Modernization project.

The sidewalks will be demolished and reconstructed on both sides of the street, One side  will remain open at all times, and access to the businesses on West Argyle will be maintained at all times.

Work will go one Mondays through Saturdays, March 6 to March 20, between 7am and 7pm.

Local Impact:

There will be noise while work is being performed; noise will include:

• General construction noise
• Noise from sidewalk demolition
• Beeping from backup alarms on construction equipment and vehicles