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UNC eNews for April, 2008

UNC e-News - April, 2008

What's Up Uptown Event Packs the Kinetic Playground

A crowd of almost 200 packed the Kinetic Playground hungry to hear about new businesses and developments in the works for their neighborhood. Two modern market rate high-rises by top-notch architects, a new look for Clark St., the magnificent restoration of the Uptown Broadway building and another pub from the guys that brought us Crew Bar+Grill are breathing new life into Uptown. UNC was proud to host this March 19 event with Jimmy Gouskos, owner of the Kinetic Playground!

Lynn Hollenberg, the CDOT project manager, began with the facelift coming to Clark St. with a new streetscape plan from Montrose to Ainslie. New lighting, sidewalks, planters and seating will easily merge with the Andersonville portion for Clark St. The work is tentatively set to begin later this summer.

Theater District Lofts

A stunning 21-story modern highrise will sit behind the Phase 1 building completed by the developer, Jimmy Gouskos, at Lawrence and Winthrop. This streamline modern structure is the work of world reknowned architect, Renee Steevensz. Gouskos, an Uptown resident, presented Phase 2 and Phase 3 of his Uptown projects. The high-rise shown above was to be the next phase for development, however Gouskos stated that Phase 3 may be pushed ahead to Phase 2.

Gouskos stated there's been a strong interest in building Phase 3 next. This innovative building will sit on the southeast corner of Lawrence and Winthrop. First floor retail, rumor has it this may be a highly regarded grocery store, a 500 car parking garage, movie theaters, and a creative roof top with a dramatic garden terrace linked to restaurant would be a huge punch to the Lawrence entertainment district.

Pure H20 sunrise
Suzy Grossman with Sunrise Equity presented plans to bring another stunning modern 18-story highrise to Clarendon and Leland. The first floor will have retail space. When asked why Sunrise selected Uptown, Grossman replied, "It's a no-brainer. The lake views and the Uptown location make it a very desirable location." The sales office will be opening soon.

The Uptown Broadway building located at 4707 N. Broadway has been carefully restored to its former beauty thanks to Thad Wong, one of the founders of @ Properties. Anthony Campagni, with Baum Realty, is the leasing agent actively looking for new tenants. Seems the huge basement space with 7,633 square feet is ideal for a nightclub. The building should be ready for tenants early this summer.

The Wilde Pug is coming to Broadway thanks to the guys who brought us Crew Bar + Grill. Brian and Steve presented a concept for their newest establish that brings a "Modern English Pub" to the heart of the Uptown entertainment district. Work is progressing nicely and doors should be opening in the next month or two. Please go to the Uptown retailers section on the link below to sign up for the Grand Opening!!!!

Uptown is already home to a growing group of pioneering retailers and restaurants. Please support Uptown businesses and help them thrive and grow.

Please remember to visit and support our local retailers

Soggy Paws
Shake Rattle & Read
Green Mill Jazz Club
Unique So Chic
Magnolia Cafe
Kenetic Playground
Crew Bar + Grill
Wilde Pug, coming this spring
Fat Cat Bar
Tatoo Factory
Marigold Restaurant
Agami Restaurant
Annoyance Theater
Pegesus Theater
Black Ensemble Theater

Uptown is on the Upswing! What can you do to keep the positive momentum going?

Get informed... the UNC web site for Uptown news.
Subscribe to the News-Star newspaper.
Visit www.uptownupdate.com, rated as one of the TOP blogs by the Chicago Tribune, to find the latest news on what's happening in your neighborhood.
Join your block club.

Get involved....join UNC today. We need your support!

Always remember:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Tribune Article on Uptown Violence

Uptown neighbors wary after 3 slayings
Danger not gone from area despite new gentrification
By Monique Garcia

Tribune staff reporter

10:56 PM CDT, September 10, 2007

For the last 20 years, Bill Muslem has watched the story of Uptown unfold from behind the counter of his convenience store on the corner of Montrose Avenue and Hazel Street.

A lot of things have changed in those two decades, he said. For one, Muslem and his customers are no longer afraid to walk to and from the store after dark. Redevelopment and an influx of new residents have for the most part replaced "the gangbangers and drug dealers," who used to hang out on Hazel Street, he said.

But after a recent spate of fatal shootings—three in a week, including two on the same block—"you can tell people are scared," said Muslem, 46.

Continue reading "Tribune Article on Uptown Violence" »

Uptown Business Directory

The Uptown Neighborhood Council is pleased to provide you with a new and soon to be expanded list of neighborhood businesses that we hope you will patronize. Showing support for these businesses is the fundamental way to encourage other small businesses to invest in our community.

Restaurants

Magnolia Cafe
Marigold Indian Restaurant
Agami Contemporary Sushi

Cafes and Bakeries

Faz's Bakery
Dollop Coffee

Bars

Fat Cat
The Spot

Retail

Shake, Rattle & Read
Uptown Bikes

Services

Soggy Paws

Entertainment

Annoyance Theater & Bar

Updated Uptown Block Club Information

Argyle Winmore Block Club
Sheridan to Broadway
Lawrence to Foster
David Farina    773-230-2597
djf@crayhuber.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awblockclub/

Argyle Magnolia Glenwood Block Club
Lawrence to Winnemac
Broadway to Clark
No Contact Information Available

Buena Park Neighbors
Marine to Kenmore
Irving to Montrose
Katie Crites
bpnmembership@hotmail.com
www.Buenaparkneighbors.org

Carmen Winona Block Club
Sheridan to Marine Drive
Foster to Carmen
Don Brown
773-789-6398
donaldbashore@hotmail.com
www.carmenwinona.org

Castlewood Terrace
Castlewood from Marine Drive to Sheridan
Ed Kuske
773-271-1749
eakuske1@comcast.net

Clarendon Park Neighbors Association
Clarendon to Broadway
Montrose to Wilson
John Wyman
773-769-2164
cpnassoc@gmail.com

Dover Street Neighbors
Dover Street from Montrose To Lawrence
Melanie Liss
773-878-2553
simjez@sbcglobal.net

Winona, Foster, Carmen, Winnemac Block Club
Broadway to Clark, Foster to Winnemac
Mat Olson
773-301-4262
msochicago@yahoo.com

Graceland-Wilson Neighbors Assocation
Broadway to Beacon
Montrose to Wilson
Max Reising
773-793-8713
maxr13cnmsbl@aol.com
www.gwna.org

Summer Soltice in SOLA

South of Lawrence Block Club Social Reminder...

Meet your neighbors at Nicks on Wilson Thursday night, June 21 from 6-9 PM.  The block clubs participating in this event are:

Dover Street Neighbors
Graceland Wilson Neighbors Association
Lakeside Area Neighbors Association
Magnolia-Malden Block Club
Truman Square Homeowners Association

Cost: $20 (includes block club membership dues and two drink tickets)