Wishes "Grant"ed As Chicago Announces Cash Awards For Historical Preservation, Community Development, And Renewable Energy

61 organizations and businesses across the city got a piece of the pie last Tuesday, as the city announced grant recipients which will receive funds from various programs of the Chicago Recovery Plan. (Grant awards are distributed incrementally as individual project phases are completed.) 

We're delighted that some of them are located in Uptown and our adjacent communities.

Climate Infrastructure Fund

To help buildings transition to renewable energy, 22 grants totaling $3.7 million were announced, going to small businesses and nonprofits. The Climate Infrastructure Fund was created to support energy-efficiency projects, electric vehicle infrastructure, and green infrastructure. 

In a statement, Chief Sustainability Officer Angela Tovar said, "Nearly 70 percent of Chicago’s greenhouse gas emissions are from buildings. The Climate Infrastructure Fund provides essential funding for small businesses and nonprofit organizations to adopt clean energy strategies."

• Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church (4511 N Hermitage) is anticipated to receive $199,597. According to a statement from the City, a planned solar array will generate 29,100 kWh and completely cover the facility’s annual electricity needs, along with the installation of high efficiency lighting.
• The Ecumenical Institute (located in the ICA Greenrise building at 4750 N Sheridan) is anticipated to receive $199,400. We don't know its plans for the grant, but ICA has been the leader in local energy efficiency and sustainable practices, converting the vintage Kemper Insurance Building into a climate-friendly structure. We're sure they'll make good use of the grant.

Community Development Grants

• Access Contemporary Music, a nonprofit whose goal is to make classical and contemporary music visible, is anticipated to receive $250,000. What intrigues us is that, while it is located in Ravenswood, the grant is listed for 4116 N Clark -- the site of a 7-Eleven that closed back in 2018, and has stood vacant ever since. We like seeing our long-empty buildings filled!
• Swedish American Museum Association of Chicago (5211 N Clark) is anticipated to receive $250,000.

Adopt-A-Landmark Grants

13 historic buildings around the city will split $8 million in grants from the DPD's Historic Preservation Division. We are thrilled a bit of that is going to two of our community's crown jewels, which act as bookends for the Uptown Entertainment District:

• Double Door (1050 W Wilson). $125,000 for the window and masonry component of a $9.9 million conversion of a 1909 theater as a performance venue.
• Aragon Ballroom (1106 W Lawrence). $250,000 for the masonry component of a $1.9 million restoration of a 98-year-old ballroom.

Our Take

So, with all this money going to worthy causes, we feel happy but a bit confused.

We see small grants given to organizations and businesses, all sharing a pot split into pieces. At the same time, a religious organization with a history of sexual abuse is on the brink of a no-questions-asked, lump-sum $9 million dollar gift of public money to operate a shelter that the surrounding community is adamantly opposed to. More on that soon, but it seems really curious.....

Landmarks Commission Recognizes 4649 Broadway With A Preservation Excellence Award

details of the decorative terra cotta

the building as it looked in March 2009 (via Google Streetview)

Last week, the City of Chicago's Landmarks Commission recognized 12 buildings for doing an exceptional job of "preserving Chicago's architectural and cultural heritage." Among the big names (Cook County Hospital, Old Chicago Post Office) was one we know well: 4649 North Broadway, currently home of Hackhaus co-working and event space.

The award citation reads:

"4649 N. Broadway, Uptown Square District
Award Recipient: TAG Capital LLC

The modest two-story commercial structure dates to 1905 and represents a typical retail property constructed in North Side commercial districts during the first two decades of the 20th century. 

The work removed several incompatible alterations to the storefront and replaced them with new bricks to match the historic in size, color and texture. Terra cotta window surrounds were also retained, cleaned and repaired. 

The unveiling and rehabilitation of the historic façade has breathed new life into a previously overlooked building within the Uptown Square landmark district."

The Uptown Square Landmark District was created in 2016 at the request of Ald. Cappleman, and protects approximately 42 vintage buildings in the area surrounding Lawrence and Broadway from demolition and incompatible renovations.

We are so grateful for property owners who are willing to retrofit their Uptown buildings to recreate the vintage beauty that was lost over the decades since Uptown's architectural heyday. To mention just a few: the Uptown Broadway Building; the Bridgeview Bank Building; the building north of the Riviera; the "flatiron" building at Broadway and Racine; and now 4649 Broadway.

We've been keeping an eye on 4649 North Broadway and its evolving exterior for a while now:

• May 20, 2014 - Army Surplus Store On Broadway Closing
• October 13, 2016 - Peeling Back Time
• October 17, 2016 - Former Army Surplus Building Goes On The Market
• May 9, 2017 - Source: 4647-51 Broadway To Receive Historic Renovation
• July 18, 2018 - Former Army Surplus Building Reno Well Underway

Congratulations to TAG Capital LLC for earning well-deserved recognition of its historic renovation!

"I'm Still Standing" - Uptown Square Landmark District Buildings Get Historical Plaques

In 2016, the City Council voted that 42 historic structures in the area surrounding Broadway and Lawrence had been preserved well enough that the area qualified as an official Landmark District, Uptown Square. (The entire list is here.)

Last week, plaques on each of the contributing buildings started being installed, with the dates they were built and the names of their architects. Keep an eye out for glimpses of Uptown's history!

Two Big 46th Ward Preservation Wins Praised By "Preservation Chicago"

Preservation Chicago, an advocacy group fighting to save Chicago's irreplaceable architecture, just put out its April 2019 newsletter featuring two 46th Ward preservation "wins" namely the Clarendon Park Field House and the "Eagles Building" at Broadway and West Sheridan:

Clarendon Park Field House (Chicago History Museum)

After many years of preservation advocacy efforts for the Clarendon Park Fieldhouse and Community Center, the final decision for the renovation and restoration of this historic building was made by the Chicago Park District with support from 46th Ward Alderman James Cappleman. Since the beginning of this process, the more likely outcome had been the demolition of the historic building and the construction of a much smaller field house.
The Clarendon Park Fieldhouse and Community Center plays a central role in providing many programs and services for the Uptown community and its youth, including after school programs, summer camps, basketball programs, and is home to Kuumba Lynx and the Garfield Clarendon Model Railroad Club. It serves as an invaluable safe haven for teenagers and young adults. It is essential that the building remains open for the community during a multi-phased renovation and reconstruction. The demolition of this building would have endangered or ended many of community services and programs that have been based in the Clarendon Park Fieldhouse and Community Center.

The Clarendon Park Community Center, originally called the Clarendon Municipal Bathing Beach, was built in 1916 as a state-of-the-art facility. Clarendon Municipal Bathing Beach was once one of “the largest and best equipped of all of the beaches in the city” and was considered one of the most popular civic achievements of its time. It could accommodate over 9,000 swimmers and included a promenade for thousands of spectators. The building remained popular until the 1930s when landfill moved the shoreline further east and created Clarendon Park. It was further separated from the Lake Michigan shoreline by extensions of Lake Shore Drive in the early 1950s.

The building was designed by city architect C.W. Kallal in a Mediterranean Revival Style. This “Italian Resort Style” became the model for such other highly regarded lakefront landmark buildings including Marshall and Fox’s South Shore Country Club of 1916 (now South Shore Cultural Center), the 63rd Street Bathing Pavilion in 1919, the Edgewater Beach Hotel in 1916 and 1924 and demolished in 1967, and the Edgewater Beach Apartments in 1928. This style was defined by tall towers capped with hipped-roofs clad in clay tiles, large entry colonnades, porticos, loggias and open-air promenades.

Overtime but especially during a 1972 “modernization” effort, the distinctive tall towers fronting Clarendon Avenue and the smaller towers fronting the beach, along with the entry colonnade, verandas, open-air loggias and tile roof were demolished and replaced with a massive flat roof. The unsightly metal fascia greatly impacted both the aesthetics and functionality of the original historic structure. The significant modifications to the building resulted in extensive water infiltration and roof issues, which have proved an ongoing challenge.

Preservation Chicago hopes to see this important building’s exterior restored to an appearance more similar to its original design in a multi-year, multi-phased project. The distinctive tall towers fronting Clarendon Avenue and the smaller towers fronting the beach, along with the entry colonnade and the verandas and open-air rooftop loggias were beautiful and distinctive architecture elements that should never have been removed. Reconstruction of some of these features could elevate the Clarendon Park Community Center to its rightful place alongside the 63rd Street Bathing Pavilion and other important landmark lakefront buildings from this period.

Preservation Chicago applauds Ald. James Cappleman for his commitment to seeing the Clarendon Park Community Center protected from demolition and for helping to solidify the necessary renovation funds. Preservation Chicago applauds the Chicago Park District for its flexibility, support and commitment to this important project. The Clarendon Park neighbors and community stakeholders played an essential role in this effort and deserve special recognition for their unwavering support for this wonderful outcome with a special thanks to Katharine Boyda, Melanie Eckner, Martin Tangora, Cindi Anderson, Stuart Berman, the Uptown Historical Society, the Clarendon Park Advisory Council, Uptown United and Uptown Chicago Commission.

“Eagles Building” at Broadway and Sheridan, Reinstallation During Construction, Isaac G. Ettleson Building, by architect Harry Hale Waterman, built 1911, 3845-3835 N. Broadway. Photo Credit: Ward Miller, Preservation Chicago

The distinctive terra cotta eagles that so clearly distinguished the orange-rated “Eagles Building” at Broadway and Sheridan have returned! The original building was demolished, but as part of the redevelopment agreement for the site the decorative terra cotta was carefully removed and has been re-installed as part of the new mixed-use development.

With its series of repeating terra cotta eagles, Preservation Chicago had initially opposed the demolition of the two-story Isaac G. Ettleson building at 3835-3845 N. Broadway from 1911 by architect Harry Hale Waterman. However, when it became clear that the demolition would proceed, efforts shifted towards reuse of the historic terra cotta onto the new building façade. A new structural system and structure would be built and the original historic terra cotta cladding reused.

Preservation Chicago applauds the developer David Gassman for embracing the responsibility of carefully handling the unique terra cotta ornament and following through on his commitment to salvage, reuse and reinstall it. The developer hired architecture salvage expert firm Central Building & Restoration to do the work, with supervision from restoration architect Paul Clausen. Most of the eagle terra cotta ornament and other decorative terra cotta ornament were successfully salvaged and reapplied to the new structure.

After the Medic Building debacle (Chicago 7 2013) where Novak Construction did not follow through on the verbal agreement with Preservation Chicago and the Alderman’s office to reuse façade components of the original Art Deco building in their new Whole Foods development at Ashland and Belmont, Preservation Chicago worked closely with 46th Ward Alderman James Cappleman’s office, the City of Chicago Landmarks staff and developer David Gassman to formalize the reuse plan in a written agreement. Preservation Chicago remained in close contact with the development team throughout the deconstruction and reconstruction process to offer support, guidance and to ensure a good outcome.

Uptown Theatre Restoration Plans Clear Another Hurdle

The press conference in the theater's lobby on June 28, 2018, when the happy news was announced by Ald. Cappleman and Mayor Emanuel that the Uptown Theatre would be restored

The Uptown Theatre easily passed yet another hurdle on Wednesday at the City Council meeting. With the red tape melting away like icicles in July, it looks hopeful that the grand old theater will begin its long-awaited rehabilitation and restoration late this summer, as planned.

Ald. Cappleman tweeted:

"Had full City Council support today authorizing DPD to enter into and execute a Redevelopment Agreement with the Uptown Theatre owner. We are on our way to creating more jobs and economic development for the Entertainment District!"

The City released its own statement, saying:

"City Incentives Approved For Two Theater Restoration Projects 

The rehabilitation of the historic Uptown Theatre in Uptown and the Congress Theater in Logan Square will be supported through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance approved today by City Council. 

Uptown Theatre, 4816 N. Broadway: The $75 million project by Jam Productions and Fairpoint Development will be assisted with up to $13 million in TIF to help pay for comprehensive restoration work involving decorative interior finishes, new seats, a reconfigured main floor to increase capacity to 5,800 people, new elevators, modern concession facilities, updated mechanical systems, and exterior improvements that will include new marquees. 

Additional City support will include a Class L property tax incentive valued at $2.2 million over 12 years; $3 million in Adopt-a-Landmark Funds; and the sale of a City-owned parking lots at 1130 W. Lawrence Ave. to the development team for $1. 

The theater, designed by architects Rapp and Rapp for operator Balaban and Katz Corp., was used for stage shows, movies and concerts before it closed in 1981. It was designated a Chicago landmark in 1991. The project is expected to generate up to 195 full-and part-time jobs and more than 200 construction jobs."

(The TIF funds will be generated by the Lawrence/Broadway TIF, which was created in 2001 by then-aldermen Mary Ann Smith and Helen Shiller for the purpose of creating new parking, housing, and retail; and "the promotion of the Broadway-Lawrence intersection as a center for entertainment and performing arts.". In the past, its funds have gone to restore the Heartland Alliance building at 1201-13 Leland, to create the Gunnison Lofts (did you know that Fat Cat used to be an abandoned mattress store?), to restore the Uptown Broadway Building, and to restore the "Goldblatt's Building," now home to Huntington Bank and First Ascent.)

Hutchinson Mansion Sidewalk Tours Return On Saturday

750 Hutchinson. Photo by Jameson Sotheby's International Realty

Be a lookie-loo and an architecture fan! Buena Park Neighbors is offering free guided tours of the street that put Buena Park on the map on Saturday.

Guided Tours of Renowned Architect George Maher’s Mansions on Hutchinson Street Are Saturday, August 18th, Every Half Hour from 1pm to 3pm.

The 30-minute sidewalk tours showcase these architecturally significant homes. Meet at the corner of Hutchinson and Hazel starting at 1pm. Tours run every 30 minutes.

Buena Park Neighbors offers these free walking tours of the neighborhood that highlight the history, architecture and special features of our Chicago Landmark District.

City Press Release About Uptown Theater Restoration Plans

Right as a press conference took place inside the Uptown Theater, the city released news about plans for the theater's future:

MAYOR EMANUEL ANNOUNCES PLAN TO REOPEN HISTORIC UPTOWN THEATRE

$75 Million Restoration and Redevelopment Project Will Revitalize Uptown Theatre and Make it the Centerpiece of a Redeveloped Uptown Entertainment District

 Mayor Rahm Emanuel today joined Ald. James Cappleman, Jam Productions and Farpoint Development to announce Chicago’s historic Uptown Theatre will be restored and reopened as the crown jewel of a revitalized Uptown entertainment district. The 93-year-old landmark building, vacant for more than 35 years, will be used for a variety of live performances and special events. The $75 million project fulfills a commitment the Mayor made in his first term.

 “The Uptown Theater has been a staple of the Uptown neighborhood’s past, and will be a strong asset for the community’s future,” Mayor Emanuel said. “The restored theater will be the centerpiece of the new, revitalized Uptown entertainment district, giving residents and visitors another way to experience world-class culture and entertainment in one of the City’s most storied neighborhoods.”

The joint venture between Jam, one of the Chicago’s area’s largest concert promotors, and Farpoint, an experienced Chicago-based real estate developer, will comprehensively restore the Spanish Revival-style building as modern entertainment venue. Interior improvements will include new elevators and concession stations, new mechanical, electrical, plumbing and life-safety systems. Restored decorative finishes, new seats and a reconfigured first-floor will increase total capacity from approximately 4,100 to 5,800 people. Exterior work will repair the building’s masonry and terra cotta and improve marquees and related signage, among other repairs and improvements.

In addition to the redevelopment project, a comprehensive streetscape plan will help identify the urban entertainment district around the Uptown and Riviera theatres and the Aragon Ballroom. The $6 million project includes improvements to portions of Broadway, Lawrence, Wilson and Argyle, with a new pedestrian plaza, sculpture and public stage on the 4700 block of North Racine. Streetscape construction will be finished this summer.

“We have assembled an all-star team with Farpoint Development to reopen the doors of one of the most amazing live entertainment palaces in the country,” Jam owner Jerry Mickelson said. “This opportunity represents more than just restoring a theatre since this rejuvenation will create an immense economic impact on Chicago’s North Side. The Uptown Theatre will be the catalyst to spur development in the Uptown Entertainment District that will help create jobs, attract restaurants along with commercial and retail establishments as well as other entertainment venues.”

“Farpoint Development could not be prouder than to partner with Jerry Mickelson and Jam Productions in the renovation of the Uptown Theater,” Farpoint founder Scott Goodman said. “Opportunities to restore architectural gems like the Uptown are rare. To be able to do it in a diverse and flourishing neighborhood like Uptown makes it that much more exciting.”

Planned City assistance for the theater restoration includes $14 million in PACE financing, $13 million in Tax Increment Financing and $3 million in Adopt-A-Landmark funds. The PACE funding is being made available through the State of Illinois’ Property Assessed Clean Energy Act, which enables building owners to make energy-related building improvements that are paid over time through special assessments on the property.

Additional funding sources are anticipated to include $30 million in equity and conventional financing, $10 million in Build Illinois Bond funding, and $8.7 million in federal tax credits.

click to enlarge

With “an acre of seats” served by three separate lobbies, the Spanish Revival-style structure was the world’s largest theater building when it opened in 1925 at 4816 N. Broadway. Designed by architects Rapp and Rapp for operator Balaban and Katz Corp., the Uptown was used for stage shows, movies and special events into the 1970s, when it was primarily used for touring musical acts. Since closing to the public in 1981, the building’s interior spaces have been periodically used for film productions.

The City of Chicago has worked to protect and preserve the building for several decades. In 1991, it was designated a City of Chicago landmark to preserve its exterior and interior from alteration or demolition. In 2001, the Lawrence/Broadway TIF district was designated to help fund repairs and maintenance, for which $1.4 million has been allocated to date. In 2005, the City established a compliance agreement with a former owner that ensured the structure would be maintained and monitored through regular engineering reports and court dates. The compliance agreement continues to apply to its current owner, Jam, which purchased the building in 2008.

Redevelopment agreement details will be finalized this summer and presented this fall to the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, the Community Development Commission and the Chicago City Council for review and approval. Restoration work would start later this year and be completed in 2020.

“Given its past, size and potential impact on the City’s cultural landscape, the Uptown will be one of the most significant restoration projects in the city’s history,” said Department of Planning and Development Commissioner David Reifman. “It’s reopening will introduce hundreds of thousands of people to one of Chicago’s great performance spaces, as well as one of its most historic neighborhoods.”

A partnership between Chicago Public Schools and After School Matters will provide students with opportunities to visit the theater during and after construction as part of field trips, special events and fine arts classes.

Public transit access to the theater will be enhanced by the $203 million renovation of Uptown’s Wilson Avenue CTA station and the planned renovation of the Lawrence and Argyle CTA stations, part of a $2.1 billion initiative to expand the North Side capacity of the CTA’s Red and Purple lines.

In the ’20s and ’30s, the Uptown neighborhood’s entertainment venues could accommodate 25,000 people, making it the largest entertainment district in Chicago outside of the Loop, according to the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, which in 2016 coordinated the area’s designation as an official landmark district. Uptown entertainment venues today include the Aragon Ballroom, Riviera Theatre, Green Mill jazz lounge and Uptown Underground cabaret.

Other nearby public and private projects include recent renovations of the 1920s-era Gerber Building and Lawrence House, and more than 1,800 new and rehabilitated, mixed-income residential units planned for Broadway, Lawrence, Wilson, Kenmore and Clarendon avenues.

Salsa Dancing, And Hutchinson Tours, And Entertainment District Tours! All Free on June 2nd

UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHTS returns for its fourth season of free entertainment!

• This year's season opener will be held on Saturday, June 2 at Buttercup Park (6-9pm, at 4901 N Sheridan)! To celebrate the arrival of warmer weather, we are thrilled to host Afinca'o and the Dance Academy of Salsa for a special night of Salsa in the Park!  Come for the dancing and FREE instructional lessons, or simply sit back and enjoy the music. Salsa lessons provided by the Dance Academy of Salsa.

• 6:00pm - Salsa Lessons with Dance Academy of Salsa

• 7:00pm - Live Music & Dancing with Afinca'o

• Bring your own chair or blanket for seating. Picnics welcome! No grills or alcohol will be allowed.

• There will be free walking tours of Uptown Square (the area surrounding the entertainment district at Lawrence and Broadway. For a century, Uptown has been the city’s top entertainment destination, hosting silent film stars, then a hub of 1920s’ movie palaces and more recently, legendary rock venues. Explore this rich history with FREE monthly tours! These hour-long tours are led by knowledgeable local docents from Choose Chicago’s Greeter Program. Tours leave at 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm. Meet at Provisions Uptown (4812 N. Broadway) – RSVP not required. These hour-long tours are led by knowledgeable local docents from Choose Chicago’s Greeter Program.
• There will be free walking tours of the Hutchinson Historical District, including several mansions designed by George Maher. The 30-minute sidewalk tours showcase these architecturally significant homes. In many ways this street and the architecture put Buena Park on the map.  Buena Park Neighbors offers free walking tours of the neighborhood that highlights the history, architecture and special features of this Chicago Landmark District. Tours leave at 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 2:30pm, and 3pm (last tour). Meet at the corner of Hutchinson and Hazel – RSVP not required. Buena Park Neighbors is a 46th Ward neighborhood association of more than 200 residents, businesses and not-for-profit organizations in the nationally registered Buena Park Historic District. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for everyone in Buena Park.

Uptown Saturday Nights is hosted by Uptown United, a community economic development organization serving the entire Uptown community, and is generously supported by Choose Chicago.

Will Third Time Be The Charm For 4537 N. Clark?

4537 N. Clark Proposal (Axios Archictects)

You might recall that Dover Street Neighbors rejected two versions of a condo development at 4537 N. Clark by Longford Group. 

Another developer has come forward with a smaller in height TOD proposal for the same location.

Icon Capital Group, the new developer, is proposing a 4 story TOD with 24 units with ground floor retail. The main difference with this proposal is the amount of parking spaces that would be required (12 spaces) and the fact that this proposal is for rental units rather than condo units.

Will sunshine and parking concerns doom this latest proposal? Dover Street Neighbors will meet on October 26th at 7PM at 4536 N. Dover to hear a presentation from the developer and conduct a short Q&A session. Voting on the proposal will likely occur after the meeting.

More on the voting process from DSNA:

"As with the vote recently in June, those who can vote include each land parcel property owner within the Dover Street Landmark District & the 4400 Block of Dover St. Each will have one (1) vote on the up-zoning request. At the meeting, we will be voting on whether the zoning should be changed, not whether we like or dislike the new proposal for the property.

Attendance at the meeting is strongly encouraged to receive every neighbor’s input. If an owner is going to be traveling or is too ill to attend, an absentee ballot can be requested by email to SecretaryDSNA@gmail.com. This ballot must be mailed or hand delivered in a sealed envelope to the mailbox at 4734 N. Dover (Andrea and Gregory Redfeairn) by 6 PM of the meeting date, October 26, 2017 in order for it to be valid.

For condo buildings, it is up to the discretion of each condominium association to assign a representative for the purposes of voting at the meeting. This representative must be in attendance at the meeting, no absentee ballot will be accepted.

To be sure we include all building owners in this process, we will also be delivering this letter to each building and placing it in mailboxes where access can be gained. If you know of a building owner who does not live on site and he/she is not on our email list, please notify them and have them email us at the above email address."

Clark & Wilson Development Gets Cut Back In Size

Revised design for 4537 N. Clark (Longford)

A redesigned plan for 4537 N. Clark will be voted on at the next Dover Street Neighbors Association meeting on June 7 at 7PM at 4542 N. Dover.

After receiving feedback on the first proposal, the developer and architects revised the size of the building and the design, to fit in more with the existing Clark streetscape. The overall height of the building has been reduced by 11 feet. The total number of units in the development will drop from 24 to 18.
Neighbors along Dover Street were concerned about the shadows that would be cast upon their backyards. A shadow study was conducted, which came to the likely conclusion that the building would cast shadows on the properties behind it, resulting in an approximate 2 hour reduction of sunshine.

Residents who own property in the Dover Street Landmark District as well as those who live in the 4400 block of Dover will be allowed to each have one vote at the meeting. For more information please contact DSNA at SecretaryDSNA@gmail.com

Free Guided Sidewalk Tours Of George Maher Mansions on Hutchinson On Saturday, June 3

detail of the front portico at the Mosser Home on Hutchinson, designed by George W. Maher
(Photo Credit: VHT Studios)

If you're an Uptown history buff, circle Saturday, June 3rd, on your calendar. That's the day that Buena Park Neighbors will offer free sidewalk tours of the Hutchinson Street Landmark District, showcasing the architecturally significant mansions that literally put Buena Park on the map.

With most homes having been built between 1894 and 1918, the city says, "this street contains one of the city's best collections of Prairie-style residences, many of which were designed by noted architect George W. Maher."

The tours will leave the corner of Hutchinson and Hazel every half hour between 1pm and 3:30pm, and will last 30 minutes.

Buena Park Neighbors is a 46th Ward neighborhood association of more than 200 residents, businesses and not-for-profit organizations in the nationally registered Buena Park Historic District. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for everyone in Buena Park.

Ald Cappleman: A 2016 Year In Review For Uptown

From Ald. Cappleman's 2016 year in review:

I have heard from many of you about the sudden renaissance of economic development in the 46th Ward. What we're seeing right now is unprecedented, but by no means, was it an accident. During my first term as alderman, I put in place all the needed ingredients to create more vibrant corridors for retail. This has encourage more people to shop in their neighborhoods and has provided more employment opportunities for residents. Exciting new businesses such as Ka'lish, a vegan restaurant that will have its ribbon-cutting ceremony this Saturday, focused on hiring staff who all lived within a few blocks of their store on Wilson Avenue.

NEW BUSINESSES IN 2016 INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING

• First Ascent at 4718 N. Broadway, officially opened in early 2016, and is a rock climber's paradise.
• Heritage Coffee on Lawrence provides great coffee in the beautiful lobby of the Lawrence House.
• Kal' ish, a vegan restaurant, at Wilson/Malden, opened up and will be expanding another restaurant next door in 2017.
• Pokiology, a seafood restaurant, at Wilson/Magnolia, is a quick favorite among many residents.
• The Jerk Stop, a Jamaican restaurant at Wilson/Clifton, gives another great option for food on restaurant alley/coffee bean row.
• Emerald City Coffee, a coffee and pastry restaurant with a cool vibe, located at 1224 W. Wilson
• My Chocolate Soul, a bakery that provides a very unusual and eclectic types of chocolate and pastries: 4442 N. Broadway
• Earth's Kitchen, a restaurant providing a blend of Japanese and American food, located at 3715 N. Halsted
• Selam Market & Restaurant, providing authentic Ethiopian food, at 4543 N. Broadway.
• Uptown Arcade, a bar and arcade that attracts crowds after the concerts in the area, at 4830 N. Broadway.
• Wabi Sabi, Chicago's only rotary sushi restaurant at 4521 N. Sheridan
• Finest Food & NY Subz at 4759 N. Sheridan, also offers coffee and lots of snack options.
• Ensemble Media, a creative services and multimedia production company that creates unique videos, animations, print collateral and interactive solutions at 4704 N. Kenmore.
• Futatsuki Ramen, a Japanese restaurant known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes at 4621 N. Broadway.

COMPLETED DEVELOPMENTS IN 2016 

• Lawrence House at Lawrence/Kenmore: 344 rental apartments with a beautifully restored lobby. Includes a Heritage Coffee Bar and a bar will open inside the lobby within the next few months.
• 4752-60 N. Racine at corner of Broadway/Lawrence: A Lake Point Properties development with 18 soft loft apartments
• 4027 N. Broadway near Irving Park: A 20-unit building with 1st floor retail.
• The Bachelor, a FLATS project at 1136 W. Wilson. Has 40 rental apartments and hosts frequent art shows on the first floor.
• The Firehouse, a FLATS project at 1217 W. Gunnison: 4 apartment units at a formerly abandoned firehouse.

PROJECTS WITH WORK IN PROGRESS IN 2016 

• Clarendon/Montrose Development: a $125M proposal that includes rental apartments and Treasure Island. Approximately 1/3 of the $15.88M TIF will go toward rehabbing the Clarendon Park Community Center, 1/3 will go toward the Low Income Housing Trust Fund that provides rental assistance to people with very low incomes, and the remaining 1/3 toward demolition of the dilapidated Maryville site. A total of 563 rental apartments to be built in 2 stages.
• 3833 N. Broadway: an 8-story, mixed-use development with 134 rental apartments and retail.
• Stewart School Lofts at 4525 Kenmore: a 64 residential development with Morningside Group. The building became a Chicago Landmark in 2016. Plans will later include a mid-rise to be built directly north of the building with retail.
• 4635-41 N. Broadway: Lake Pointe Properties completing 14 residential units and 5 retail spaces.
• 931-33 W. Belle Plaine development with 20 units
• Pensacola Place at Hazel/Montrose: 184 rental apartments will be added to their current mix of 264 units. Town homes will be built around the perimeter of their deck located above Jewel.
• Ross Dress For Less at 918 W. Montrose (across from Jewel). Opening is expected in the spring.

PROJECTS PROPOSED IN 2016 THAT HAVE NOT YET STARTED

• 3901 N. Broadway: a Vermilion Development featuring a 10-story with 100 rental apartments and retail
• 4601 N. Broadway designed by MX3 Architects: 197 apartment units at the corner of Broadway/Wilson with retail on the first floor.
• 4420-30 N. Sheridan development: 33 units in a mixed-use development
• 3928 N. Sheridan: a Loukas Development with 54 apartment units with retail
• 1023 W. Irving Park: 5-story condo building with one unit on each floor.
• 927 W. Irving Park: 5-story with 28 rental units

OTHER DEVELOPMENT NEWS

• Wilson L Station: A $203M project has an expected completion date at the end of this year. In April, the demolition of the remaining old L track will be completed and the escalator is expected to be operational by June. All 4 new tracks will be up and running in September. A request for proposal is going out for the Gerber Building, and I am working with CTA to get that whole space rented out as one large retail space rather than have it broken up into smaller stores. A number of businesses have expressed interest for that spot.
• Uptown Square Historic District: Located within the Entertainment District, this enhances the area's prestige and property values while bringing stability and predictability for future private investment, with the ultimate goal to get the Uptown Theatre rehabbed.
• When the Clarendon/Montrose TIF passed City Council, it allowed for $4.5M to be contributed to the Clarendon Park Community Center. Per the Parks Dept, this was the only way we could get the necessary funds to jumpstart this rehab of this center that had become dilapidated.
• $14K was contributed from Menu funds to the Park District to do necessary plumbing work to allow for a dog washing business (Moxie Wash) to open up near the Montrose Dog Beach this year. 

SUCCESSFULLY PROTECTED AFFORDABLE HOUSING 

All this new development happened while we protected non-profit affordable housing in the 46th Ward. When Presbyterian Homes announced plans to sell their building at 3801 N. Pine Grove, I worked with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Rep Sara Feigenholtz, the City’s Dept. of Planning & Development, and ONE Northside to prevent the seniors in this building from having to move. I found an attorney who took on the case pro bono and then worked with CHA to negotiate a sale in 2016 so that no one would have to move from their home. There is now no longer any threat that they would have to move.

SAVING A HOMELESS SHELTER 

Due to an inability to raise additional funds to supplement the government dollars that Northside Housing & Support Services (NHSS) was already receiving, the shelter announced in September that they were closing in December. The Dept. of Family & Support Services (DFSS) tried getting other providers in to assist, but no other agency was willing to take it over. A generous donor stepped up with 3 years of promised support to keep them open. I will meet with the shelter's board of directors and DFSS to see how I can help them prevent this type of funding crisis again.

A NEW WAY TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS

When I was elected alderman in 2011, I became very vocal with the way the City addressed homeless encampments. A host of different agencies were providing interventions with limited results of getting people off the streets and into permanent housing. Some of the people living on the streets had been there for many years and appeared stuck in the cycle of homelessness. Early in 2016, I teamed up with Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky to push the City to adopt a “housing-first” strategy that places people immediately into housing with wrap-around services. In May, a pilot project was started in Uptown because it was the largest encampment in the City. Of the initial assessment of 75 individuals living at the encampments, 54 were housed, and the remaining 11 left the area on their own. To assist with funding this new way of addressing homelessness, I also led the charge to add a 4% surcharge on Airbnbs, with these additional funds going toward our efforts to get people off the streets and directly into housing. The U.S. Interagency on Homelessness had declared this approach as the best way to address chronic homelessness. This approach also is very cost effective because the cost of a person's health care dramatically drops when he or she is in safe housing.

FRIENDS OF THE 46TH WARD SCHOOLS 

This non-profit organization started out as a task force to help me create the 46th Ward Master Plan, and now it has blossomed into something that has provided ongoing and much needed support to our area CPS schools. Thanks to a matching grant the Friends of the 46th Ward Schools received from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, over $3,000 was raised.... all money that will be distributed to our local CPS schools.

PUBLIC SAFETY 

Enhancing public safety in the 46th Ward has always been one of my top priorities. Working with both the Commanders of the 19th and 20th Police Districts, along with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, I established a Retail Corridor Public Safety Committee, and we now have many retail establishments working together with us to reduce criminal activity in the area. In my discussions with Police Supt. Eddie Johnson, I asked for and received more foot patrol officers walking in our neighborhoods. They have strong relationships with the local businesses and community so that we can partner better together to address crime. I successfully fought for the hiring of more police officers in our last City Budget, something I knew many of you wanted. This year we were able to get an additional 52 sworn officers assigned, that is in addition to the police that are being recruited now. I worked with my colleagues and Mayor Rahm Emanuel to expand the Becoming a Man program and the One Summer Chicago program that provides employment opportunities for youth from 14 to 24 years of age.

LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS

I spearheaded an ordinance to protect members of the transgender community using the bathroom of their gender preference without having to produce an I.D. I was joined by other members of the LGBT Caucus to get this passed. With the Short Term Rental Ordinance, I succeeded in getting a 4% surcharge for Airbnbs to fund homeless services. I pushed to strengthen the City's Inspector General's Office to allow for investigations of aldermen, rather than a separate one for us and another one for all other City employees.

PROTECTING THE WARD'S DIVERSITY 

The thing that people most appreciate about the 46th Ward is its diversity, with over 91 different languages spoken. Besides being the smallest geographical ward in the City, it is also the most economically diverse ward as well. The challenge is to make sure we maintain our diversity as we continue to improve the economic vitality of the ward. 

Best wishes for a wonderful and prosperous 2017,

Ald. James Cappleman

Landmark Status Approved for Uptown Square District

From the City Council today:

"Forty two structures clustered around Lawrence Avenue and Broadway in Uptown were approved as an official Chicago Landmark District by City Council today.

Characterized by highly stylized, mixed-use buildings and performance spaces, the Uptown Square District is considered one of the best-surviving commercial and entertainment districts developed in Chicago in the early part of the 20th century, according to the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, which recommended the designation in October.

Most of the contributing structures are clad or detailed in terra cotta, ranging from red and buff matte finishes to multi colored enamel and glazes in Art Deco, Venetian Gothic and Spanish Baroque Revival architectural styles. Their architects include Marshall and Fox, Rapp and Rapp, John Eberson, J.E.O. Pridemore, Walter Ahlschlager, Huszagh and Hill, and others.

Notable buildings within the district include the McJunkin Building, Riviera Theater, Aragon
Ballroom, Green Mill Gardens, Broadway-Lawrence Building, Leland Hotel, Wilson Avenue CTA station, U.S. Post Office, and others. Individually designated landmark buildings located within the district include the Uptown Theater, former Sheridan Trust and Savings Bank, and the Mutual Insurance Building.

The landmark designation will protect the exterior elevations of contributing buildings from significant alteration or demolition."

For more on Uptown Square landmarking process, see our previous posts.

Curbed Cup Voting For Uptown Has Begun!

Uptown is once again one of 16 Chicago communities up for the "Curbed Cup," awarded to the best neighborhood in Chicago. In this first round, we're up against the South Loop.  The post reads:

Similar to the last few years, this anchor of Chicago’s Far North Side has continued to evolve and see new development in 2016. Notable projects include the reopening of art deco-era Lawrence House as a new apartment complex, the opening of the Argyle shared street, and the pending redevelopment of the old Cuneo Memorial Hospital/Maryville Academy campus. A number of developers have proposed new transit-oriented developments for the neighborhood, meanwhile discussion continues on a possible landmark district to help expedite the restoration of the Uptown Theatre.

Uptown has long been a formidable Curbed Cup challenger. The neighborhood took the big win back in 2010 and 2011—will 2016 be the year that Uptown reclaims the throne?

Voting is only open for 24 hours and started Tuesday afternoon. Vote here!

Uptown Square District Receives Unanimous Support From Commission on Chicago Landmarks

Aerial view of the Uptown Square Historic District from the 1930s (CTA archive)

The Uptown Square Landmark District has just received unanimous support from the City Commission on Chicago Landmarks! It will now go before city council where it is expected to receive full support. We would like to thank all of the folks who showed up today to voice their support (or opposition) to this. Amazing to think that we now live (and play) in a historic district!

Your Presence Is Requested At The Chicago Landmarks Meeting Thursday

a rendering of the Uptown Theater
in its first year of existence.
click to enlarge

A reminder that there will be a public hearing tomorrow Thursday at City Hall to talk about landmarking the Uptown Square District (the vintage properties in the 4600-4800 blocks of Broadway, including the Uptown Theater; as well as surrounding areas on Racine, Leland, Lawrence, and Wilson).

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks will hear public testimony (limited to three minutes per person tomorrow afternoon). If you can be or will already be in the area of City Hall, your presence and testimony would be appreciated.

Per the Facebook page on the hearing:

"The Uptown Square city landmark district designation process will proceed to this Commission meeting on October 6. At this meeting, the public will have an opportunity to make comments, with each person limited to three minutes.

General comments of public support are helpful to show there are active community members invested in the designation process.

And we may need to counter those owners who oppose this important and necessary designation and tool. This will make financial incentives available to owners who want to do quality projects and participate in the design review process with the Commission staff.

The Commission will then make a final vote on whether to recommend designation of the district to City Council.

Commission on Chicago Landmarks
Thursday, October 6, 2016 - 12:45pm
121 N. LaSalle Street, City Hall Room 201-A"

We asked why property owners in the District might oppose the protections afforded their properties by being in a landmarked district. We were told that they think it may take longer or be more expensive to make changes to their buildings if they are subject to landmark specifications. However, there are numerous tax credits available to make changes to buildings in landmarked districts.

To read more about the proposed landmark district:

• Uptown Square Landmark Designation To Be Considered at October 1st Meeting (2015)
• Landmarked District Proposed For Area Around Broadway, Wilson, Lawrence (includes map and addresses of buildings in designated landmarked area)

City To Hold Public Hearing On Proposed Uptown Square Landmarked District

Uptown Update's previous articles on the proposed Landmark District are here and here.

The City's website has more about it here.

Uptown's Up For "Neighborhood of the Year" in the Curbed Cup (Updated: We Won This Round!)

photo copyrighted by DesignSlinger

Update: We won! 64% to 36% over Lincoln Park. So we made it through the first round. We'll be up against another neighborhood in the semi-finals soon, and of course we'll let you know.

Original Post:  Uptown has won the Curbed Cup for "Neighborhood of the Year" twice, and came close to a third win last year, but those hipsters in Logan Square did some overnight stuffing of the ballot box and we crashed out in the next-to-last bracket.

We're up again this year, against Lincoln Park in the first round. Want to vote for Neighborhood of the Year?  GO HERE. It's open until noon-ish Thursday, so hurry! No registration, nothing but a click is required.  Again, VOTE HERE.

Here's what Curbed says about us:

"Uptown is one of the quintessential Chicago neighborhoods. The area has a long history of being a destination for live music and nightlife. The neighborhood has also been a strong Curbed Cup contender since the competition began six years ago. Uptown took home the first two wins and then made it to the third round of voting last year. It's a neighborhood with a lot of action and an active online presence. The area is currently witnessing a flood of investment, with many of its aging apartment complexes and office buildings being redeveloped. Uptown may even get its own landmark district, which could finally see that the neighborhood's iconic Uptown Theater finally get the renovation it so badly needs."

Uptown Square Landmark Designation To Be Considered at October 1st Meeting

Owners of property in the proposed Uptown Landmark District near Uptown Square (see map and addresses here) recently received letters about the next step in the process: a meeting on Thursday, October 1st, at City Hall.  The letter from the Department of Planning and Development included this excerpt (click to enlarge):

In addition to the contact information in the letter, you can read more about what's involved in a landmark district here.

Landmarked District Proposed For Area Around Broadway, Wilson, Lawrence

On its website, Uptown United has this information, particularly important if you are a property owner in the designated area.  "This will be the first meeting in a lengthy public process to explore a Chicago Landmark District for this part of Uptown.":

"Uptown Landmark District Informational Meeting
 Wednesday, August 26 at 1:00pm
 The Institute of Cultural Affairs
 (City Room, Fifth Floor), 4750 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago

Staff from the City of Chicago's Department of Planning and Development will present a proposal to designate a portion of Uptown as a Chicago Landmark District. The designation has not yet been initiated by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.

As a property owner in the proposed district, you are invited to learn more about the proposal and ask any questions you might have prior to initiation. Once the proposed district is applied for, an additional public review process will take place.

This meeting is co-hosted by Uptown United Development Partners and 46th Ward Alderman James Cappleman's office. If you have any questions, you can contact Uptown United at (773) 878-1064 or info@uptownunited.org or the 46th Ward at (773) 878-4646 or info@james46.org.

Download pdf containing the following:

• Proposed Draft Map and Catalog of Property Owners
• Economic Incentives for the Repair and Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings
• Q&A for Owners of Proposed Landmark Districts"