Uptown Update

Don't Forget We "Fall Back" Tonight

2026-10-31T20:24:42.909-05:00

The good news? You get an extra hour to celebrate Halloween tonight.

The bad news? You (and your kids, and your pets) get your semi-annual time reset.

Daylight Saving Time ends tonight at 2:00 a.m. and that means we set the clocks back. And darkness falls earlier....

Enjoy your extra hour. We'll flip the clocks forward again on Sunday, March 14, 2027.

Could This Finally Be The End of the Road for Lincoln Towing? A Record $2.8 Million Judgment Says Maybe

2026-10-31T10:01:11.487-05:00

The infamous Lincoln Park Pirates (aka Lincoln Towing, aka Protective Parking Corporation aka Scum of the Earth) may have finally met an opponent it can't beat: the consequences of its own actions.

If you've been around Uptown more than a minute, you may remember former 47th Ward alderman Amaya Pawar doing his best to get Lincoln Towing's license revoked.

And for good reason: after a years-long investigation of its business practices, in 2018, the Illinois Commerce Commission declared that the company was unfit to hold a license, citing 462 unauthorized tows performed by the company in an eight-month period, and 362 tows during that same period by drivers without a valid operating permit.

But then, in 2020, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Neil Cohen bought a Hail Mary argument by Lincoln Towing's lawyers and unrevoked its license, claiming Lincoln Towing's rights had been violated.

The company changed its sign to read "Protective Parking Services" and continued on with its questionable business practices.

Fast forward to October 12, 2022.

A man named Jermall Harvey had parked his car in the CVS lot at Ashland and Division. Legally. He even had a pass given to him by CVS stating that he was permitted to park in the lot while he worked at his nearby office.

He was alerted that a Lincoln Towing truck was about to tow his car, and came down to show his pass to the driver and straighten things out.

But that's not how the Lincoln Park Pirates roll.

This is what happened instead:

While Mr, Harvey was standing in front of the tow truck, it accelerated, throwing Mr. Harvey on top of the hood.
The truck took off down Division Street, into moving traffic, with Mr. Harvey clinging to the hood.
A passenger in the truck, a Lincoln Towing employee, produced a handgun and pointed it at Mr. Harvey through the windshield, screaming at him to "get the f--- off the truck."
After 90 harrowing seconds, Mr. Harvey was able to roll off the hood into the street.
Even after the police arrested the passenger with the handgun, Mr. Harvey had to pay Lincoln Towing $218 to get his car back from its tow yard on Clark Street.

In 2024, Mr. Harvey filed a lawsuit. It appears Lincoln Towing refused to settle, and the case went to trial instead. A Cook County jury found them guilty!

According to the Cook County Jury Verdict Reporter story on the verdict, "The award, with $1,050,000 in compensatory damages and $1,800,000 in punitive damages, is a record for the highest reported punitive award in Cook County municipal districts...the previous high was $467,057 in 1994."

We reached out to lawyer friend CH, a fancy big law firm lady who Knows Things, and this is what she said--

"It's highly unlikely this was covered by insurance. If it was, the insurer would cover the compensatory up to the limit of insurance. So if they had $500K in insurance, that $500K would be paid and LT would be on the hook for the difference ($550K). I'll explain that in a sec.

The punitive award is not covered at all. So the $1.8M is all on LT.

The only way they could cast the compensatory verdict off on an insurance company is through a 'bad faith' letter. You have your client send that to the insurance company before trial demanding that the company pay full policy limits to settle. That way if the verdict comes in over limits, you can then sue the insurance company for 'bad faith' in failing to settle and hopefully can collect from them rather than be exposed to the verdict.

Reading about the negotiations in the news (they only offered 10k to settle!), I think it's pretty unlikely they sent a bad faith letter. At best they would get the limits of coverage from the insurance company.

Because these actions by the driver were deliberate, I don't think it's likely that the insurer was in this at the time of trial.

In my experience, the insurer likely denied coverage. They would say they didn't have an obligation to cover anything because these were deliberate acts by the driver and not related to the job of being a tow truck driver or towing cars. Most policies have bad acts clauses that allow them to deny coverage. And policies universally say they won't cover punitive damages at all.

So, in my opinion UU, Lincoln Towing is likely stuck with the $2.8M, or most of it.

Also, although I'm not an appellate lawyer, LT has problems on appeal. In order to appeal, I think Illinois law says they have to put up the entire judgment plus 50% while the case goes through appeals. So $4.2M."

Could this record-setting jury verdict be the end of the reign of terror of the Lincoln Park Pirates? They've snatched victory from the jaws of defeat before.

Stay tuned.

P.S. and did we manifest this into existence? Look at the bottom...

46th Ward Math

2026-10-26T11:15:25.692-05:00

The former Leland Hotel at 1207 W. Leland

A short time ago, Alderwoman Clay's office announced the funding of a project we've known about for some time now, the renovation of the Leland Hotel property at Leland and Racine.

After years of mismanagement, Heartland Alliance stepped away from the building, which was poorly maintained and home to rampant drug and alcohol abuse problems that often spilled onto the surrounding streets. After a foreclosure and a tour through housing court, Mercy Housing agreed to acquire and renovate the building to continue use as affordable housing.

As part of the deal, Mercy gets $20,000,000 in city taxpayer (TIF) funds from the City.

You might recall that this same building received $2,000,000 in TIF in 2004 as part of a $15,000,000 renovation in 2005.

Now, after two decades of poor stewardship by Heartland, Mercy is set to receive 10 times the 2005 TIF amount.

Per Alderwoman Clay's announcement, the renovated Leland Hotel will offer 107 units to low income residents (down from the current count of 137). The cost? A cool $59,200,000.

That's $59 million for RENOVATIONS. NOT a new building.

To break that down, the renovation cost is:

Total cost ($59,200,000) / 107 units = $553,271 per unit.

Yes. You read that right.

Adding all the numbers up, by the time this new "renovation" is complete in 2028, this building will have received a total of $74,200,000 in "renovations" in 20 years, or $693,458 per unit.

Where is the money going?

After our eyes stopped watering, our team got to digging a little more.

Just for fun, we looked up the funding status of the Sarah's Circle building coming to Clarendon and Sunnyside. The estimated cost there was $34,000,000 for 54 units of housing.

Using those estimates:

Total estimated cost ($34,000,000) / 54 units = $629,630 per unit.

So the going rate for new construction is $629,630 per unit, and the twice rehabbed Leland is $693,458. Hmm...

While we understand the need for affordable housing, these costs are truly insane, particularly in the case of the Leland Hotel.

By way of reference, Homes.com data says the median price of a one-bedroom condo in Chicago in 2025 was between $250,000 and $266,500.

So, for the current $93,200,000 tied up in these two projects, the City could buy 351 condos at $266,000 per unit. That would house more than double the number of people these two projects will provide.

The issue of insane affordable housing costs has been explored in depth by others, so we don't have much more to add. The City needs affordable housing, no question. But since the days of Helen Shiller, it's been mantra that Uptown must be the home of all affordable housing, regardless of cost, and it appears to be more of the same under Ald. Shiller's hand-picked successor Angela Clay.

Affordable housing is certainly anything but "affordable" to build (or renovate).

End of a (Drug) Era

2026-10-23T16:04:04.429-05:00

If you haven't seen it, the "outdoor patio" in front of Gigio's is gone.

The structure was illegal under the City's ordinances and got significantly worse when the owners blocked all ability to view behind the structure. The tarps were eventually removed when neighbors complained, but the area in and around the structure became a center of drug sales and illicit activity in the neighborhood.

All of this was reported to Gigio's ownership and clearly obvious to anyone with eyes, but they seemed not to care. Drug dealing was good for business, it appeared.

But its gone now. Good riddance.

From reader emails, we are aware numerous complaints were made to 311 and to BACP, but this has persisted for over two years. Things move slowly in the City, and we are told the City, with support from the Chicago Police, finally had enough and ordered the patio removed.

Gigio's has been around a long time, but history in the neighborhood doesn't earn them a free pass for bad behavior.

If you see drug activity continuing in front of Gigio's or in the parking lot across the street, call 911 and report it. Also call 311, and feel free to email us (link on the right) if you want to share with us as well.

And make sure to support the businesses around Gigio's (Tiffany's, In On Thai and Sky's Beverage Depot). All three businesses have suffered mightily while Gigio's ownership has pretended not to see what was right in front of their face.

UPDATE 10/25

We are aware that one of the owners of Gigio's has posted a response to this piece. While we were told this structure was removed at City request, we will not quarrel with the owner's statement that it was her decision. If it was her decision, credit where it's due.

Of the many questions that remain, question one is why this wasn't done much earlier. Our first piece (linked above) was published 22 months ago.

This has been a known problem and was addressed at multiple CAPS meetings and local safety meetings. Our sources tell us that despite repeated invitations, Gigio's attended one (1) CAPS and Wilson Corridor meeting in the last three years, and none of the concerns raised in the response were brought up then.

Question two: we have received multiple eyewitness reports that the (male) co-owner has been observed conversing, laughing, eating and drinking with the drug dealers. Do they deny these reports are true?

Question three: sources tell us that the owners are renting the apartment above Gigio's to a multiple time felon and known drug dealer. Sources also say that person frequently does deals that start on the street and end in the alley behind Gigio's. Giving Anna, as the landlord, the benefit of the doubt, does she or Gigio's intend to change that?

We await a response and will publish it once it appears.

Coffee With A Cop October 23 @ Target

2026-10-23T04:40:51.589-05:00

Uptown's Clark Street Boom Continues: New Development at 4848 N. Clark Incoming

2026-10-21T09:26:17.252-05:00

We have been watching the building at 4848 N. Clark with interest for years now.

4848 N. Clark (Courtesy @properties Listing)

The handsome but non-descript old warehouse & manufacturing building along Clark was built in 1936 just north of the now demolished Rainbo Gardens (later Rainbo Roller Rink). In a reflection of the changes to Uptown in the 1930's, the building had various automotive and light manufacturing tenants over the years and was most recently home to a couple of art studios.

The building has been on and off the market since at least 2008 with no buyers. The property recently sold, and we are happy to announce that Garner Development will be doing a project on site.

Garner has not yet responded to our inquiry about plans for the space, so we don't know if this is a tear down or conversion. They do nice work and we would expect something similar to the projects here.

The current 3-story building is currently around 12,000 square feet. It could be converted, but the property is zoned C2-2 in a reflection of the building's automotive and manufacturing history. The Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for the current site is 2.2, meaning Garner could build a building up to 24,200 square feet with a building height of 50 feet by right.

This is in the 47th Ward, so Alderman Martin will have the final say on any request to modify the current zoning.

Uptown remains hot, with a recent influx of new projects and housing developments along the 4400, 4500, 4600 and 4700 blocks of Clark (and more to come).

We are not surprised this property finally found a developer.

Chicago continues to need new housing stock, and we are very happy that this disused building and lot will transition to housing and add additional density to a portion of Uptown that needs more.

We're looking at you, Lincoln Towing.

Harry S Truman College Celebrates Its 70th Year Of Service To Chicagoans In 2026

2026-10-17T11:02:53.105-05:00

CHICAGO— (October 2026) – For seventy years and counting, Harry S Truman College had served
thousands of Chicagoans by offering academic excellence to its students in their chosen educational pathways.

“Harry S Truman College has spent 70 incredible years of opening doors of opportunity for our students through education. Opportunities they’ve earned and deserve, so as we celebrate our 70th Anniversary of service to Chicagoans this October, we stand prouder than ever because of them,” said President Shawn Jackson, Harry S Truman College. “With our students at the center of our mission, Truman promises to remain a beacon of accessibility and academic excellence—for the decades to come.”

For the last 70 years, Harry S Truman College has evolved from a small night-school initiative to serving thousands of students each year.

The college traces its origins back to 1956, when it was established as a two-year "evening college" operating out of Amundsen High School on Foster Avenue. The program was launched following community demand for more accessible higher education options on Chicago's North Side.

Its Mayfair Era began in 1961 when the program grew rapidly, soon outgrowing the high school space. At this time, community leaders secured a former elementary school on Wilson Avenue, transitioning the school into Mayfair College. Then in 1976, it moved to the location where it stands today, 1145 West Wilson Avenue in Chicago’s Uptown Neighborhood.

The main building was designed by John Moutoussamy, a pioneering modernist architect and the first Black architect to design a high-rise building in Chicago. Upon opening, the school was officially renamed Harry S Truman College in honor of the 33rd U.S. President, who was an advocate for public and community colleges.

At that time, the construction of the campus required demolishing local apartment buildings, which initially displaced families, including members of the neighborhood's Native American community. Over the subsequent decades, administrators worked intensely to reconnect with the community, launching supportive initiatives like the Institute of Native American Development and the Red Path Theatre. (source: Indigenous Chicago)

Additionally, the campus birthed the renowned Pegasus Theatre Chicago which went on to win dozens of Chicago's prestigious Jeff Awards.

In 2010, the college footprint expanded with the completion of the Larry McKeon Student Services Building. This LEED Silver-certified facility consolidated student resources and added a 1,100-space parking structure.

In 2014, as part of the City Colleges of Chicago’s "College to Careers" initiative, Truman College was designated as the district’s hub for education, human, and natural sciences.

Always dynamic and inclusive, today, Harry S Truman Colleges’ annual enrollment boasts students representing more than 100 different countries and speaking over 90 languages.

When Dr. Kana Nagai first arrived at Harry S Truman College, she knew learning English would be a big task. What she didn’t know was that going to Truman would open the door to multiple academic degrees, advanced research, and work funded by NASA. “City Colleges always showed me the next opportunity,” she said. “That pathway—from ESL, to Gateway, to transfer—was incredibly important.” Today, Dr. Nagai holds a doctoral degree and works as a Senior Research Associate at Illinois Tech. While completing her postdoctoral fellowship at IIT, her research focused on GPS and navigation systems, creating safer navigation technologies for transportation systems. Her work has been supported by NASA and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

City Colleges of Chicago is currently enrolling now for its Fall 8-week, Winter 4-Week, and Spring 16-Week sessions. Fall 8-week session begins October 19, 2026. Register today and click here to apply.

4641 N. Ashland Gets the Go Ahead to Build

2026-10-16T11:58:14.055-05:00

If you frequent Chase Park, you may have noticed the former church parking lot at the southeast corner of Ashland and Leland has been car-free for a little while now. That got our antenna up, and a new building permit issued yesterday confirmed the long-rumored and planned development at the parking lot, known officially as 4641 N. Ashland, is ready to put shovels in the ground.

4641 N. Ashland (Courtesy Kennedy Mann Architects Website)

More density is a great thing for the area, and more units to add to the Clark Street boom.

With the permit issued, expect construction soon.

2nd Annual Uptown Candy Crawl October 24, 12-4PM

2026-10-15T14:13:59.207-05:00

On Saturday, October 24th Uptown United and My Art House Studio will be co-sponsoring the Uptown Candy Crawl, which will be a “trick or treating” event along Wilson Avenue between Dover and Racine from 12-4pm!

Kuumba Links to Pay to Play?

2026-10-06T13:20:15.282-05:00

Courtesy of Reader SA, some interesting info on Uptown's not-for-profit dance organization Kuumba Lynx:

Hey UU -
I just thought you would like to see these donations from Kuumba Lynx to the Angela Clay campaign.

These are illegal donations since Kuumba Lynx is a 501c3 nonprofit.

About six weeks later, Kuumba Lynx received a city grant. Looks like pay for play is alive and well in the 46th!

Kuumba Lynx 4501 N. Clarendon Ave Chicago, IL 60640	$1,000.00	1/6/2026	4/14/2026	Individual Contribution Neighbors for Angela Clay
Kuumba Lynx 4501 N. Clarendon Ave Chicago, IL 60640	$2,000.00	1/6/2026	4/14/2026	Individual Contribution Neighbors for Angela Clay

None of us here are experts, but what SA said checks out. Certainly interesting.

SA's question reminded us of another recent question: why did Kuumba Lynx leave the space at 4755 N. Sheridan less than a year after a ribbon cutting for their new space in May 2025? Event space operator Movement on Montrose now occupies the vacated Kuumba Lynx space, operating an event space called Movement on Sheridan (MOSH). Where did the grant money go?

And while we're asking questions, we are also still waiting on answers to the questions posed by Alderwoman Clay's opponent last election cycle.

Get Stylish While You Sin

2026-10-02T09:33:20.843-05:00

Alternative clothing retailer Stylish Sin recently received a license to open a retail location at 1111 W. Lawrence, across from the Aragon.

Thanks to reader NV, we now have a photo of the front of the planned store:

1111 W. Lawrence

Stylish Sin (motto: Let's Sin) advertises itself as a destination for "Cyber, Tech, Goth and Streetwear." Looks like plenty of cool stuff to buy and wear around Uptown.

The sign says October but not sure the store will be open in time for Open House Chicago. We think they will get plenty of customers from the Aragon and the Riv.

Welcome!

The Tribune Paints a Grim Picture Regarding Weiss Hospital

2026-08-31T16:46:47.442-05:00

In case you missed it, the Chicago Tribune came out with a detailed investigative report this weekend regarding the financial malfeasance underlying the 2025 closure of Weiss Hospital and the 2026 closure of West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park.

According to the article, the 2022 purchase of the hospitals from Pipeline Health was approved by the State of Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board without sufficient investigation. While the leader of the new healthcare consortium (Dr. Manoj Prasad and investor Reddy Rathnaker Patlola) presented themselves to local and state leaders as experienced in healthcare, including healthcare turnarounds, they had little actual experience.

Under the arrangement, Patlola’s firm bought the properties and leased them to Prasad’s operating firm, Resilience Healthcare. The two investors (Prasad and Patlola) are currently in litigation over the closures and other financial matters, and the article notes that Prasad admitted in a recent deposition that the partners did not perform serious due diligence or review reliable financials until after seeking approval from the State.

The article notes that since the State approved the deal in 2022, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has handed out millions in loans and grants, including newer loans in 2025 despite Resilience missing 12 straight repayments, failing to repay any principal, and owing nearly $60 million in delinquent taxes and penalties.

The Tribune reporters also note that although state rules require recipients to be placed on a "Stop Payment List" if they fail to submit annual third-party audits, the Illinois Department of Public Health continued funding the hospitals for two fiscal years before halting payments in November 2025.

There's much more in the article about financial and oversight issues, including allegations of potential misappropriated funds by Prasad. Prasad blames failed attempts to to switch to a new electronic medical record (EMR) system for causing funding deficits, and the lack of a plan to ensure proper billing has hamstrung efforts to reopen the hospitals.

With respect to the hospitals themselves, the reporters show what we already knew: that the hospitals were unclean and lacked proper ventilation and supplies.

Overall, a great piece of investigative reporting and all credit is due to the reporters at the Tribune.

Former Chicken Slinger Coop'ed Up Due to PPP Fraud

2026-08-21T19:10:16.624-05:00

In a topic near and dear to our hearts, another COVID fraudster is finally answering for his crimes.

Seems like only yesterday that Jared Leonard was going to open a Budlong Chicken 'superstore' of sorts at 1329 W. Wilson (now home to Terrace).

Those plans evaporated when Leonard abandoned the Wilson project and moved to Colorado to open a Denver outpost of Budlong alongside a new concept (Au Feu).

Then COVID hit. Instead of working to survive and reset, Leonard decided to take full advantage of the COVID crisis by making up fake business losses and submitting false information to the government to obtain PPP loans.

Thankfully, sometimes justice prevails and crooks get caught and have to do hard time.

Via CWB Chicago, Leonard will be doing 30 months of federal jail time for his crimes.

Here's hoping the bell will toll for any and all local (alleged) fraudsters as well! (if guilty...)

Bus "Shelters" No More

2026-08-14T13:56:12.892-05:00

For multiple months we have received complaints regarding the homeless takeovers at several Uptown bus stops. The majority of the complaints have focused on the heavily used bus stop and bus shelter across from Aldi and Target, at the corner of Sunnyside and Broadway.

Reader AK sent the following photos to illustrate the situation.

There is a nearly identical takeover at Wilson and Sheridan that has been the subject of other reader complaints.

Rainy days like yesterday, today, and this weekend present a particular problem. People who would otherwise use the shelters for their intended purpose are forced to stand out in the rain, many with purchases from Aldi and Target. Also, people who may need to sit down due to physical limitations can't sit down because the benches are inaccessible.

Readers have written to say they have received no real answer from Alderwoman Clay's office on the issue even though her office is nearly across the street. One reader reported she was told there was "nothing" that could be done, in part due to pushback from local homeless advocates who protested the removal of the bench inside the shelter.

We know DFSS has tried to deal with the situation, but with open drug use and a "party" atmosphere with a rotating cast of characters, the squatting has to come to an end.

If these individuals are resistant to moving, even after good faith outreach, then there need to be consequences for continuing to occupy public spaces in ways that prevent others from using them, starting with removing them.

Like the viaducts, compassion for people experiencing homelessness has to be balanced with the public's right to use public spaces for their intended purpose.

Residential Proposal For 4531 N. Clark Revealed

2026-08-13T08:32:55.769-05:00

4531 N. Clark proposal from Platinum Homes (360 Design Studio)

A demolition permit in May tipped us off that something was happening, but Ald. Clay's mostly dormant development page was just updated with a pleasant surprise - a proposal from Platinum Homes (the developer of the recently completed 4713 N. Clark).

The site spans two one story buildings (4525 -4531 N. Clark) that have been for sale on and off for over five years. Only one of the buildings is in use.

Platinum Homes is proposing 9 for-sale condo units all of which would be 3 bedroom.

The building would have two retail storefronts as well as 10 parking spaces. 13 spaces for bicycles are planned as well.

Interesting to note that the existing zoning allows for 8 units and a building of the same height, but the proposed zoning change (from C1-2 to C1-3) would allow for one more unit, more parking spaces and more floor area. Because this building would be under 10 units, the city's affordable requirements ordinance (ARO) does not apply and the ward office cannot require them of the developer.

Ald. Clay's office is planning an online community meeting to discuss the proposal at 6 PM on August 27. Clark Street Neighbors Association is the local block club for this proposal.

Current view of 4531 N. Clark

In our opinion, this is a great addition to Clark. Added density, amazing proximity to transit, and the plan for 3 bedroom condos, rather than apartments, will appeal to families searching for larger units.

EDIT: Even though Alderwoman Clay's office called it "4531 N. Dover," this proposal was approved despite objections from neighbors and is moving forward.

The Clark Street boom continues!

Chicago Pickle About to Be More Dill-ightful

2026-08-06T17:04:02.744-05:00

Chicago Pickle has quietly become a north side institution and an Uptown favorite...for those who know it's here. Considering the delightful NY bodega sandwiches on offer, the restaurant in the tiny strip mall spot Chicago Pickle occupies in Uptown hasn't gotten enough attention.

That's about to change, thankfully, as Chicago Pickle is moving to a much bigger and more prominent new location in the former Agami at 4712 N. Broadway.

Renderings Courtesy Chicago Pickle Eatery / M. Atieh

Owner Mohamed Atieh has been in expansion mode since opening Chicago Pickle in Avondale in late 2022, opening the Uptown location (currently 4515 N. Sheridan) in 2024. A new location in Wicker Park just opened, and the original Avondale location will reopen after a fire, currently on track for the end of 2026.

If you've enjoyed the current Uptown location, the owners tell us to expect more of the same: delicious sandwiches, an expanded market offering boutique food items, and a lot more seating. Similar to the new Wicker Park location, the owner plans a full dessert program including crepes, decadent waffles, gelato and coffee called "Luca's Cafe & Dessert Bar."

Along with multi-time award winner Birreria Zaragoza, Carmen's, Mamo's Burger, In-On Thai, Nabala Cafe, Queen Yemeni Cafe, and the upcoming Molino Los Hermanos at 4660 N. Broadway from the owner of Michelin-starred Carino, Chicago Pickle will add another great quick food option. We envision people going to shows at the Aragon and Riviera and patrons of the uber-popular Chicago Eagle will find it super convenient.

So many good options in a previously quiet corridor! Expect an early fall opening.

Kiko's Pizza Coming to 5009 N. Clark

2026-08-03T14:24:03.822-05:00

The northern part of Uptown hasn't had a neighborhood pizza option since Pie Hole closed in 2014, and the recent closure of Fat Chris' Pizza eliminated another option on the Andersonville-Uptown border. A little further north, Calo, Great Lake, Pizza Lobo and Primo provide local variety, but the northern Uptown-Andersonville area has only Jet's.

The current "pizza desert" will change soon, as rumors of a new pizza place from the owner of Kanin have transitioned into reality.

Kiko's Pizza / Instagram

Per Instagram and building permits filed with the city, Kiko's Pizza will open in the spot formerly occupied by Hot 'G' Dog at 5009 N. Clark.

[Eds: we were sad when Hot 'G' Dog closed during the pandemic. The owners were former chefs at Hot Doug's and did a great job continuing the Hot Doug's sausage tradition.]

Now, Kiko's owner Francis Almeda will bring pizza to the renovated space, likely with a few Filipino twists similar to his Pilsen pizza spot Novel Pizza.

Instagram videos show Kiko's will focus on tavern style pizza. While food testing for the menu appears to have progressed to "ready to open" status, permits and construction are lagging behind.

With Kiko's coming to a strip that soon will be home to the new Humboldt Haus concept at 5046 N. Clark, northern Uptown / "South of Foster Andersonville" residents will have some great new options (and more to come).

Expect an opening in fall.

Mosaic Love At Lawrence Station

2026-08-03T11:50:20.612-05:00

A beautiful new mosaic unveiled at the Lawrence station
by Tom Torluemke entitled "Theater of Life" (reader submitted)

A reader sent us a photo of a recently installed mosaic at the Lawrence L station. Reader JL tells us that it "speaks to the essence of what makes Uptown great." We tend to agree!

Our thanks to artist Tom Torluemke for the beautiful addition to Uptown and check it out the next time you are at the station!!

Residential Conversion at Irving Park & Marine Drive Is Alive, Begins Permit Process

2026-07-31T21:24:10.729-05:00

A huge housing project we have been watching with great interest is finally moving forward.

The historic former Immaculata High School at Irving Park & Marine Drive

You may recall plans for the former Immaculata High School buildings were announced way back in January of 2020. Plans called for a residential conversion, along with a midrise senior housing component on a surface parking lot .

The proposal went before Ald. Cappleman's 46th Ward Zoning & Development Committee (oh, how we miss a transparent development process!) as well as Buena Park Neighbors and was eventually approved by Ald. Cappleman.

Shortly thereafter, COVID hit and the site was eventually used as migrant housing.

"B Talent" on X spotted 2 new building permit applications filed yesterday for two buildings: the main building running along Irving Park and the Convent Building, at the corner of Marine and Bittersweet Place. The project has two addresses on file: 4000 N. Marine Drive and 615 W. Bittersweet Place.

According to permits, a total of 196 units are planned in the conversion as part of phase 1, which is down from the original 245 units proposed.

Phase 2 would include the 22 story tower.

The project's official website can be viewed at "Immaculata Living."

We are excited for more housing and adaptive reuse of this beautiful landmarked building.

Friends of Bezazian Book Donation Drive August 8 - September 19

2026-07-28T19:21:32.118-05:00

The Friends of Bezazian Library Book sale, a beloved neighborhood tradition is returning, and it makes a big different in one of Chicago's most active public libraries! Friends of Bezazian, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is looking for donations for the sale. Drop offs are welcome at the library circulation desk starting August 8. We accept gently used books, CDs, and DVDs. We cannot accept textbooks, VHS, LPs and 45s, out of date travel guides, and ancient reference materials.

The Friends of Bezazian Book Sale will take place September 19–20, 2026, at the Bezazian Branch Library (1226 W. Ainslie Street). Shoppers can find amazing deals on gently used books, CDs, and DVDs—most items priced at just $1 or $2, with even better deals the more you buy.

'Presotea' Coming Soon to 5000 N. Sheridan

2026-07-25T15:56:15.404-05:00

5000 N. Sheridan (Google)

A storefront that was remodeled years back and has sat empty since will finally see a tenant!

We now know that Presotea plans to open in the space and is now hiring for managers and baristas according to a sign posted in the window.

Presotea is a well-known bubble tea franchise that started in Taiwan and has since expanded across the US with 2 locations slated to open in Chicago, one in Wicker Park and one in Uptown at 5000 N. Sheridan.

Check out their website here and if you are interested in applying, you can learn more here.

Live the Ducking Dream

2026-07-21T12:30:00.000-05:00

5041 N. Broadway (Google Maps)

In another example of the significant reshaping of the Argyle Street district over the last few years, work will begin soon to convert the office space over Sun Wah BBQ to apartments.

So, if you love Sun Wah's famous duck (and we all do) and want to live in a place that offers you quick access to Sun Wah, tons of great food places on Argyle, and the Red Line a few steps away, you're in luck!

Expect leasing to begin in 2027.

Sheridan and Lakeside Beautification at CircEsteem

2026-07-19T10:35:53.905-05:00

News this week that the City of Chicago issued a grant for beautification in front of CircEsteem (4730 N. Sheridan). Per plans shared with us, CircEsteem plans to create a community plaza in front of the building with seating, landscaping and hardscape improvements.

Proposed Improvements (CDOT/CircEsteem)

Ongoing Construction (UU)

Per CircEsteem's email to us:

The new streetscape project, developed in partnership with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), will transform the space outside the building into a more welcoming gathering place for the neighborhood. Planned improvements include expanded pedestrian space, landscaping, seating, bike racks, and an open plaza designed to encourage community connection and creativity.
As part of the planning process, CircEsteem youth helped shape the design by reviewing concepts, voting on their favorite options, and providing feedback to the design team, ensuring the project reflects the voices of the young people who use the space every day.
"We are excited to continue the beautification and restoration of our historic site, now home to CircEsteem, Chicago's youth circus," said Executive Director Dian Squire. "We can't wait until the streetscape is complete so that we can highlight our building and continue to welcome our community through our doors."

Thanks to CircEsteem and CDOT for making our neighborhood a little more beautiful!

"Baby Gym" Headed to Uptown...er, "Andersonville"

2026-07-17T12:11:13.531-05:00

Uptown, if you were waiting to get your little ones on the track to being the next Simone Biles, you're in luck!

4806 N. Clark

NY import Baby Gym has graphics up advertising their new "Andersonville" location at 4806 N. Clark. Of course, that's 100% Uptown and a teeny tiny bit into the fictional "South of Foster Andersonville," but we wouldn't want to scare Chicago's parents with an "Uptown" location, would we?

This is the space formerly occupied by the art school, StudioUs, which moved to 1144 W. Wilson right off the Red Line.

Baby Gym offers "children's gymnastics" and offers a "professional approach to amateur sports." The website looks like the space will be geared to smaller kids and will have a lot of padded floors and walls to tumble around on while kids learn gymnastics fundamentals.

Should be a great use of the space. Welcome!

30th Annual Sheridan Park Yard Sale Coming Saturday, August 1

2026-07-14T14:38:29.611-05:00

If you live in the area between Broadway & Clark and Lawrence & Montrose and would like to participate in the yard sale, sign up at www.sheridanpark.org and click on "yard sale" at the top right.