The Uptown Taproom Takes Root in Sheridan Park

If you've been waiting patiently for Uptown to get its first brewpub, the wait is getting a lot shorter.

We hear that a new brewpub is taking over the former Godfather's Pizza space at Wilson and Malden, and the appearance of a dumpster and construction workers confirms that work is ongoing. 

From what we've heard, expect a focus on a "community-first gathering place," helmed by two local residents who are branching out from their current careers. 

The plans call for a focus on local brewers and distillers, but no food onsite. The taproom will feature a rotating selection and will be dog-friendly.  The taproom will also take advantage of the great patio on the corner, and food carry-ins and delivery will be allowed. 

Hours are TBD, but will be "family friendly" (not late night). Hiring plans call for 8-15 new jobs to be created as part of the process.

We look forward to seeing more this spring!

"Kimchi Pop" Pops Up Soon in Uptown

Chef Son's bibimbap

Local Noble Square favorite Kimchi Pop by Chef Son is planning a new location in Uptown called "Kimchi Pop 2" at 4429 N. Broadway. The location has been home to restaurants in the past, most recently the short lived Fel Fel Grill in 2015. 

For an area short on Korean options since the unfortunate departure of Sol's on Sheridan in 2018, the opening is good news for those in search of bibimbop, japchae, bulgogi and other delicious Korean specialties. 

The menu is here. Expect an opening in the next few months.

Chase Park, Broncho Billy Playground to Receive TIF Funds For Improvements

The City Council today voted to allot TIF money to ten parks across the city that need updating to conform to safety and accessibility standards. The selected parks were selected by the Park District’s Playground Repair Program.

Two of the ten are in Uptown, which is good news for the kiddies:

• Theodore Gross Park, 2708 W. Lawrence Ave., $175,000
• Winnemac Park, 5001 N. Leavitt St., $200,000
• Frank J. Wilson Park, 4630 N. Milwaukee Ave., $345,000
• Salmon Chase Park, 4701 N. Ashland Ave., $125,000
• Broncho Billy Park, 4437 N. Magnolia Ave., $175,000
• John Wentworth Gardens Park, 3770 S. Wentworth Ave., $250,000
• George Washington Park, 5250 S. King Dr., $300.000
• John Durso Park, 421 W. Locust St., $250,000
• Brighton Park, 3501 S. Richmond St., $125,000
• Roald Amundsen Park, 6200 W. Bloomingdale Ave., $110,000

Clarendon Park Fieldhouse Community Meeting

From Ald. Cappleman's latest newsletter:

"Dear Neighbor,

Please join me alongside the Chicago Park District and the Clarendon Park Advisory Council on Thursday, March 25th, at 6pm to review the latest plans for the upcoming improvements to the Clarendon Community Center. 

This meeting is a great opportunity to see updated plans and to ask any questions you may have about the project!  This meeting will take place virtually and advance registration is required. You can register for the meeting here.

Clarendon Community Center (4501 N. Clarendon Ave) was listed as one of 2015's most threatened historic buildings, due to the structure's deteriorating condition.  This much-needed renovation of the 1916 building will refurbish the structure and improve amenities such as the gym, the lobby, and outdoor gathering spaces. 

We want to hear from you! You can submit questions and comments in advance of the meeting by emailing clarendoncommunitycenter2021@gmail.com. These questions and comments will be incorporated into the meeting question and answer session. 

[UU Note: Questions must be submitted by Monday, March 22nd to be included in the Q&A following the meeting. Registration requests must be submitted by 5pm on Thursday, March 25th.]

As always, please reach out to my office if you have any questions regarding this exciting project at 773-878-4646 or ward46@cityofchicago.org."

"Tiffany's On Broadway" Debuts With Brunch & Dinner

"Tiffany's Omelette" from the brunch menu

We have been anxiously watching the retail space at 4645 N. Broadway for a while now. Signs have been up announcing that "Tiffany's On Broadway" would be coming soon. We can now report that they have opened their doors!

We heard from owner Marcela Corrales, who describes the fare as American classics with a Latin inspired twist. The restaurant is BYOB and is currently open from 3PM-9PM Tuesday through Thursday, until 10PM Friday, and open for weekend brunch at 10AM.  The dinner menu features items like taco flights, ribeyes, salads and portobello burgers. The brunch menu features faves like eggs benedict, omelettes (pictured) and steak and eggs.

Any questions on hours or the dishes served, call 773-293-7323. Tiffany's can be found on Instagram @tiffanysonbroadway and on Facebook here. The dinner and brunch menus are attached below.

Daylight Saving Time Is Here!

Are you ready to face Sunday after springing forward?

Most of our devices reset themselves (curses on you, microwave!), but if you have a a kid or pet who's firmly tied to a 24-hour schedule, our sympathies are with you.

On the flip side, it means that sunset doesn't happen until around 7pm beginning next week, and we're really sick of winter, so we'll take what we can.

The Lights On Broadway Have Been Dimmed, Going Into Year Two

 

Red/Purple Line Rebuild To Begin Next Month: What You Should Know

A note from Uptown United about what's going on with the Red Purple Line renovations. Note that the Lawrence and Berwyn stations will close next month for three years. Much more information is below:

"Dear Uptown Community,

Spring is upon us, which means the beginning of major CTA Lawrence to Bryn Mawr station construction. There are several very important events, timelines, and resources to share with you today: 

March 2 & 4: CTA Virtual Town Hall
Lawrence to Bryn Mawr Station Construction

During the meeting, you will learn about construction activities in your community, the project’s timeline, and service impacts. March 2 will focus on Argyle and Lawrence stations, and March 4 will focus on Berwyn and Bryn Mawr stations. Click here to register for one or both meetings.

Lawrence and Berwyn Red Line Stations Will Close in April for 3 Years

Temporary stations will be constructed at Argyle and Bryn Mawr. Click here to view a comprehensive overview of the entire RPM project. Want to know more about these station closures? Click here to register for an upcoming CTA town hall meetings.

“Open for Business” – Small Business Free Marketing Program

To help support small businesses, the CTA has developed a free marketing program called “Open for Business.” This program will feature a dedicated website and other promotions. 

If you are a business owner, click here to apply for this free program.

Once approved, the CTA team will contact to you for next steps to get involved in the Open for Business campaign. This program will launch to the public in the coming month.

Sign Up for CTA Alerts

Construction, street closures, and other updates are shared directly to your email. Click here to sign up for alerts.

New Station Designs

Lastly, the CTA unveiled designs for Lawrence to Bryn Mawr Red Line stations - click here to view the renderings. The new stations will include elevators and escalators, wider platforms, and other improved amenities to better serve the more than 4 million customers who enter the stations annually.

Argyle Station rendering - click to enlarge

Lawrence Station rendering - click to enlarge

Berwyn Station rendering - click to enlarge

Bryn Mawr Station rendering - click to enlarge

The Lawrence to Bryn Mawr Modernization Project is part of the CTA’s Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project. This $2 billion project will cause major impacts in Uptown, Edgewater, and Andersonville for the next 3-4 years.

Please contact Heather Saenger at heather@exploreuptown.org with questions or concerns."

Slow Down For Speed Cameras, Or It'll Cost You

Starting today, the city will make you pay more for having a lead foot near a speed camera. 

Drive 6-10 miles over the speed limit, and you'll pay $35. Go 11 miles over the speed limit, and look forward to a $100 fine.

Uptown has two speed camera sites:

• Broadway between Sunnyside and Montrose, by Target
• Irving Park between Clark and the train tracks, in that long tempting stretch between the cemeteries

According to the Tribune, "Over a full year, such numbers would work out to over 2.7 million $35 tickets, with total revenue to the city of $95.5 million."

CTA Virtual Town Halls About Red/Purple Redevelopment Project

With the prep work nearly finished on the massive reconstruction of CTA tracks and stations between Leland and Bryn Mawr, the CTA will hold two Virtual Town Halls to let us know what to expect when work begins.

You can register to attend either, or both, sessions. The March 2nd meeting will cover the Lawrence and Argyle stations. The March 4th meeting will cover the Berwyn and Bryn Mawr stations.

REGISTER HERE.

Feel free to attend any meeting or both! Topics to be discussed include:

• Station and track construction overview and project timeline
• Lawrence and Berwyn station closures
• Newly unveiled Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr station designs
• Public input into new station artwork, station illuminated sign panels and embankment murals
• Community impact and mitigation during construction
• New, temporary rail stations at Argyle and Bryn Mawr
• CTA’s Open for Business program
• Where and how to receive the latest information throughout the project

March 2: Lawrence/Argyle

March 4: Berwyn/Bryn Mawr

Demo Begins At Broadway and Wilson

After years of stalled permits and empty storefronts, demolition of the buildings that used to house City Sports, Rainbow Shops, and Family Dollar began today.

For now, it's still business in the front, party in the back. Photo taken from Winthrop and Kenmore, looking west.

Bezazian To Reopen, Prettier Than Ever

After being closed for renovations since the beginning of the year, the Bezazian Branch Library (1226 Ainslie) will reopen on Monday. "Stop by to see the new paint and carpet!"

Bezazian's hours are Monday and Wednesday, noon-7pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 11am-5pm; and Friday and Saturday, 10am-4pm.

And It Begins!

Blue fencing has been erected around the future "Platform 4611" development from John Buck Company

If you are nostalgic for the one-story 1970s era retail building at Broadway and Wilson, now might be the time to pay your respects.

Blue construction fencing has been installed around the former Family Dollar and City Sports building spanning from 4601-4613 N. Broadway. The buildings will be demolished within the next week or so to make way for a new nine story building from John Buck Company. The building will be known as "Platform 4611" paying homage to the Wilson L platform just steps from its future entrance. This development has been years in the making and is sure to transform this corner for generations to come! We suspect that a new development on the SE corner of Broadway and Wilson won't be far behind.

"Platform 4611" by John Buck Company (Pappageorge Haymes)