Just walked past "The Bureau Bar" on 16th, new signs in the window, randomly the owner was outside and noticed our interest. He said liquor license should be available on Monday and he's planning a Friday, Oct. 4th opening. We are psyched if it works out!
 |
| New Jones College Prep from the corner of Polk and State |
Fines for violations are $35 for vehicles travelling 6-10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit while in a safety zone, and $100 for vehicles travelling 11 or more miles over the posted speed limit.
The Children's Safety Zones are designated as within 1/8th of a mile from Chicago parks or schools.
The enforcement hours will be limited from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in safety zones around schools on school days Monday through Friday; 7 a.m.-4 p.m.: 20 mph speed limit when children are present; 30 mph speed limit when no children are present; 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.: 30 mph speed limit.
The enforcement hours around parks will be limited to only those hours parks are open (typically 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week) with a 30 mph speed limit.
 |
| City trying to develop random sites - Here is one in the Sloop at the corner of Archer, Dearborn and Cullerton |
The view from the triangular slice of concrete at Milwaukee Avenue and Leavitt Street in Bucktown is not exactly postcard material: an Aldi grocery store, a set of abandoned train tracks, a grassy empty lot and the CTA Blue Line clattering past close enough to be noisy.
It's one of more than 60 odd parcels scattered from Jefferson Park to Hegewisch that fell to the Chicago Department of Transportation over the years, most the result of streets added to the grid and others closed to traffic.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel is betting a company will look at those random plots and see dollar signs. He's looking for someone to transform the bulk of them into plazas with cultural programs and attractive landscaping. The firm could raise money by selling advertising, securing sponsorships and getting businesses to set up shop.
In return, the city would add inviting public spaces to its neighborhoods, offload maintenance onto a private operator and share in the profits.
Three girls are being held in connection with a pair of South Loop pepper spray attacks Wednesday night that left two women injured.
In the first attack, a 16-year-old girl is accused of spraying a 24-year-old woman with pepper spray while two other girls, 14 and 17, blocked her escape. That happened about 10:30 p.m. in the 1100 block of South State Street.
About 10 minutes later, police said the 17-year-old sprayed a 26-year-old woman in the 1300 block of South State Street. Like in the first attack, the other two girls blocked the 26-year-old's escape, police said.
It's not clear what prompted the attacks. The 24-year-old was taken to an area hospital and treated for her wounds and the 26-year-old had her eyes flushed with water near where she was attacked, police said.
A Boca Raton, Fla.-based time-share company is dipping its toes into the Chicago waters, paying nearly $4.9 million for 12 units in the Wyndham Blake hotel in the South Loop.
But Bluegreen Corp. is betting on a hospitality concept that's unproven here despite its popularity in resort destinations such as Hawaii and the Caribbean.12 units will pretty won't change anything around here. Anyway, it's an interesting quick read on a shift in strategy for time shares.
| Rendering of the new (and approved) DePaul Basketball Arena - via Chicago Tribune |
Pelli Clarke Pelli, the architecture firm that proposed a glass-walled DePaul University basketball arena topped with an undulating roof, was awarded the design contract Monday by McCormick Place officials.
The board of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority voted unanimously to approve a $7.2 million contract with the New Haven, Conn.-based firm, whose Petronas Towers in Malaysia is one of the world's tallest. The firm was selected over five other finalists in a design competition.The renderings (more pictures here) are pretty nice. It's not quite as interesting as we would have hoped, but much better than we expected. Blair Kamin, the Tribune architecture writer, isn't as impressed but sees this as a good first step, but hopes the design improves (behind Chicago Tribune paywall):
The big move, the humpback roof, is meant to give the arena a sculptural "fifth facade," visible from surrounding hotel rooms or blimps (assuming DePaul basketball would again warrant such television coverage). Supported by gently curving steel trusses, the roof could look dazzling, both from above and from within, creating a great interior space whose robust curves would be accentuated with skylights by day and artificial lighting by night.
And yet, renderings of views at street-level reveal a disappointing disconnect between the roof's curvilinear drama and the building's pervasive right-angled geometry. It's as though this were two buildings — or, perhaps, a conventional, flat-roofed one with a big mountain stuck on top for effect. Compared to the masterful "Yale Whale," the result is an architectural hybrid, not a persuasive synthesis that gives us architecture with a capital A. Competition-winning designs are often revised for the better; that should happen in this case.This isn't the end of the process. The building will go throw numerous public meetings and most definitely will evolve. Regardless, it seems to be full steam ahead on this project.
In a related development Monday, Chicago's push for a 1,200-room Marriott Marquis convention hotel on a block that is kitty-corner to the arena site moved into court.
The city filed an eminent domain lawsuit aimed at acquiring the property. The lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court seeks land on Cermak Road, between Michigan and Indiana Avenues, now owned by 121 E. Cermak LLC, an entity managed by construction executive James McHugh.
McHugh officials declined to comment.
The action comes a week after McHugh interests sued the city, alleging it did not have the right to block their plans for a six-story electronic data center on the site.
There is now a list of stores supposedly for the Maxwell project on Canal and Taylor. There are signs that says it is opening on Sept, 2014. The stores listed are Nordstrom Rack, Dick's Sporting Goods, Burlington Coat Factory, and Pier 1 Imports
 |
| Proposed rental (left) and condo (right) buildings on the 1300 block of S. Wabash (via Crain's) |
Developer Colin Kihnke is forging ahead with the first big downtown condominium since the crash, testing a market for new homes that's still groggy from the housing crisis.
The developer who starts work on the first significant condo project in the central business district is expected to have a crucial advantage because of a lack of competition from rival proposals.
In a sign of caution, Mr. Kihnke has pared back his proposal to 140 units, from the 150 units he was considering in August. The building, to be at 1345 S. Wabash Ave., would be 15 stories instead of the 16 stories he had planned, according to a report by the staff of the Chicago Plan Commission, which is scheduled to considering his zoning request for the parcel.
Villain's, the popular bar that closed amid a rent dispute with their landlord in 2012, has finally announced their new location (see facebook post on the right).Q. Dennis, we own a 2 BD/2 BA, condo in a loft building in the South Loop. We bought a home in the western burbs [and rented the condo out]. We’ve had issues with our renters, so we want to move quickly to sell the condo.
The market has been so wacky and there are no real comps. Our real estate agent is using another home that’s for sale on our floor as a comp. Next to a different layout, better view, and indoor parking (we have outdoor parking), it’s roughly the same square footage, is well-maintained, and has some nice upgrades like our home does.
This “comp” on our floor went on the market in July for $358k. They have since lowered the price to $348k. Our agent is suggesting we price our unit at $336k.
Has the market really improved that much to be asking this price? I originally thought the fair market value of our home was around $280k! We paid $350k in April 2006. That included $30k for parking.The short answer that Dennis Rodkin, the real estate agent said was "no, the market hasn't improved that much." Although it has improved some.
We look forward to sharing more details on Facebook, including our exact location, once these elements are finalized. For now, I can tell you that we'll be a 10 minute walk from the Cermak Redline stop and a 2 minute drive from the 18th St. I-90/94 expressway exit.
 |
| Looking southeast at the new Marriott Marquis |
 |
| Looking Southwest at the new hotel |
 |
| Rendering of new Papermaker's Garden at 8th and Wabash (via Columbia College) |
A 5 p.m. unveiling ceremony for Columbia College Chicago’s expansion of the Papermaker’s Garden, located at 754 S. Wabash Avenue, will be one of the highlights in the Wabash Arts Corridor Crawl on Sept. 18, 5-8 pm.
The 18-bed garden and tree plantings will act as a mini local habitat for wildlife. It also includes a rainwater capture cistern system which will reduce the amount of water used for the garden. The new garden also includes a covered multipurpose performance area.
Our family is extremely excited about this since we live just 2 blocks away! They just posted this on their Facebook page tonight.
The planned 1,200-room convention hotel to be built just west of McCormick Place will be operated by Marriott International Inc., convention officials decided Friday morning.
The hotel, expected to open in late 2016 next to the West Building, will be a Marriott Marquis, the company's premium convention center brand.
Financial details of the 10-year contract, approved by the board of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, were not disclosed. Officials of the authority, a state-city agency, said the contract would not be made public until it was finalized and signed.Also interesting is that Lakeside Bank (currently at the northeast corner of Indiana and Cermak) might be moving to 14th and Michigan as part of a swap:
The board also authorized the pursuit of a property at 14th and Michigan that could be turned over to Lakeside Bank in exchange for its current branch site at Cermak Road and Indiana Avenue, which is needed for the arena project.
This sign is posted in the Roosevelt Collection Lofts. Looks like we will have some action on Saturday and tons of traffic issues on Roosevelt.
Some images I took this morning from Polk and Financial...looks like they'll be filming around us soon. And they seem to be hiding bumble bee somewhere under those tarps!
Construction at Coliseum Park (14th and Wabash) has begun on the new children's play area and dog park. Shot from my balcony.
After six years of planning, the Chicago Park District is moving forward with plans to upgrade Fred Anderson Park in the South Loop — and dog lovers will be pleased.
The district's board of commissioners unanimously supported a contract with Robe Construction, Inc., to create "a dog friendly area with artificial turf for both large and small dogs," along with a "dog drinking fountain" for the park.
Since April I have seen at least 8 pairs of shoes, placed together, neatly, around Printers Row Park. At first I thought it they might have been left behind by the Grace Place Pancake Breakfast homeless, but then they would not appear till the middle of the week. I saw another pair Wednesday night, and I thought I would send these collage along. It's probably some Colombia Collage art installation, and there is a video feed watching people, like me taking photos of old shoes on the street :)Does anyone have additional info on this one?
I'm hoping you have your finger on the pulse here... any idea if there is pub trivia in the South Loop?
I stopped into Crave yesterday. Sounds like they are tentatively open until 9pm each day...until they can get a liquor license, in which case they'll be open until midnight. I tried one of the coconut brownies (delicious!) and the mac and cheese (with bacon and scallions). It was good enough that I'm going to try them this weekend for brunch. Check it out!
Looks like Crave Cafe and lounge are open. We were walking by and stopped in today (Saturday). They said they had opened on Thursday. There were a couple of customers in there. The experience that we had was pretty rough. The wait for the food was extremely long, the salad leaves were very wilted. The tater tots were supposed to come with a dipping cheese sauce, which was missing, and then when we asked about it, they ended bringing out a couple slices of melted cheddar which is in no way dippable. Also, their service was very subpar (a lot of inexperience).
The menu does look good, which is what pulled us in to begin with. Hopefully with a little more time, they will get up to speed.
What's your favorite thing that has happened since you opened your practice?
 |
| Sloop Dental (1440 S. Wabash) |
Professionally, my favorite thing has been being able to meet so many people in the neighborhood. The South Loop is a very unique area of the city and has an interesting variety of people. Having the opportunity to meet the different kinds of people and learning a little about each person makes the work day a little more interesting and keeps things from being routine. I don’t know where else I would be able to meet doctors, musicians, businessmen/women, professors, lawyers, judges, police officers, firemen, artists, nurses, stay-at home parents, and children all in a day’s work. Personally, it has been the birth of my first child, J.J. (Joseph James) Allen. Being able to see him when I come home from a long day at the office makes any stress from the day go away.
What have you learned?
Being a dentist for the past 6 years I have continued to grow upon my skills learned in school expanding my services from basic general dentistry to include cosmetic dentistry and implant services by completing over 500 hours of continuing education and will be applying for my Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry this year. As a first time business owner over the past year I have learned more than I ever expected. Dealing with the city of Chicago has been interesting to say the least and discovering how much I have to pay in taxes was eye opening.
Politics aside, learning how to be an employer rather than an employee for the first time has been personally rewarding. Discovering the best in people and learning how to use those qualities to benefit the business has been challenging, but I think we have been successful as seen by many of our satisfied patients that compliment us personally or through online reviews on the comfortable environment we have created. As a first time father, I have learned how to do so many things I have never done before like changing diapers, feeding, and putting together a variety of things. Lastly, I have learned how important sleep is.
Has your opinion of the residents and neighborhood had changed?
Seeing continued growth though new business and residents is beginning to change the neighborhood from an area of potential growth to that of an established, successful neighborhood. When discussing the neighborhood with other people from the city the topic of conversation is no longer what will be like in the future, but what is has to offer now.
One more thing....
We would like to thank everyone who has come into our office and supported Sloop Dental through our first year. The first year of business is said to be the hardest, but with great patients and support from the community has made it easier.
Finally, here is a video for Sloop Dental:
American Kidz Academy is now enrolling for the south loop location at 11/Michigan. They now have signage in the windows.
My name is Liz Yerly, I'm the owner of the Chicago Recovery Room located at 1509 S. Michigan Ave. I officially opened April 12th. My business is located within the Accelerated Physical Therapy space, but is completely separate from them.
I'm essentially an open to the public athletic training room. We offer all things recovery, for all level athletes from compression boots for flushing toxins, a full submersion ice bath, and various therapy balance and rolling tools. We offer any service a collegiate level training room would offer, such as access to electrical stim machines, ice, heat, ultrasound etc... We also have massage therapy services, with a very therapeutic nature to them for injury rehab etc.
Check out my website for more info! We've been featured on WGN, ABC, Chicago Athlete, and ESPN Sports Medicine Radio!Welcome to the neighborhood. We have added them to the 2013 business counter as well.
 |
| Well Future Pharmacy - Image from Chicago Tribune |
When Angie Gleghorn's daughter's eye became infected, she took her to a local walk-in clinic's nurse, who prescribed emergency eye drops. Even though it was after-hours and Gleghorn wasn't a customer, Well Future agreed to stay open longer to fill the prescription, Gleghorn said. "
Almost 30 minutes after they were supposed to close, they stayed open just to fill the prescription for us," said Gleghorn, 34. "The pharmacist also tried to explain that putting eye drops in your eyes was fun and helpful. It was nice that he took the time to explain things to us."
 |
| 2101 S. Michigan Highrise |
The aging 250-unit rental building at 2101 S Michigan is getting a major overhaul. The $42M project will create "245 union construction jobs" and deliver a new lobby, community room, laundry facility, and energy-efficient mechanicals, all while preserving 90 units of subsidized housing.The press release from The AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust (HIT) has more info:
The 2101 South Michigan property is located in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood, an area that is experiencing a growing demand for residential space and neighborhood amenities. Ninety of the building's units are subsidized through a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with 39 of those units restricted to residents age 62 and older. These units will remain affordable through a long-term HAP contract that extends the affordability component of the property for another 20 years.
Juno is undoubtedly the big kahuna of new sushi restaurants, but Gari Sushi & Asian Bistro (2020 W. Chicago Ave., 773-486-1118) and Umai (730 S. Clark St., 312-986-8888) have also emerged as solid neighborhood spots. Umai’s dining room has a modern, lofty feel, with high ceilings and a Japanese mural.The article also goes on to tout Umai's Surf & Turf roll. Or if you want something local try the Sloopin roll:
 |
| Sloopin Roll in the Middle |
 |
| Vacant Retail Space at Northwest Corner of Roosevelt & Michigan (via Google Maps) |
We've heard rumors that something is finally going into the retail space at the Columbian, 1160 S Michigan. The only details that have emerged are restaurant, burgers, and alcohol license. Have you heard anything?
Met with the owner of Burger Bar and Sono Wood Fired at the Windy City BBQ Classic this weekend and he confirmed that they are opening another Burger Bar at the Columbian.
Construction happening on Columbia's lot at 8th and Wabash. Anybody know what's being built there?
 |
| Something being built at Northwest corner of 8th and Wabash |
I live in the Transportation Building on 600 S Dearborn. I noticed the 'Space Available' sign was removed from the vacant retail space next to Sofi Italian restaurant. Hopefully something new is coming soon! If I find out any more info, I will let you know!
 |
| Something coming to 620 S. Dearborn? |
I have lived in the south loop for almost a decade. I love it. However, I have been noticing a constant buzzing in the neighborhood, specifically around 13th and Prairie. It almost sounds like a generator has a broken part. Has anyone brought this up on your blog? I searched, however I did not find anything. I would like to find out where the noise is coming from and see if the noise level can be toned down. I thought I would turn to my trusty neighborhood blog first!
