- 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez
- 46th Ward Alderwoman Angela Clay
- 47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin
- 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
Monday, April 22, 2024
State Of Uptown Luncheon On May 14
Saturday, April 20, 2024
And Then There Was Fencing, And It Was Good
Construction fencing in the parking lot of upcoming 4553 N. Dover development |
We have been following the city permitting process with the upcoming 4553 N Dover development closely. The developers received zoning review approval on April 11, so we knew that demolition of the existing "Happy Wash" building would be imminent.
Today, we spotted construction fencing in the parking lot that will be placed around the perimeter while demolition is underway.
Although we will miss the vintage building and the terra cotta, we are very happy to see the ugly asphalt parking lot replaced. The asphalt stretches to the sidewalks on Wilson and Dover, soon to be replaced with a residential building with grass and landscaping.
4555 N. Dover |
You might recall that the first proposal presented to Dover Street Neighbors was an arguably better looking four-story development. However, DSNA was overwhelmingly against the proposal, so the developer backed out.
The current developer bought the property and, having seen the experience of the prior developer, elected to build under the current zoning. The present as-of-right building avoided any backlash from DSNA, and ironically was able to build bigger under existing zoning at five stories.
As one of our editors wrote in our group chat: "A textbook case of FAFO."
Friday, April 19, 2024
Weigh In On A Zoning Change Request for the Former 7-11 Building at Southport and Clark
Image via Google Streetview |
In this week's newsletter, Ald. Clay says:
"Zoning & Development -- 4116 N. Clark
The tenant, Access Contemporary Music, is seeking a zoning change from RS-3 to B3-1 to turn the currently vacant space into another location for ACM.
The space would house rooms for music lessons for adults and children, as well as a 60-seat performance space. Performances would take place Thursday-Sunday and operations would conclude by 10pm. The applicant also hopes to serve alcoholic beverages at concerts.
20 parking spots would be provided on-site. A zoning change is required for the proposed use.
More information can be found here. You can provide feedback on this proposal via a survey here. The survey is open for two weeks and will close on Friday, May 3rd at 5pm."
Observant UU readers know that Access Contemporary Music received a $250,000 Community Development Grant from the Chicago Recovery Plan, announced in February.
Since they have the cash available, and we hate empty storefronts, it seems to us a good move to support the zoning change. Your mileage, as always, may vary.
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Kenny Mac's Barber Shop Moves To Broadway; All Revive Wellness Opens On Leland
photo courtesy of Kenny Mac's website |
Kenny Mac's, "where barbers and gentlemen meet," has moved from its long-time home on Leland Avenue to 4427 North Broadway (formerly Treasures Hair Studio).
Kenny Mac's has built a solid reputation in its ten-plus years in Uptown, and we're so glad Kenny and company made the decision to stay in the neighborhood. It's open Tuesday through Saturday for appointments and walk-ins.
As the website says, the shop provides "barber/cosmetology services for haircuts, fades, tapers, shaves and facials where clients can escape the daily stress of life and rejuvenate themselves while enjoying camaraderie with colleagues and friends."
* * * * *
All Revive Wellness moves into Kenny's previous storefront at 1016 West Leland. It comes to Uptown from River North, and is proudly Black- and woman-owned.
According to its website, its services will "help you look, feel and perform your best through a balance of education, science-based treatments, and a holistic approach to general wellness and weight management. Our treatment menu features IV Hydration Therapy, Vitamin Shots, Nutritional Testing, and Supplements. We strive to help you optimize your physical health, metabolism, and achieve your weight loss goals."
Welcome to Uptown!
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Palestinian Coffee Cafe Coming To Broadway
Friday, March 29, 2024
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."
Saturday, March 23, 2024
"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!
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
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.
Sunday, March 10, 2024
Did You Spring Forward?
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.
(photo from the JJ Sedelmaier Productions Collection, used with much appreciation)
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Lawrence Closed to Through Traffic at CTA Tracks Friday Night For Up To 24 Hours
- 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.
Sunday, March 3, 2024
Early Voting in the Presidential Primary Election Opens Monday, Runs Through March 19th
a blast from the past |
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
- Weekdays: 9am - 6pm
- Saturday: 9am - 5pm
- Sunday: 10:am - 4pm
- Election Day: 6am - 7pm (March 19)
Friday, March 1, 2024
Sidewalk Reconstruction and Closures on Argyle From March 6th Thru 20th
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