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.
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.
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.
