Loyola plans upgrade in Rogers Park area
$400 million project next to campus has residences, shops and restaurants

By Thomas A. Corfman
Tribune staff reporter
Published September 17, 2005


Loyola University is seeking proposals from developers for the first phase of a planned $400 million, mixed-use commercial project next to its lakefront campus.

The project is closely tied to a deal with the Daley administration, approved this week, for a $20.4 million public subsidy for the renovation of Mundelein Center, a 14-story Art Deco tower that was once the home of the women's college of the same name.

The development, which might take eight years to complete, could revitalize a lackluster stretch of Sheridan Road near the school's namesake CTA station. It also might spark a broader real estate revival in Rogers Park, where a boom has seemingly been predicted every other year for the last several years.

"It took a really hard dive in the late 1980s and early 1990s," said Chicago residential developer Charles Huzenis, president of Jameson Realty Group. "But Rogers Park is on its way back now because everything south of there is just so expensive."

To be called Loyola Station, the proposed project would total 700,000 square feet, including as many as 400 residential units and 40,000 square feet of space for shops and restaurants. The buildings would be located on 5.4 acres of land that the university started buying up decades ago, with long-range plans for an expansion of academic facilities.

But more efficient use of school buildings has put those needs even further on the horizon, said Wayne Magdziarz, Loyola's vice president of capital planning.

The turn toward commercial development not only is part of an effort to maximize the value of the school's real estate assets but also is aimed at reinvigorating an otherwise drab strip. Prospective college students increasingly pay close attention to factors such as campus surroundings and the quality of student housing, in addition to more traditional concerns such as academics and tuition.

One goal of Loyola's development is to create a "campus town that is inviting to our neighbors, but creates a sense of place for our students," Magdziarz said.

The university would not use any of the space in the new buildings except for parking, he said. But Loyola, which is being advised by Chicago real estate firm Newcastle Ltd., is seeking to retain ownership of the development sites.

Developers would lease the land from the university under long-term agreements called ground leases. That structure could reduce the value of the developments to the university. But it gives the school, which was founded in 1870, flexibility if its real estate needs change decades from now.

In the first stage university officials are seeking proposals for a site at 6474 N. Sheridan Rd., a former Denny's restaurant that was converted into a fine arts building in the early 1980s. The parcel, nearly three-quarters of an acre, could accommodate a building of at least 95,000 square feet under current zoning.

Rogers Park has lagged behind nearby neighborhoods such as Edgewater and Uptown during the city's residential housing boom. Rogers Park's huge supply of big apartment buildings and shortage of parking spaces limit development opportunities, Huzenis said.

And retail developers typically do not step in until residential development is well under way, said John Figlioli, a principal with Garrett Realty & Development Inc., which is co-developing a $40 million residential/retail project in Edgewater.

"Gentrification occurs, the yuppies move in, and all of a sudden you have Starbucks and Trader Joe's," he said.

Loyola's project is starting up after the city agency that approves tax-increment financing deals on Tuesday OKd a key public subsidy for a planned $85 million campus renovation.

Almost three-quarters of the money would be spent renovating the so-called Skyscraper Building at 1020 W. Sheridan Rd., which the university says was built in 1929 and is badly in need of repair. Mundelein College closed in 1991 and became part of Loyola.

The TIF grant will total $46 million and be paid out over 23 years.

The subsidy was pegged to the amount of property tax revenue to be produced by the university-owned land once it is developed, Magdziarz said

Mixed-Use Project Promises to be Devon ‘Landmark’
By Mark Ruda
Last updated: August 10, 2005 08:15am

CHICAGO-Not only will a $16-million mixed-use development at Devon and Rockwell avenues give the city about 180 additional parking spaces, it also is designed to camouflage the 214-space garage incorporated in the three-story building. However, the city is subsidizing 28% of the cost of the project, giving ASAT Inc. two parcels worth $915,000 for $1, and providing up to $3.6 million in tax increment financing.


The deal, endorsed Tuesday by the community development commission, has been in the works longer than the nearly three years it has taken to decide on ASAT Inc.’s plan over two from a competing developer. “The request for proposal has been pending for almost three years, but I’ve been working on this for almost 10 years,” says 50th Ward Alderman Bernard Stone. “It’s been needed in my community for God knows how long.”


Now used for 45 metered parking spaces serving the bustling Devon Avenue retail district, the northeast corner of Devon and Rockwell avenues will get 13,000 sf of ground-floor retail space facing a public plaza, 30 condominiums on the fifth and sixth floors, and 214 parking spaces on the second, third and fourth floors, according to ASAT Inc.’s plan. In addition, Chicago architect John Hanna has incorporated a glass and tile mural on the building’s side. “We had to figure out a way to hide a parking garage,” Hanna says.


Although ASAT Inc. is setting aside six units for buyers earning the median income or less, commission member Rafael Leon suggested the developer work with the city’s department of housing to make the units affordable to households earning 80% of the median income or less.


“The purpose of the condos are to make the project functional, and quite frankly, make it work on an economic basis,” Stone says. “I happen to believe it will be an architectural landmark.”


Broadway Bank has agreed to finance the project, says Bernard Citron, an attorney for the developer. He notes the project already received a plan commission endorsement in June 2004. Although tenants have not been signed pending tax increment financing approval as well as the land sale, Citron says there has been interest in the 13,000 sf. “It’s absolutely amazing, the low amount of vacancy on that street,” Citron says.

CITY REPORT
Seniors rental set for Peterson Avenue

By Jeanette Almada
Special to the Tribune
Published September 18, 2005

A 187-unit seniors building to go up in the West Ridge neighborhood will get financial assistance from the city.

Ravenswood Partners of Illinois LP, a development entity formed by G&A Construction and Development Inc. of Chicago, will build the project on a 49,674-square-foot site at 1818 W. Peterson Ave.

G&A is under contract to buy the site from a private owner, with closing Nov. 1, according to George Ardelian, president of G&A Construction.

G&A has built several seniors projects in the area, according to a Department of Planning and Development project manager who spoke to the Chicago Community Development Commission last week.

The commission approved $5.8 million in TIF (tax increment financing) assistance for the $34 million project.

Among its completed seniors projects, G&A has built a 99-unit senior housing project at 6142 N. California Ave., a mile west of the new development site. "We completed that building two years ago, and have managed it the whole time," Ardelian said. "In all of that time there have been no vacancies and we have a waiting list of 400 people. The demand for affordable seniors housing in that area is unbelievable."

The TIF subsidy for the project will come from the Clark/Ridge Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Project Area, the Planning Department staff told commissioners. City Council approval is still needed.

To be called G&A Senior Residence at Ravenswood, the 9-story building will have 187 rental units -- 16 studios, 155 1-bedrooms and 16 2-bedroom apartments, according to the city. The apartments range from 444 to 765 square feet and rents will range from $585 for studio apartments to $940 for the 2-bedrooms, Thomas Brantley, a G&A project manager, told commissioners.

Services offered to seniors who live in the building will include at-home health screening Brantley said.

The Chicago-based Harley Ellis architectural firm is designing the building.

The units will be leased to people who are at least 55 years old, and who earn up to 60 percent of the Chicago-area median income.

City assistance for the project is required because of the high cost of land compared to the low rents, the Planning Department staff told commissioners.

In additional to TIF assistance, the project will raise $9.7 million in equity from low-income housing tax credits that the developer will receive from the Chicago Department of Housing.

http://www.rpbg.org/images/RENDER-TEST-09-small.jpg



40 condos planned on Sheridan in Rogers Pk.

By Jeanette Almada
Special to the Tribune
Published July 17, 2005

A six-story building with 40 condominiums and ground-floor retail will replace a mostly vacant one-story commercial building near the Evanston border in Rogers Park.

The Chicago Plan Commission has approved Beachview Development Inc.'s project as a planned development and the demolition of the building at 7630-40 N. Sheridan Rd., to make way for the project.

Beachview Development, which consists of Chicago-based Twin Realty Group Inc., owns the development site, which is on the northwest corner of Rogers Avenue and Sheridan Road and a block west of Rogers Beach, according to Michael Land, a zoning and development staff member in the office of Ald. Joseph Moore (49th).

"We expect it will be very positive for the neighborhood, will substantially improve the area," Land said earlier this month. "We expect it to be quality housing and it will add a mix of people who can afford a $250,000-plus condo to the neighborhood, which will help to stimulate our Howard Street commercial district," Land said, adding that the developer cut the project to 6 stories from 13 as it went through community review.

"We are looking at a critical mass in this neighborhood. There is a tremendous amount of residential construction underway -- a condo conversion on the 7600 block of Greenview [Avenue], 33 townhouses going up at Howard and Ashland Avenue; condos at Howard and Clark Street and other conversions and new housing projects," Land said. "We are now getting interest from entrepreneurs who want to locate to our Howard Street commercial district."

Beachview Development will build a masonry building with 1,828 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, a Chicago Department of Planning and Development official told the Plan Commission last month. There will be two levels of underground parking working out to 1.6 spaces per residential unit.

The developer declined to comment on the project.

Residential units on the second through sixth floors will have one and two bedrooms and a range of 700 to 1,200 square feet, according the Planning Department official.

Four of the condos -- two one-bedroom units and two two-bedrooms -- will be set aside for sale as affordable, through the Chicago Department of Housing's CPAN program, the planning official told commissioners.

HOWARD STREET TO BE TRANSFORMED
BY TWO NEW HOUSING PROJECTS

Howard Street, for many years, a major commercial hub in Rogers Park, will be sporting a new look with the construction of two new housing developments slated for completion next year.

According to Mike Glasser, President of the Rogers Park Builders Group, the developments follow the official grand opening of the new $75 million Gateway shopping and transportation Centre at Howard and Clark Streets.

Scheduled to break ground in spring of 2005 is a 43-unit development, to be built by Single Site Solutions on the site of the former Lerner Newspaper building at Howard and Ashland.

According to Jennifer LaSota, President of Single Site Solutions, the development will consist of 10 condo units on Howard Street and 33 town houses on Ashland and Rogers, including four affordable units. Units are priced at $200,000 to $280,000 per condo and $300,000 to $375,000 for the townhouses.
(more)


add one—Howard

Also a first for the Rogers Park community, pending approval of various agencies, is a 40-unit development at 7640 N. Sheridan, a block north of Howard Street. According to Peter Tutera, President of Twin Realty Group, the developer, the 6-story project will include four units in the affordable range. The first floor, consisting of 2,700 square feet of space, will contain a minimart. Units will include one or two bedroom apartments and are priced to sell for $2l0,000 to $250,000 each.


###

Harbor bid scuttled as residents protest
Chicago Park District decides mid-meeting on Rogers Park issue

By Noreen S. Ahmed-Ullah
Tribune staff reporter
Published October 21, 2005


Chicago Park District officials said Thursday they were dropping proposals for a harbor in Rogers Park.

The proposed harbor, near Loyola University, was one of five sites suggested by a marina consultant hired by the Park District to find new harbor locations to meet growing demands for boat slips.

The Park District made the decision halfway through a public meeting that packed 300 people into the gymnasium of the Loyola Park fieldhouse.

"If you don't stand up and oppose this, it's going to happen," shouted Jane Alexander, 71, who has lived a block from the lake in Rogers Park for 20 years.

Residents applauded criticisms of the harbor proposal that included statements it would snarl traffic along Sheridan Road, add to a parking crunch and make it the only harbor in Chicago in which residential property would abut a marina. Several people wore stickers that had the words "Loyola Marina" with a line going through it.

The Rogers Park Community Action Network had distributed leaflets through the neighborhood in recent days, pushing for a vocal turnout.

"People here have already spoken about a marina--we don't want this kind of development on our lakefront," said Francis Tobin, interim director of the network, which started the "Save Our Lakefront" campaign that in November led voters in 10 lakefront precincts to reject any landfill north of Hollywood Avenue. "Frankly, this is insulting that they're bringing this as an idea when we've already dealt with this."

Area activists fought off earlier attempts by the Evanston City Council to build a marina at the border to Rogers Park.

They organized the November referendum when an architectural exhibit last year laid out ideas for a new lakefront in Edgewater and Rogers Park, including extending Lake Shore Drive.

Michigan-based JJR LLC had proposed new harbors, including Navy Pier North and South and the former USX site at 87th Street. It will submit a study in January focusing on a few of the proposed harbors.

Friends of the Parks officials said Thursday the USX site, the Navy Pier locations and additions to DuSable Harbor should be looked at first.

In other news, only two companies responded to the Park District's request for bids to manage the city's nine existing harbors. Some interested bidders complained the Park District did not provide information in time for them to compete.

Robert Christoph, owner of Miami-based RCI Marine Inc., said after a Sept. 7 tour of the harbors he had asked for staffing information and line item expenses at each harbor. He received answers Friday, just three working days before the deadline Wednesday. He was unable to submit a bid.

Chicago Park District spokeswoman Jessica Maxey-Faulkner said the agency "certainly attempted to answer every question."

Westrec Marina Management, which has run the harbors for 10 years, was one of the companies that submitted a bid.

The other bidder was first-timer Do Wright Marina. The local company submitted a bid to manage harbors at Jefferson Park and 59th Street

CHICAGO-A city-owned parking lot in the 6300 block of N. Western Avenue will be redeveloped with a 10,000-sf retail center with rooftop parking. The developer, 6301 N. Western LLC, has agreed to pay the city nearly $1.8 million, or $80 per sf, for the 22,122-sf site now occupied by 48 metered parking space.


The $6-million project will create 74 parking spaces, 10 of them reserved for the five tenants who will likely pay rents ranging from $25 per sf to $30 per sf. “This one is a win-win situation for my community,” says 49th Ward Alderman Bernard Stone. “It’s the beginning of additional economic development in this area, which has been underdeveloped in the past.”


Although a restaurant is among the possible tenants, the developers are looking for service-oriented businesses, said Michael Emerson of VOA Associates, architects for the project. The design includes building up to the lot lines along Western Avenue as well as Rosemont Avenue, he told the community development commission Tuesday, as well as a building with 16-foot ceilings. In addition to planting 12 trees along the 204 feet of parkway along Western Avenue, the design includes a water retention system on the environmental “green roof,” allowing rain water to be recycled.


The developer has agreed to pay the appraised value of the parking lot, says department of planning and development project manager Chris Jang. The land sale was endorsed by the community development commission.


Although the property is zoned B3-2 and C2-2, the project is much smaller than the 48,000 sf that could be built on the site

Recently Completed: Lakeview Pointe.

http://www.lakeviewpointe.com/vtour/images/building.jpg

WestGate Crossing. 7554 N. California.

http://homepics.realtor.com/image9/http/chicagosuburban/submit/large/073/1108645a.jpg


North Beach Lofts.
1225 W. Morse

http://jameson.com/northbeachrend.jpg

West Rogers Park. Park Village Condos. 2451 W. Howard.

http://sussexandreilly.net/Developments/images/parkvillagemain.jpg

2310 W. Touhy.

http://camelotrealestate.com/uploads/listings/B1619E2E3B4B44379202834DCB0FD5F3.jpg

New condo on Clark.

http://static.flickr.com/32/43364596_25ba552787_o.jpg

I don't know if this thread is appropriate for this one. But here goes:
http://img466.imageshack.us/img466/3056/grandviewweb9wc.jpg
It will located on the NE corner of Jersey/Peterson. It is about a block south of Lincoln Village.

Yea, that would be West Ridge to me. Great find.

jk

Mixed-Use Project Promises to be Devon ‘Landmark’
By Mark Ruda
Last updated: August 10, 2005 08:15am

CHICAGO-Not only will a $16-million mixed-use development at Devon and Rockwell avenues give the city about 180 additional parking spaces, it also is designed to camouflage the 214-space garage incorporated in the three-story building. However, the city is subsidizing 28% of the cost of the project, giving ASAT Inc. two parcels worth $915,000 for $1, and providing up to $3.6 million in tax increment financing.


The deal, endorsed Tuesday by the community development commission, has been in the works longer than the nearly three years it has taken to decide on ASAT Inc.’s plan over two from a competing developer. “The request for proposal has been pending for almost three years, but I’ve been working on this for almost 10 years,” says 50th Ward Alderman Bernard Stone. “It’s been needed in my community for God knows how long.”


Now used for 45 metered parking spaces serving the bustling Devon Avenue retail district, the northeast corner of Devon and Rockwell avenues will get 13,000 sf of ground-floor retail space facing a public plaza, 30 condominiums on the fifth and sixth floors, and 214 parking spaces on the second, third and fourth floors, according to ASAT Inc.’s plan. In addition, Chicago architect John Hanna has incorporated a glass and tile mural on the building’s side. “We had to figure out a way to hide a parking garage,” Hanna says.


Although ASAT Inc. is setting aside six units for buyers earning the median income or less, commission member Rafael Leon suggested the developer work with the city’s department of housing to make the units affordable to households earning 80% of the median income or less.


“The purpose of the condos are to make the project functional, and quite frankly, make it work on an economic basis,” Stone says. “I happen to believe it will be an architectural landmark.”


Broadway Bank has agreed to finance the project, says Bernard Citron, an attorney for the developer. He notes the project already received a plan commission endorsement in June 2004. Although tenants have not been signed pending tax increment financing approval as well as the land sale, Citron says there has been interest in the 13,000 sf. “It’s absolutely amazing, the low amount of vacancy on that street,” Citron says.

^Last time I was in Chicago I walked by the site and saw a rendering of this project there. It looks really nice, actually. If anyone happens to be in the area perhaps you can snap a photo

I don't know if this thread is appropriate for this one. But here goes:
http://img466.imageshack.us/img466/3056/grandviewweb9wc.jpg
It will located on the NE corner of Jersey/Peterson. It is about a block south of Lincoln Village.
is that were the bank was?

Great Idea for a thread.... Here's a rendering of a 5 story development in the Rogers Park neighborhood on Clark, If anyone could post the image that would be great...
http://morsehellhole.blogspot.com/2005/09/demolition-of-adelphi-theatre.html

Also there's a Target being built on the site of a former strip mall on Peterson. From what I could tell it's a major improvement. The Target faces Peterson and from the look of it all parking is indoor, or hidden from view...

Yeah, I really like these threads, LA1. (btw, what's with the name? ;) )

is that were the bank was?
Yes

Thanks. It will be a little sloppy at first, trying to look for related articles and renderings for each neighborhood, but it should be amazing and very organized later.

I was thinking of adding future hoods:

Southport/Wrigleyville
Lincoln Square
Albany Park/North Park
South Lakeview
Roscoe Village/St Bens
North Center/Irving Park
Lincoln Park
Old Town/Cabrini Green
Near South Side/IIT Campus
Hyde Park/Kenwood
South Shore/Woodlawn
Bronzeville/Oakland
Far South Side
Bridgeport/McKinley Park
West Gate
River West
Bucktown/Wicker Park
Ukranian Village/East Village
Far Northwest side
University Village/Medical Center/UIC
Pilsen/Chinatown

Downtown development can wait since it is well covered anyway.

TCITY REPORT
43 new homes planned near Gateway Plaza

Jeanette Almada
Published March 6, 2005

A 43-unit residential project is planned for former commercial space at Ashland Avenue and Howard Street on a site that includes the former Lerner Newspaper building.

Burrell Restaurant Corp.'s project is a planned development, which subjects it to city oversight on density and building height. Burrell has owned the site for years, according to Jennifer LaSota, president of Single Site Solutions Corp., Burrell's project-planning consultant.

The Plan Commission approved the project late last month. It still must be approved by City Council and that is expected by summer, LaSota said.

Single Site Construction Corp., which is also headed by LaSota, will build the project and will begin demolition of the Lerner building soon after receiving City Council approval.

The for-sale residential project is going up in a neighborhood whose housing is about 70 percent rentals, city officials told plan commissioners.

The 1.05-acre site, at 7407-63 N. Ashland, is one block east of the new 500,000-square-foot Gateway Plaza shopping center and the Chicago Transit Authority's Howard Street elevated station.

"This project has been through an extensive and exhaustive community review process. The end product shows that," Ald. Joe Moore (49th) told the Plan Commission on Feb. 24. "It has been met with overwhelming approval from the community . . . and will bring people with disposable income to Howard Street to help support and at the same time will provide affordable housing for people who otherwise could not afford to live in the neighborhood."

The units will be built in eight masonry buildings designed by Chicago-based P.F.B. Architects.

Those buildings will consist of two styles of housing, according to LaSota.

Thirty-three of the units will go up in seven rows of three-story town homes, at the south portion of the development site.

The two- to three-bedroom townhouses will range from 1,287 to 1,484 square feet with prices from $300,000 to $425,000.

A three-story building, facing Howard, will have 10 condominiums -- two one-bedroom units and eight two-bedrooms, with 976 to 1,195 square feet of space and prices of $200,000 to $300,000.

Four of the two-bedroom condos will be sold for $155,000 through the Chicago Department of Housing's Chicago Partners in Affordable Neighborhoods program, according to LaSota.

"All of this is really quite a jolt for Howard Street and the area," Ald. Bernard Stone (50th), a plan commissioner, said at the commission meeting. He championed the project but lamented an apparent loss of the Wisdom Bridge Theatre site.

Moore stressed that Wisdom Bridge Theatre will remain on its current site, immediately east of the development site.

"When Burrell bought the development site, it also bought the Wisdom Bridge Theatre site. Our original proposal was to tear down the Lerner Building and the Wisdom Bridge Theatre [at 1565 W. Howard], which has been vacant for years," LaSota explained. In response to community pressure, Burrell agreed to sell the Wisdom Bridge site to a community group that will either restore the vacant building or tear it down and build anew, LaSota said.

The developer will begin marketing the units by September, according to LaSota. She expects construction to begin by fall.

[B]Townhome portion of this development.


http://rogerspark.typepad.com/./photos/uncategorized/picture.jpg

Thanks. It will be a little sloppy at first, trying to look for related articles and renderings for each neighborhood, but it should be amazing and very organized later.

I was thinking of adding future hoods:

Southport/Wrigleyville
Lincoln Square
Albany Park/North Park
South Lakeview
Roscoe Village/St Bens
North Center/Irving Park
Lincoln Park
Old Town/Cabrini Green
Near South Side/IIT Campus
Hyde Park/Kenwood
South Shore/Woodlawn
Bronzeville/Oakland
Far South Side
Bridgeport/McKinley Park
West Gate
River West
Bucktown/Wicker Park
Ukranian Village/East Village
Far Northwest side
University Village/Medical Center/UIC
Pilsen/Chinatown

Downtown development can wait since it is well covered anyway.

^Not sure if that's a good idea. Too many threads can really clutter the forums. However, lumping a few hoods together and then "sticky-ing" them would probably be a good idea

^^ I agree, combine many of the neighborhood together, or seprate the city into like 7 parts like Downtown, NorthWest, North Central, North Lake Shore
SouthWest, Far South, Southeast+southern Lake Shore,

I think what I can do is seperate the high development areas, then maybe Southwest side, Far South side, Far Northwest Side. I don't think clumping everything together is that good of a idea, it isnt that organized. Wired NY or other city websites do it by neighborhood mostly, not sections of the city.
There is too much going on to just lump everything into 3-4 threads.

Great Idea for a thread.... Here's a rendering of a 5 story development in the Rogers Park neighborhood on Clark, If anyone could post the image that would be great...
http://morsehellhole.blogspot.com/2005/09/demolition-of-adelphi-theatre.html

Also there's a Target being built on the site of a former strip mall on Peterson. From what I could tell it's a major improvement. The Target faces Peterson and from the look of it all parking is indoor, or hidden from view...


Yeah that is the monstrosity that they are proposing to replace the adelphi theater, as if there arent tons of parking lots or structurally unsound buildings that they could tear down to put that up on clark. They have to tear down a great old theater building, I sure hope that doesnt happen, and that building is totally uninspiring!

theres a gated community being developed on kedzie just south of pratt next to the gas company(not to be confused with the one just compleated recently just east of kedzie on pratt) this mini communitie is set to host varying sized masions . i know the developer name but i still cant find any info about it on the net. is anyone familiar with this development and know any thing about it?

CHICAGO-The bulk of a local university’s $85-million redevelopment project will be spent at a building that once was the tallest in the city. The 14-story Mundelein Center building is not located Downtown, but rather nearly eight miles north at 1012-28 W. Sheridan Rd. in the Rogers Park community.


Loyola University could receive up to $20.4 million in tax increment financing for the entire project, which will include work on three residence halls and streetscapes. However, more than $62 million is budgeted for repairing the 76-year-old Mundelein Center, which is on the National Register of Historic Buildings, where 25% of the space is unusable because of its disrepair, says Michelle Dewlen of the department of planning and development.


The tax increment financing proposal, endorsed Tuesday by the community development commission, calls for the university to front-fund the entire project, with reimbursements from the city coming on a “pay as you go” basis, assuming university-owned properties are generating revenue. In addition to its own fund-raising, university officials are considering historic tax credits, says vice president of capital planning Wayne Magdziarz.


To get the $20.4 million in tax increment financing, the university agreed to have the Mundelein Center designated a Chicago landmark, which will give the city additional oversight over changes to its façade. In addition, the university agreed to an approval process that requires community, department of planning and development as well as city council involvement as redevelopment of the lakefront campus continues.


“We’re still in somewhat of a buying mode for strategic properties around our campus,” Magdziarz says. With 15,000 students enrolled at the lakefront campus, the space there is only one-third what is needed for a student body that size, he adds.


When work is completed in 2009, the university plans to move its performing and fine arts programs to Mundelein Center. The building will get new elevator, heating, ventilation and air conditioning as well as electrical systems during its three-year renovation. While “green roofs” will be installed, they will replace portions that already are leaking. In addition, work is needed on the foundation, and the building will be made handicapped accessible.


“This has long been a building, and a project, that has been out there, and one that we recognize is important not only to the university but the community,” Magdziarz says

Im going to make this seperate, since this area seems to be booming.
Budlong Woods/Peterson Park/Pulaski Park


5588 N. Lincoln
http://homepics.realtor.com/image9/http/chicagosuburban/submit/large/062/1117187a.jpg

5924 N. Lincoln
http://homepics.realtor.com/image3/http/chicago/listings/large/063/05288451.jpg

5978 N. Lincoln

http://homepics.realtor.com/image3/http/chicago/listings/large/083/05286428.jpg

5321 N. Lincoln

http://homepics.realtor.com/image9/http/chicagosuburban/listings/large/059/1109494.jpg

5978 N. Lincoln

http://homepics.realtor.com/image3/http/chicago/listings/large/083/05286428.jpg

I saw this for the first time last summer and was very pleased. It's a very distinguished look, I think.

theres a gated community being developed on kedzie just south of pratt next to the gas company(not to be confused with the one just compleated recently just east of kedzie on pratt) this mini communitie is set to host varying sized masions . i know the developer name but i still cant find any info about it on the net. is anyone familiar with this development and know any thing about it?

ok i found an add for this development. cheack out this suburban type of bull shit there filling this entire gated comunity with.this shit doesent belong in the city!
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/yosisays/FRIDAY1.jpg

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^in that area the houses are already like that anyways. it's practically like the suburbs over there on east of the river from Norhside Prep. This is no major loss.

I agree. Its almost in the suburbs.

^Agreed. Who gives a flying fuck?

I saw this for the first time last summer and was very pleased. It's a very distinguished look, I think.

I think it is criminal that the city didn't turn the hot sheet, charge by the hour motel strip on Lincoln Avenue into a landmark district. How many of these fine, old institutions had a "Bill Clinton slept here" sign in some of its rooms?

I actually don't mind that Regent Park development..

in that area the houses are already like that anyways. it's practically like the suburbs over there on east of the river from Norhside Prep. This is no major loss..

when was the last time you guys have been ther ? agreed its not as hard core as some other areas of the city but its still not suburban. theres plenty of streets lined with nothing but apt./condo buidings ,georgens,bungaloes, and ranches all squished together with barely any space between em. its 2 blocks from devon ,a pretty danm busy urban street dont forget. i dont think a house or development like that belongs next to devon.

you're mistaking this area for areas closer to western

no im not man , my parents live a few blocks from there.im not istaking it for anything. once you jump to the west side of the river to the west then your in suburbia land

I agree with wickedestcity on that. A house like that should be nowhere near the city borders let alone Evanston, Skokie, or even a near burb. The more that type of crap comes closer into the city the harder it is to push away (at least this is what I fear). That looks no better then some of the worst in Naperville in Schaumberg developments.

Gated comunities should be banned by ministerial decree w/in the confines of our fine town

Anyone know how much those house are going for?

i know a corner house ranch a few blocks from there was reacently bought up for $750,000 on prat and richmond. a little shit house for 3/4 of a million!

I agree with wickedestcity on that. A house like that should be nowhere near the city borders let alone Evanston, Skokie, or even a near burb. The more that type of crap comes closer into the city the harder it is to push away (at least this is what I fear). That looks no better then some of the worst in Naperville in Schaumberg developments.

^Oh, please.....

There is nothing wrong with houses near the suburban border being larger and more spacious and looking......suburban.

Lets focus our energy on the neighborhoods closer to the core--Bronzeville, Uptown, Logan Square, Edgwater/Rogers Park, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Kenwood/Hyde Park/Woodlawn, near West, etc. There is a LOT to be done in these neighborhoods that that's where the city should focus its most intense urbanizing energies

tup your thinking very short term. also its not those neighborhoods that anyone is realy worried about. there very close to the citys core and are in no danger of suburbanizing any time soon , if anything there gonna get even more urban and dence. its the neighborhoods like west rogers park and other outlaying neighborhoods that are still within the city and still near main streets like devon. ect. that are we sould be concerned that there being neglected and loosing there "city" feel to projects like this.

Gated communities do nothing but disrupt neighborhood continuity.....part of the greatness of chicago is it neighborhoods and being able to pretty much freely walk among them .....this type of shit does nothing but create little insular enclaves of people who considerd them "elite" and therefore too good to be amongst the rest of us. It ultimaatly fractures and destroys any "organic" sense of community and replaces it w/ artificial forced isolation

sorry I will stop responding to this issue in this thread now.....don't want to hijack it and turn it into a "anti - gated community" thread, when its supposed to be focused on development

i know this is a minor project but im curiouse if anyone knows anything about it. i noticed the lot on the north east corner of devon and kedzie where the old gas station used to be is finnaly being developed and theres an excavation crew on site. it was long vacant for at least 10 years now. anyways does anyone know what there going to puting up over there?

Does anyone have any more info on what will go up on the site of the old Adelphi Theater? I know a condo/retail development was in the works, but ever since the theater demo, the site has sat empty...

Does anyone have any more info on what will go up on the site of the old Adelphi Theater? I know a condo/retail development was in the works, but ever since the theater demo, the site has sat empty...

^ I hate that shit

Why does the city let things get demolished without a replacement plan?

I'm like a f*&king broken record here, saying the same thing over and over, but it's such a simple solution. Don't issue demolition permits until financing for a redevelopment plan is available.

^^ if the building is lef sitting its harbours a nest of homless people which no one wants in their neighborhood.

Loyola's New Infomation Commons Building
Loyola University is in the final design phase of a new 70,000 sqft building on its Lakeshore Campus. The new building is expected to be located East of the existing Jesuit Residence buidling (which is planned to be demolished). The four story building will have two glass facades, maintaining some of the visual connection with lake, and is planned to house 800 study seats, 300 computer workstations and 8 state-of-the-art electronic classrooms. The top floor will be a large flexible meeting space with an outdoor patio. Features such as a green roof, radiant floor heating/cooling, maximazation of natural daylighting and water conservation strategies qualify Infomation Commons as a Silver rated LEED Certified building, one of fewer than 50 such environmentally certified buildings in the City of Chicago. For more information visit Loyola University's websit

^^
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/8699/infojd0.jpg

i know this is a minor project but im curiouse if anyone knows anything about it. i noticed the lot on the north east corner of devon and kedzie where the old gas station used to be is finnaly being developed and theres an excavation crew on site. it was long vacant for at least 10 years now. anyways does anyone know what there going to puting up over there?

turns out their building some kind of mixed use building with condos on top of street front retail. its about time this lot was developed its a pretty busy intersection. and thillens was redone as weel to put a cherry on the cake. its a good thing they kept the milk truck score board otherwize id be pissed off.

wow, that Loyola commons building looks like it might be the shiz. Way to go Loyola.

Condos evicting affordable housing
Rogers Park has lost 900 apartments a year since '03, study finds

By Antonio Olivo
Tribune staff reporter
Published October 25, 2006

A study released Tuesday shows that roughly 900 apartments in Rogers Park have been converted to condominiums each year since 2003, part of a citywide trend that recently prompted Mayor Richard Daley to call for a new campaign to preserve affordable housing.

Although condo conversions signal buyers' confidence in their neighborhoods, the report's authors argue there are not enough safeguards to keep developers from displacing the city's working poor.

Often developers will evict tenants when they want to convert a building to condos, said Brian White, executive director of the Lakeside Community Development Corp. which conducted the survey of nearly 5,000 Rogers Park parcels last summer.

"Typically, what you find is a developer buys a building, puts the tenants on a month-to-month lease and, when he gets his financing together, flips it," White said.

The study noted evidence that some developers illegally evicted their tenants before rehabbing their apartments.

Even if renters are offered first dibs on buying condos that replace their apartments, as is required under state law, the new homes are usually priced beyond what they could afford, White said.

The effect has been a diminishing pool of quality rental housing in the area, particularly for larger families needing the more spacious apartments often targeted for condo conversions, said John Fitzgerald, executive director of the Howard Area Community Center in Rogers Park.

In such an environment, any news about building improvements is met with anxiety by tenants, Fitzgerald said.

"They think the building is not going to be fixed up for them, that it's going to be fixed up for condo owners and they're going to be displaced," he said. "People don't know where they're going to be living next week."

Ald. Joe Moore (49th) agreed more needs to be done to counteract the negative effects of condo conversions in his ward, but he added that such development has also stimulated the local economy.

"It's one of those double-edged swords," Moore said. "Obviously, there are condo conversions occurring because people want to move to Rogers Park and that is a good thing. Of course, the concern is if it's left unabated, it could threaten our neighborhood's diversity."

Moore said developers seeking city assistance in his ward are typically required to set aside at least 10 percent of whatever they build for low-income families.

But in cases where a developer does not need a zoning change or other city aid, "other than jawboning, there is not a whole lot we can do from the city's perspective," Moore said. He added that a slowing local real estate market may take care of the problem.

City housing officials said a special task force on condo conversions headed by Ald. Ray Suarez (31st) is working on recommendations for a city policy that would be implemented in 2007.

aolivo@tribune.com

Copyright © 2006, Chicago Tribune

- edit

there is a building proposed for the greenview and morse corner
you can find it on the broken heart of rogers park website
i think the building is called greenmoore,
the moore coming from the alderman?
it looks to be about 6 stories tall, what irks me is that it doesnt look like there will be retail on the bottom, this would replace the drugstore that was knocked down about a year ago there.

coe is infamous for the screwed up demolition, and the gas leak that ensued
afterwards.
the building is being hawked by camelot realty.

http://www.camelotrealestate.com/find/view.asp?LISTING_ID=72



Model Open Sundays 12 to 3 Pm at 2306 W. Touhy, "The Pinewood". "The Greenmoore" - New Construction 6-story Elevator Building in HOT E. Rogers Park. 12 Luxury 2-4 BD/2/3.5 BA Simplex and Duplex Condominiums Featuring Wide Open Floors Plans, Huge Kitchen with Large Pennisula Breakfast Bar, Cherry Cabinets, Granite and Stainless Appliances. Lagre Master Suites w/ Stone Spa Baths & Walk-in Closets. Cherry Hardwood Floors Throughout. Central Heat and A/C, In-unit Washer/Dryer, Private Balconies/Decks. Garage Parking Included.

whats funny is that they got the address wrong on their website
its not 6901 n greenview
its 6957 n greenview which they get right on the floor plan,
moore is probably from morse.

Yeah I don't know wong.....I can't tell from the rendering if there is retail or not. I am all for dense development near L stations and I am not sure this is such a bad development..though it is pricey...it is better than that vacant lot


OK now to really get you wound up......the Adelphi theater....what the hell is going on the site seems to be sitting still for the last several months

Yeah I don't know wong.....I can't tell from the rendering if there is retail or not. I am all for dense development near L stations and I am not sure this is such a bad development..though it is pricey...it is better than that vacant lot


OK now to really get you wound up......the Adelphi theater....what the hell is going on the site seems to be sitting still for the last several months


I do like the building overall, didnt mean to give the wrong impression,
and it does look like retail could be possible later if not now,
about the adelphi site, things happen slowly in RP, but im sure something will go up there if not the original design. I am confident that a nice semitall building will go up there, we can atleast rely on the greed of the lot's owner, he probably figured taxes are cheaper on a vacant lot than an empty movie house, i guess adelphi means brothers in greek.

some good news is that there are some investors interested in fixing up cobblers square on morse, and possibly making it into a music venue/night club/restaurant type deal, which would be great,

nice photo recently on broken heart rogers park showing the police cars parked up and down on morse, thats where i keep uptodate on my area.

Here's the rendering, for those too lazy to click the link:

http://www.camelotrealestate.com/uploads/listings/036ABE1963E840E8989B528500A606A0.jpg

OK now to really get you wound up......the Adelphi theater....what the hell is going on the site seems to be sitting still for the last several months

before the theater was demolished, a developer had renderings of an "upscale" (expensive) condo building to be built, but there has been no activity on the site, or even signs up for pre-construction sales, since the demo. i drive by this site everyday and wonder...

Saturday, January 06, 2007
* Howard/Ashland Site Set For Eminent Domain

City Takes Action to Force Development of Vacant Site

A 46,000 square foot parcel at Howard and Ashland in Rogers Park that once was home to the Lerner newspaper facility has sat vacant for more than 10 years. The City of Chicago, at the request of the community, has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for redevelopment of the site. Although the City does not own the site, they have authority through eminent domain to acquire it. The RFP will provide a much-needed push to get site development to occur.

New development on Howard Street couldn’t come at a better time. “New mixed-use development will really benefit the community,” said Amy Campbell, the Howard Street Special Service Area Manager. “Revitalization on Howard Street is linked to development on that site. The timing of the RFP also coincides with the release of the Commercial Corridor Plan for Howard Street,” said Campbell. “Developers now have a useful tool to guide their development, based on the community’s wants and needs.”

The site is within the boundaries of the Howard/Paulina Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district. TIF assistance is potentially available for proposals that demonstrate tangible public benefits, including affordable housing, new retail or environmentally sustainable features.

The aim of the RFP is to solicit proposals for commercial, residential and/or mixed-use development that comply with the new B2-3 zoning designation and are consistent with the surrounding area. Since the site is located in the Howard/Paulina TIF area, it is also subject to the vision of the TIF plan, which seeks to make the TIF redevelopment area “an important activity center contributing to the neighborhood and community focus of the Howard/Paulina Area.”

DevCorp North, the business, community and economic development organization in Rogers Park, provided the City of Chicago’s Dept. of Planning and Development with detailed information about other developments occurring on Howard Street for the RFP, including Bob Coe’s development at 1523-25 Howard and the new Gale Park Community Center being developed across the street from the site.

“The community has been waiting too long for something to happen with that site, it was time the city stepped in and took over,” said Kimberly Bares, Executive Director of DevCorp North. “That’s why DevCorp North submitted a letter of support for the City of Chicago to initially place the property on the City’s acquisition list, which was supposed to light a fire under the current owner to move forward with developing the property. When that didn’t happen, we supported the City in putting together a RFP for someone else to develop that site. Rogers Park and Howard Street deserve good development that enhances and serves the needs of the neighborhood, not vacant sites and inattentive property owners.”

A hard copy of the RFP is available at DevCorp North’s office, 1557 W Howard Street, or downtown at the Department of Planning and Development in City Hall. A pre-submittal conference will be held at 10am on January 8, 2007 in conference room 1003A of City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle. The due date for submittal to the city is February 5th.

^^^
It would be cool if there was a high-rise residential building at Howard & Ashland, to create a quasi-symmetric "Gate to Evanston" along with the Bristol Chicago development in the 400 block of Howard in Evanston. Purple Line trains will then pass between the two towers.

^ I would settle for a 3-4 or 5-6 story mixed use building at that site,
a highrise would be great, but more likely to have that happen on the evanston side of howard,

Howard is probably the last great street along with Morse
on the north side
that need a major overhaul and TIF district to speed along
their respective recoveries.

Chris Adams Calls For Moratorium On Rogers Park Condo Conversions
Proposes Low Income Housing Trust Fund
By NAT SHEPPARD
published:Jan 19, 12:55 PM


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chris Adams, candidate for 49th Ward Alderman, called Friday for a 12-month moratorium on new condominium conversions in Rogers Park and announced he would create a 49th Ward Low Income Housing Trust Fund – the first of its kind in Chicago – as part of a strategy to stem the decline in affordable housing in the 49th ward.

During a meeting with the Lakeside Community Development Corporation, Adams said that when elected, he would create a blanket amendment to the city’s housing ordinance that would freeze conversions for one year and allow the community to take stock of its housing situation.

“This is a pivotal time in our community,” Adams said. “We have more than 700 condominiums on the market in the 49th Ward with more conversions under way. As a community, we need to take a deep breath, evaluate where we are and make serious plans about where we want to go.

“In the meantime, I challenge Ald. Joe Moore to hold a public summit on the Ward’s affordable housing situation and begin collecting meaningful feedback on the direction the community wants to take.”

Adams' plan also would require at least one affordable housing set-aside for developments that include six to nine units and a 10 percent affordable housing set-aside for developments of 10 units or more. Developers would be required to submit formal affordable housing set-aside agreements

The Trust Fund would follow provisions already in place in the housing ordinance. Developers opting out of set-asides in the 49th Ward would contribute to the Ward fund, rather than the citywide fund. The money provides rent and mortgage relief and new affordable housing construction for qualified applicants.

Condo conversions in Rogers Park have dislocated numerous families and driven others out of the community altogether, threatening the cultural and economic diversity on which the community prides itself. Adams said Ald. Moore’s set-aside policies have been ineffective.

A report by the Lakeside Community Development Corporation linked the rapid increase in the number of new condominiums in Rogers Park to a sharp decline in rental units. According to the Lakeside report, Rogers Park has lost 3,600 rental units in just the last four years.

“The alderman has consistently presented the community with public promises of set-asides only to privately allow developers to choose less expensive alternatives, all to the detriment of the ward's affordable housing stock,” Adams said.

Adams said that under his plan developers would not be allowed to renege on set-aside agreements unless they showed actual financial distress and proof that they were pursuing all local, state and federal financing relief available to them and contributed to the Low Income Housing Trust Fund.

In its report, Lakeside Community Development Corporation recommended that the alderman use more aggressive down-zoning as a tool for community control of commercial and mixed use corridors in the ward. Adams said he would embrace the strategy and also use down-zoning to preserve lower density and the architectural integrity of neighborhoods.

“Change is an important part in the evolution of any community and there is a pressing need for our ward to evolve into a community that is better able to provide for the needs of its residents,” Adams said. “Retail, commercial and residential developments will be the driving factors in the evolution but the community has the right to oversee what’s happening and the alderman has the tools that can help.”

I bumped into a friend today who I remember was petitioning to get Devon fixed up and he told me that it was passed and that its a done deal . They need to wait till the end of the next tax period or something before they can start but basically there going to clean up the Ave. nicely. Its divided into 3 sections to be (if I remember correctly) Kedzie to California, California to western, and western to Ridge. Each section will be fixed up with newly paved sidewalks, nice flower pot/beds , street lamps, street lamp decorations /lighting schemes and other upgrades to the Ave. similar to what has been done in other areas of the city etc.

^ Good news! It's about time, if you ask me..

Does this mean that Devon will actually be attractive????

Hope so :yes:

Excerpt From Loyola Phoenix


CTA works to bring community and Loyola art to local el stations
Maria Randazzo
Issue date: 2/21/07 Section: News
PrintEmail Article Tools Page 1 of 3 next > They call themselves the CTA. No, it's not the Chicago Transit Authority's train conductors or drivers of the 147 bus. This CTA is a group of Loyola students seeking to create a strong visual connection between the university and Rogers Park.

The acronym is no coincidence. Community Transforming Art (CTA) hopes to establish a bond by mounting artwork from the Loyola and Rogers Park communities onto the Loyola el stop.

......

Five student teams chose which activist groups to collaborate with based on presentations from each organization. Before pitching their idea to the class, the girls ventured into Rogers Park to diffuse their ideas and receive feedback from community leaders, city officials and citizens. They attended Rogers Park art exhibits and aldermanic forums and are currently networking with local artists through the Rogers Park Web site.

.....

Although they are still in a developmental phase, CTA's project will reach its final stage when a proposal is approved by Adopt-A-Station, a program of the Chicago Transit Authority. Since October of 2005, 20 el stations have been "adopted" and aesthetically renovated, including the Sheridan, Morse and Davis stops.
"Our goal is to bring people together and integrate Loyola with the Rogers Park community," McManus said. "We have a lot of Loyola pride and many artistic students."

CTA plans to allot space on the train station to different organizations from Rogers Park and from Loyola. These groups would be asked to design their area as a reflection of themselves. Ideally, CTA would coordinate one day in the spring where residents and students could create their pieces together.

"Having the el stop as a testament to the diversity of Loyola and the diversity of the neighborhood would be amazing," McManus said.

.........

Many students believe in the "Loyola bubble," the theory that the university is ignorant of the Rogers Park community and that it does not branch outside of campus life. CTA begs to differ.

http://www.globest.com/news/863_863/gsrmidwest/158897-1.html?type=pf

Construction to Begin on $400M Loyola Station
By Gina Kenny

CHICAGO- McCaffery Interests Inc., based here, expects to break ground this spring on the first phase of Loyola Station, while work on a second phase will likely begin next year. The project is adjacent to Loyola University, in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. The $400 million development will be built on 5.4 acres and is expected to have up to 60,000 sf of retail, 400 residences and 600 parking spaces. The area is part of a tax increment financing district.

The land is now used for surface parking, says Jennifer Clark, Loyola University’s director of community relations. A focus group conducted with students found that they were leaving the area for all of their shopping and entertainment. Clark says the goal is for Loyola Station to bring retail and other uses to the site that will be beneficial to both the students and the surrounding community. “I believe that this project is really going to jumpstart commercial development along Sheridan Road and Devon Avenue,” Clark says.

McCaffery was chosen as the developer for the first phase about 16 months ago, Clark says. One building will be eight stories with 152 luxury residential rentals with retail on the ground floor. The second building will be three stories with retail on the ground level and 205 parking spaces above. Representatives from McCaffery were unavailable for comment.

There will be a total of 33,000 sf of retail for both of the phase one buildings. The buildings are expected to open in the fall of 2008. “We do not have any retail leases signed yet but it is desperately needed by both the university and the community,” Clark says. There has been a lot of community interest in a restaurant, bookstore and “general retail” such as an ice cream shop.

A 75-year ground lease was signed with McCaffery for the first phase of the project, and the university will negotiate a long-term lease with the developer of the second phase of the project as well, Clark says. The university does not have a need for the land now but, by retaining ownership of the property, the land can be used for the expansion of the campus at a later date, if needed.

The deadline for proposals for the second phase of the project is April 27, says Peter Tortorello, vice president and project manager with Newcastle Limited, the broker for the project. There are two separate parcels that total 3.26 acres. One parcel is 77,567 sf and is bounded by Albion Avenue, Sheridan Road and the Chicago Transit Authority Red Line. The train stop near the parcel is the third busiest stop for the Chicago Transit Authority with 130,000 riders per month, he says. The second 64,259 parcel on West Loyola Avenue currently has a student residence and an apartment building on it. Tortorello says he expects proposals will be for a mixed-use development with retail on the ground level and residential rental units above. A developer will be chosen for the second phase of the project by late summer or early fall, with construction to possibly begin in 2008, says Tortorello.

^ Great news. I was just saying yesterday I remember how the relationship between the student body and Rogers Park was and has been pretty much non-existent. This is a hefty investment that think will pay off in the long run. I do think retailers will be a bit unsure in the beginning, although I love to be wrong on these occasions. Its time Loyola take the lead and start to spur some development around campus. I have big dreams for Broadway/Sheridan & Devon.

Btw, have renderings been released? $400 million is a big investment. I wanna see how the damn thing will look.

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/8061/tifphase1plansbx3.jpg

More info:
http://luc.edu/tif/project_stages.shtml

^ Great news. I was just saying yesterday I remember how the relationship between the student body and Rogers Park was and has been pretty much non-existent. This is a hefty investment that think will pay off in the long run. I do think retailers will be a bit unsure in the beginning, although I love to be wrong on these occasions. Its time Loyola take the lead and start to spur some development around campus. I have big dreams for Broadway/Sheridan & Devon.

Btw, have renderings been released? $400 million is a big investment. I wanna see how the damn thing will look.

You would think so, but the some people in RP are ungrateful to Loyola. I understand they want to keep the neighborhood diverse, but there needs to a halfway point. My family imigrated to RP in the 60's and it was a great place. It did have a decline and partially thanks to Loyola it's on it way back to the way it used to be. Check out this article in the Loyola Phoenix about Loyola and the neigborhood's relations.

http://www.loyolaphoenix.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticlePrinterFriendly&uStory_id=2a69577e-ba90-4eb7-8aae-85d26ee3ecbf


TIF strains Loyola-RoPo relations
Phoenix News Special Series
Derek Quizon
Posted: 2/28/07
Loyola is a school that prides itself on being an active, positive force in the local community. With Loyola's ambitious plans for expansion and renovation, however, the university's administration has butted heads with community groups and activists over funding and the location of its new development projects.

Although these projects, which include a new Information Commons and numerous renovations, could mean great benefits for the student body, it has put incredible strain on relations between the university and the Rogers Park neighborhood that surrounds the Lake Shore campus. With the aldermanic candidates and community activists all acknowledging the tension that exists between the university and Rogers Park, the Phoenix took an opportunity to examine the state of affairs between Loyola and the neighboring community.

Although the interviewed candidates, offices and organizations all differed in opinion on the topic, they seemed to agree that the relationship between the school and the community is somewhat strained. Loyola alumnus and aldermanic candidate Don Gordon said the tension between the two is "very real" and blamed the alderman's office for not working with the administration closely enough to soften the blow of its new developments.

Jennifer Clark, director of Community Relations at Loyola, claims that the candidates' issues with Loyola are mainly election-year hype and accused them of being previously uninvolved in Loyola's affairs.

"I do not believe there to be any great tension between Rogers Park and Loyola," Clark said. "I think the reason for the statements … at the debates is simply campaign politics. It is an easy tactic to attempt to win voters by scapegoating an institution as large as Loyola."

Gordon, however, begged to differ, saying that the tension has only gotten worse with the university's new renovation projects. "Loyola is getting crucified on the TIF," Gordon said at the aldermanic debate a few weeks back. "Part of the problem is the alderman didn't lead that process correctly, and that's why they're getting crucified."

TIF stands for "tax increment financing," a measure that directs income from property taxes in a certain district toward renovation projects in the neighborhood. It is intended to help develop economically depressed areas, and although TIFs have been somewhat successful in the renovation of many different areas of the city, they are also controversial because they take money that would normally go to other public programs, such as schools, parks, roads and libraries.

The TIF Gordon was referring to was $46 million in financing the school received from the city last October for renovations of the Lake Shore campus. The university had planned to use $20 million to renovate Mundelein Center but expanded funding to more than double the original amount in order to pay for renovations of Coffey, Piper and Flanner Halls.

The idea behind a TIF is to use tax dollars to renovate and build up a particular district economically, increasing revenue from property taxes, which in turn goes back to the community. The biggest problem many local organizations have with the project is that Loyola is a non-profit institution, which makes property on its campus tax-exempt. This means that none of the public funding that goes into development projects is cycled back into the neighborhood.

One of the harshest critics of Loyola's development plans is blogger and local activist Craig Gernhardt. Gernhardt, who writes the "Broken Heart of Rogers Park" blog, has been an outspoken opponent of the Loyola TIF, as well as the marina project.

"Loyola is a not-for-profit university, and [it's] being funded … with TIF money, which is property owners in the neighborhood's money," Gernhardt said. Gernhardt's frustration is shared by many community organizations, including the Rogers Park Community Action Nework (RPCAN), which has been against the measure since the beginning, and North side POWER (People Organized to Work, Educate and Restore).

"Public funds are being used to enhance a private wealthy, institution," Dan Romero of Northside POWER said, "and so that is very controversial in the neighborhood, and you'll find a lot of folks who are really upset over that."

Many are also upset with what they perceive to be dishonesty in Loyola's planning and development process. Gernhardt in particular accused Loyola of pandering to local politicians in order to accomplish their development goals. He said that the TIF was first presented to the community in 2003 as the "Devon-Sheridan TIF," implying that the money would go to local property owners.

The university's administration claims that the building renovations help the community as a whole by providing a meeting space and contributing aesthetically to the neighborhood. Wayne Magdziarz, the university's vice president of capital planning, said there was a "tentative program" to dedicate an entire floor of the renovated Mundelein Center to non-profit community use.

Loyola alumnus and community activist Hugh Devlin, however, told the Phoenix last year that he felt the project was largely self-serving and would not give enough back to the community it was taking from.

"I believe that the benefits of the community [in this situation] are disproportional," Devlin said. "Give me the $45 million, and I will set up offices for non-profits, and I'll put some paint on the el stop."

The TIF is by far the biggest concern of local residents but not the only one. The university seems to have gained a reputation as the neighborhood bully, a developer that gets what it wants, when it wants, by lobbying local politicians and deceiving the public.

"At this point," Devlin wrote bitterly in his "North of Howard Watchers" blog, "if someone from Loyola told me 'God loves you' I would check it out."

Although the university has a reputation of getting whatever it wants in the neighborhood, the community did win a decisive victory in October of 2005 by preventing the construction of a proposed Loyola marina in Lake Michigan. A crowd of 300 concerned citizens, which was overwhelmingly opposed to the new project, showed up to a meeting at the Loyola Park Fieldhouse voicing the citizens' concern over the development of the shoreline, which activists hoped to preserve. It was finally decided by Park District representative Robert Rejman that the city would not follow through with the proposal.

The university was forced to battle a local advocacy group yet again with the new Information Commons. Although the new facility will be privately funded, it is being built on what was formerly the Jesuit Residence Lawn, a space that many local students, alumni and local residents cherished. The Rogers Park Conservancy, a group headed by aldermanic candidate Gordon, claimed that the building "blocks the last remaining vista of the lake and creates a canyon effect along the shoreline" and that Loyola was in violation of the Lakefront Protection Ordinance, which states its purpose is, "to promote and provide for the pedestrian access to the lake … and to protect and enhance vistas at these locations and wherever else possible."

The university responded by saying that these things would be provided for by the sidewalks and terrace included in the project. Clark added that the library would be a great community asset by providing local organizations with a meeting place and that a plan was in the works to allow non-student neighborhood residents to access the library and check out books.

After a major battle over the new TIF plan, as well as a couple of skirmishes over development plans, the university and the community at large are at a crossroads in their relationship. Despite protests from the neighborhood, Loyola is going through with two of the three projects planned for the community. The question is: How can the university ease the tension and remaining hostility over its newest development plans?

Gernhardt said the administration needs to do a better job of reaching out to the rest of the community when it plans new projects. "Loyola is a wonderful and great asset to our community," Gernhardt said. "It's unfortunate that they don't want to work more with the neighbors and the surrounding community. They instead go to the local politicians and begin lobbying to get what they want."

Clark agreed that communication was key. "My plan to ease the tension is pretty simple," Clark said. "I will continue to be a loud and active voice for students in the community and voice for the community on the campus. I will listen to people's concerns each and every time they contact me … I didn't come to Loyola to work in an ivory tower; I came to Loyola to demolish the ivory tower and create a campus community like no other."

Listening to the concerns of residents in the local community is the first step in achieving this goal, but judging by the fierce opposition met by Loyola's new development plans, the university has a long way to go before it can truly become the campus community it wants to be.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
© Copyright 2007 The Phoenix

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/8061/tifphase1plansbx3.jpg

More info:
http://luc.edu/tif/project_stages.shtml

Thank you. I like it. Its nothing earth-shattering but it really doesnt have to be. It addresses the street well and the design is pretty good. I have to say its design is better than anything that exists now though. I fully support this project. I live in Rogers Park and I really do hope for more private developments like this away from the university esp. along Howard St.

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/8061/tifphase1plansbx3.jpg

More info:
http://luc.edu/tif/project_stages.shtml

^ It's better than parking lots but it's so....Washington DC!!

(Or at least that was the kind of crap being built everywhere in DC when I lived there)

What is going on at Howard Street? I know the one big crane is for apartments being built. I saw this weekend several other smaller ones. Does anybody know what is happening with those (is this part of the city's Howard Stop renovation?)

and you guys call this neighborhood suburban? check out the newst development comming to my neck of the woods:

http://sacramentosquare.com/

http://www.sshomes.com/development/sacramentosquare/images/sq_rendering_large.jpg

two rows of homes squeeezed between sacramento and the alley
http://www.sshomes.com/development/sacramentosquare/images/sq_units.jpg

Not that bad.... it's ridiculously dense for a townhome development.

Auto oriented? Not really, although I'm disappointed with the site planning. If those townhouses are like most new construction, the back walls will be faced with ugly vinyl siding, and slapdash windows. The people living in the second row will have absolutely no good views - they will see the ugly backs of other peoples' houses from every window.

^ It's ugly though and still looks like something you'll find in south elgin.

Lookee what I found on the North of Howard Blog

For pictures click on the link
http://www.rogers-park.com/2007/07/exciting-things.html

on 1531 w Howard, a nice 5 story building that is mixed use has just been annouced.,
what is ofcourse refreshing about this part of Rogers Park is that
you wont hear too much from nimbies, looks like some lowrise brickers
will be demo'd to allow this to be built, nice looking building check it out.

(Exciting things are happening on Howard Street
The Howard Street Special Service Area has put up the first of many signs announcing the exciting things happening on Howard Street. Construction will begin soon at 1531 W. Howard Street. This beautiful mixed use building will be developed by Sherlock Homes Builders and sold by Camelot Realty)

For more information on developments on Howard Street, contact Courtney Owen at (773) 508-5885 or cowen@devcorpnorth.org.


Looks like this is on the south side of howard just west of the amazing howard/rogers/greenview intersection,
among the most confusing and dangerous and cool intersections in chicago.
it is just also just west of the awesome/interesting lost eras antique shop.

also check this out
http://howardwatchers.blogspot.com/search/label/Gale%20Park%20Field%20House

also the high rise on howard by clark is looking good as far as progress is concerned and the condo conversion on the corner across the street is looking good,

Finally some action on this long neglected street.

also check this out
http://howardwatchers.blogspot.com/search/label/Gale%20Park%20Field%20House

also the high rise on howard by clark is looking good as far as progress is concerned and the condo conversion on the corner across the street is looking good,

Finally some action on this long neglected street.

^ Highrise on Howard by Clark.....What development is this?

http://www.rogers-park.com/

also check out the above link to see a rendering
of the new morse theatre which is in the process of being rehabbed at wayne and morse.



URB i guess it must be technically in evanston,
but this seems wrong to me, but hey
city limits is a very very tricky thing,
i guess west of the el the north side of howard is evanston,
this building is listed under evanston developments
check out the first page
its the 413-421 e howard building which will be 17 stories,
which in my book is a highrise, and its looking good so far.

when you drive down the street from the east side of howard to the west it sure as hell looks like its in chicago,
eh who cares, but it helps out the whole area.

to use a
wording used very often (clique)
mystery solved.

North Siders drawing lines in the sand over Lake Michigan plan

A fence extends into Lake Michigan at Sherwin Avenue, separating the public space from a private beach next door. / Photo by Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan
By ELISABETH KWAK-HEFFERAN
Medill News Service
published:Aug 06, 10:25 AM

Whose lakefront is it, anyway?

An advocacy group looking to open the city's entire 30-mile shoreline to the public may confront a storm of controversy when it asks that question this fall in Rogers Park and Edgewater. Only four miles of Chicago's lakefront remain inaccessible-two of them in those North Side communities.

A group of architects working pro bono for Friends of the Parks has turned its attention to the remaining chunks of inaccessible land-roughly from the city's northern boundary to Loyola Park, then from Loyola Park south to Hollywood Avenue.

The planners completed a proposal for the South Side's lakefront last month. Next up is a plan for the North Side, starting with public meetings in September.

Private condos loom over the lake on much of that land-and some owners aren't happy about the prospect of losing their space.

"When I bought my unit, it was in a certain place and the lake was in a certain place," said Richard Strauss, who lives in the Malibu East building at 6033 N. Sheridan Rd. "If you're going to change that, you're impinging on my rights."

Strauss, 69, said the neighborhood has plenty of public lakefront access elsewhere and that an expensive project to expand the beach would be a waste of money. Plus, "I have great concern about noise and traffic," he said.

Strauss, who is first vice president of the condo association's board of directors, stressed he was speaking personally and not as a representative for the board.

William Budinski, 50, a real estate agent who lives in a lakefront condo on Sherwin Avenue in Rogers Park, said he feared the plan would bring garbage and bustle to his private beach. "It would no longer be a peaceful dead-end street," he said. "I hope that never happens. I would probably move."

Friends of the Parks' plan to expand public access also ran into outspoken opposition on the South Side from private lakefront homeowners between 71st and 75th streets. The group does not expect to finish its proposal for the entire lakefront until 2009.

Despite the strong feelings of some condo owners, others applaud the idea of more beaches, parks and paths.

"With the density increasing on the North Side, it would make more sense to have as much beach access as possible," said Chris Ryan, 48, as he walked his dog at Berger Park on Granville Avenue.

Ryan, whose Rogers Park condo blocks public access to the lake with rocks, said he'd have no problem with opening the front of his building to Chicago's beachgoers.

"I can't believe that somebody would buy a condo just to have a private beach," he said.

Rashni Patel, 21, a Loyola University student, said a fully public shore would give her workouts a boost by extending lakeside running paths. "I'd rather just do that than going in circles," she said, adding that now she's forced to run on the sidewalk at Thorndale Avenue, where condos act as a barrier to the lakefront.

Alderman Joe Moore (49th) said he'll wait to see a final proposal before weighing in on the plan to open the last lakefront miles in his ward. "It depends on what you mean by 'opening up to the public,'" he said. "The devil is, as always, in the details."

A spokesman for Alderman Mary Anne Smith (48th) was more enthusiastic. "It's great," said Tom Samuels. "More green, more access, mom and apple pie. You can't go wrong."

Friends of the Parks will test that theory as it gathers public input this fall. "The first and foremost thing we want to do is see what the community needs," said Joanne Bauer, president of an architecture firm and one of the architects working on the lakefront plan.

They may need to brace for some discord. Open space lovers will likely be joined by condo owners like Strauss. "I will do anything I can do to bring thousands of people to their meeting," he said, "and tell them that they're full of it."

^ Can't the city simply condemn this property for public use?

^ Can't the city simply condemn this property for public use?

I would think so,
I think its a great idea, there shouldnt be lakefront that is completely taken up by condos, that was a big mistake,
there should be one continuous bike/jogging path all through chicago,
its stupid that where LSD ends there is oops just jagged rocks and ugly concrete walls.

I really hope Friends of the Parks gets a win on this one. If you hear about any public meetings on this wong give a notice if u can.

For those who care for an update about the Regent Park development in West Rogers Park (off Kedzie between Devon and Pratt)- The following email had been sent out to people in the neighborhood surrounding this development:

Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:31:48 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [CAPS2411] Urgent Meeting Tomorrow

Dear friends and neighbors,

You may not be aware that the Regent Estate property is scheduled to have a rezoning hearing tomorrow.

It is imperative that all those concerned with the safety and character of our neighborhood attend, and pass this message on to as many people as possible.

The hearing will be in City Hall, on the second floor, City Council chambers, at 1pm on Thursday.

The proposed change calls for the amount of residential units at the Regent Estate development site to be expanded from 74 to a whopping 250! The current density of the property allows approximately 6.5 residential units per acre. The proposed change would raise that to 20 units per acre. This is a density unseen in Chicago outside of areas such as Downtown, Streeterville, and the Gold Coast. The proposed rezoning changes the property to B25 zoning.

The developers propose the construction of townhomes with no backyards which they anticipate selling in the upper $500K range. There is obviously no market for this type of property in our neighborhood, yet the developers only care about making as much as possible as easily as possible. They do not care about the quality of our community.

The houses which currently stand on Regent Estate are, as most of you are aware, still vacant. This contributes to a lowering of property values in our area, as well as providing havens for crime.

The project is ill-conceived, and entirely out of character for our neighborhood. It would be detrimental to us if allowed to pass, and certainly will not benefit the community in any way.

If the rezoning is granted, and the project doesn't work out for the developer, they could then ask for any "minor" changes to the zoning, which would even allow them to build 4-story apartment buildings throughout the entire property.

It is important for as many people as possible to attend this meeting tomorrow in order that a requested continuance be granted, so that Alderman Stone will be able to hear all of the aforementioned objections, on the record.

Again, the hearing is on Thursday at 1pm at City Hall on the second floor in the City Council chambers.

Thanks for helping to keep our neighborhood a safe and beautiful one to live in.

-Anonymous local resident

Oh boy..

This is my favorite part: The project is ill-conceived, and entirely out of character for our neighborhood. It would be detrimental to us if allowed to pass, and certainly will not benefit the community in any way.

The original developer wanted to build multi-million dollar McMansons in this space offering to build each home custom to the buyer. He even tried boosting the concept by building a handful of em to help people understand his vision. I agree that his vision may have been a bit blurred assuming that millionaires would want to settle in West Rogers Park of all location. The only thing I can think of is that he was marketing it to the Jewish population who make that part of Chicago there home. He assumes that a rich Jew would probably want to live close to the community while enjoying the luxuries money offers. But it never caught on. Now this new developer wants to squeeze as many sellable homes into the land as possible. Now I’m all for urbanism but I’m also for harmony. And I feel both concepts don’t fit the surrounding areas very well. That particular area is more suitable for Georgians, bungalows, two flats and ever a few three flats or a courtyard apartment building

From a mass emailing, the two major eyesore shitbox four plus one behemoths just down the street from me are finally being vacated and are sold and hopefully will be razed for something new
Found the whole thing on Broken Heart Rogers Park







New Landlords Take Over Troubled Morse/Lunt Apartments


Dear Neighbor,

I am pleased to report we scored a significant victory in our efforts to improve the safety of the Morse Avenue area. A Chicago-based real estate firm, Newcastle Limited, recently acquired 1340 W. Morse and 1345 W. Lunt, a troubled apartment complex located just east of the Morse El Station, along Glenwood Ave.

The complex consists of two apartment buildings--one fronting on Morse, the other on Lunt--and has been the site of suspected drug and gang activity for some time. An undercover police investigation last year netted several drug purchases at 1340 W. Morse, which resulted in both buildings being placed in the City's Strategic Task Force program.

The Strategic Task Force targets buildings that have been identified as "drug/gang houses or places of ongoing criminal activity." The task force consists of city lawyers, building inspectors and the police who team up to conduct top to bottom inspections of problem buildings and meet with the owners of the buildings to develop a plan for resolving the problems.

The task force can require building owners to evict problem tenants, engage in criminal background checks of prospective tenants and tenants renewing leases, and provide building security enhancements. In extreme cases, the task force can compel landlords to sell their property.

I participated in a series of meetings with the Strategic Task Force, Beat 2431 Facilitator Kevin O'Neil, the management company and a representative of the consortium that owns the buildings to develop a plan to resolve the criminal activity. I insisted the abatement plan include several items suggested by community residents, including hiring security guards to patrol the building and its perimeter during peak periods of criminal activity.

While the measures resulted in some improvements, the buildings continued to have problems. The City attorney and I strongly encouraged the owners to sell the buildings to a responsible buyer who could manage them well.

The sale to Newcastle will place the buildings in the hands of an experienced real estate advisory and investment firm with holdings throughout Chicago and its suburbs. Armed with a $500 million platform, Newcastle possesses the resources necessary to completely renovate the building, and manage it well.

The building suffers from years of neglect. Newcastle states it will keep the property as a rental apartment building, but must vacate the building to undertake the renovations necessary to make it a quality rental building

My office is currently working with the current residents of the building and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization to ensure that the tenants are treated fairly and provided assistance in locating other homes. Newcastle assures me that it will honor all leases and abide by the requirements of the Chicago Landlord-Tenant Ordinance.

This victory would not have been accomplished without the hard work of vigilant neighborhood residents, especially those who participated in the CAPS program. And of course, the 24th District Police Department played a key role in keeping the pressure on the old building owners.

Congratulations to all involved!

Sincerely,

Joe Moore


Newcastle brokered deals for Loyola at the Loyola EL stop and at the Water Tower campus and DePaul's sale of Barat College to developers.

New Contact Info for problems w/
1340 W Morse & 1345 W Lunt

Newcastle Limited
150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3610
Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 312.252.1400
Fax: 312.252.1381
Email: info@newcastlelimited.com

A meeting to review a proposal for the construction of a five-story, 24-unit condominium building with three commercial storefront spaces at 2001 W. Howard (southwest corner of Howard and Damen).

The meeting will take place tonight, 7:00 p.m., at the Pottawattomie Park Fieldhouse, 7340 N. Rogers.

Building owner Gus Rizakos, his architect, Irene Zemenides and his attorney, Sylvia Michas, will present the plans. The meeting on this proposed development originally was scheduled last June, but was postponed due to a serious illness in the architect's family.

The lot is 13,038 square feet in size and is zoned B1-2. A commercial building, which houses the Tastee Sub fast food restaurant and several storefront churches, currently occupies the site and would be demolished to make way for the new development.

The current zoning would permit the construction of 13 dwelling units. The owner is requesting a zoning change to B1-3, which would allow him to construct up to 32 dwelling units. His proposal calls for only 24 dwelling units.

Blognotes #1: Expect a real barn-burner tonight. Alderman Rainey is busing in her people from Evanston who have had enough with the problems and crime that this property and the people who hang out there have caused Evanston residents.

Blognotes #2: Long, long ago, a one-time Rogers Park blogger, who has since pulled the plug on blogging, blogged about this neighborhood eyesore.

it was posted NOV 27th

http://bp3.blogger.com/_NYpMerQgcHU/R0wo3Tu4qyI/AAAAAAAABgU/T6rPdp_HiRM/s1600-h/2001_W_Howard_Proposed_Elevations.jpg
thats the pic

I think the Loyola expansion is getting underway south of the El station. Its about time.

Yes it is good to see that get started. Originally they had a date of Fall 2008 for completion but it seems highly unlikely. I have been curious about the status of phase two of the Station. I came across this link but have heard no news from Loyola or the newspaper about this:

http://www.bkvgroup.com/portfolio.cfm/Community_Development/Urban_Planning/Loyola_Station

Yes it is good to see that get started. Originally they had a date of Fall 2008 for completion but it seems highly unlikely. I have been curious about the status of phase two of the Station. I came across this link but have heard no news from Loyola or the newspaper about this:

http://www.bkvgroup.com/portfolio.cfm/Community_Development/Urban_Planning/Loyola_Station

^ Here are the renderings from that site. Which of these is about to being construction?

http://www.bkvgroup.com/images/assets/CD_UP_Loyola-1.jpg

http://www.bkvgroup.com/images/assets/CD_UP_Loyola-2.jpg

http://www.bkvgroup.com/images/assets/CD_UP_Loyola-3.jpg

http://www.bkvgroup.com/images/assets/CD_UP_Loyola-4.jpg

"Here are the renderings from that site. Which of these is about to being construction?"

Current construction involves phase 1 (see previous drawings on this thread for that).
These are for phase 2 but do not know if they are official as of yet. They definitely would bring some excitement to that area--especially to Loyola Ave. and the bare parking lot on Albion. If they filled that area up with students, I think some cool retail could follow. It may serve as a bit of a catalyst project for Devon/Sheridan extending north on Sheridan and West down Devon.

On a side note, I know the views and results on TIF's are mixed. I do, however, think that TIF is starting to show some progress on Devon. I think that that street is a great one ready for some cool retail in the next 5 years (in the past 6 months they have added Stellas coffee, Uncommon Ground, and several facades are being re-done).

Nice! I walked by this site yesterday and I was surprised that they were finally going to start this thing. :cheers:

I gather that this is what's U/C right now:

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/8061/tifphase1plansbx3.jpg

too bad they didnt use the original plans
because they wouldve saved the facade of that nice
2 story building and its a better looking building

the new building is bland but okay
i guess they wanted more floors

^^ I'm willing to trade the old building for the increased density around the transit station. It can only be beneficial for CTA when clusters of 7-8 story buildings pop up around their platforms.

It's not like the replacement is THAT bad. Yeah, it is a little bland, but it does come up to the street and have retail at the base. Phase 2 is better (what TUP posted).

I am with you Ardecilia.

By the way the new Information Commons on Loyola's Lake shore is complete and open. It is a rather remarkable building with fantastic views of the lake (one of the few Loyola buildings that takes advantage of such a view).

http://www.luc.edu/ic/index.shtml

Developer gets loan for project near Loyola

(Crain’s) — Chicago developer Daniel McCaffery has obtained construction financing for a $54.5-million retail/apartment project on an uninspired stretch of Sheridan Road in Rogers Park, a step in a plan to boost the area near Loyola University Chicago.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=28057

v okay tis done

^ Dude, that's a Crains article. They won't be happy with how you posted that. I'd post a link and erase all be the first few lines of that post

Dear Neighbor,

I am writing to invite you to attend a meeting to review a proposal for the construction of a three-story, 23-unit condominium development at 7525 N. Wolcott. The site is currently occupied by Amber Automotive, an automobile repair business.

The meeting will take place on Monday, February 11th, 7:00 p.m., at Jordan Community School, 7414 N. Wolcott.

Dan Schwegel, who owns both the property and the auto repair business, will present the proposal. He will be joined by his architect, Roula Alakiotou, and his attorney, William Hennessey.

The lot is 16,145 square feet in size and is zoned C1-2. Mr. Schwegel proposes to close his auto repair business and re-adapt the existing building to a residential use. The current zoning would permit the construction of 16 dwelling units. The owner is requesting a zoning change to RM4.5, which would allow him to construct 23 dwelling units.

I am interested in hearing your views on the proposed development before I decide whether or not to support the zoning change. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please share your thoughts by replying to this e-mail or calling my office at 773-338-5796.

Sincerely,

Joe Moore (49th ward alderman)

to see rendering click here and scroll down
http://morsehellhole.blogspot.com/

(political contributions to grease the wheels are as follows from broken heart)

Blognotes: Call it 'pay to play'. Call it 'hint of possible influence'. Call it a Infomercial. Whatever you want to call it, looks like Joe Moore and his political machine are going to pocket some $2500 dollars on the deal.

Schwegel, Daniel
Chicago, IL 60626
$500.00
6/27/2005 Individual Contribution
Democratic Party of the 49th Ward

Schwegel, Daniel
7525 N. Wolcott
Chicago, IL 60626
Occupation: Auto Shop
Employer: Self
$1,000.00
10/17/2006 Individual Contribution
Democratic Party of the 49th Ward

Schwegel, Daniel
7525 N. Wolcott
Chicago, IL 60626
$500.00
3/2/2006 Individual Contribution
Citizens for Joe Moore

Amber Automotive
7523-25 N. Wolcott
Chicago, IL 60626
$250.00
Individual Contribution
Citizens for Joe Moore

Amber Automotive
7523-25 N. Wolcott
Chicago, IL 60626
$250.00
Individual Contribution
Citizens for Joe Moore

(sidenote if you map this you will see its really an odd location for an auto repair shop
saw this for the first time just recently, I think most people would think its improvement
over having an auto repair shop in the MIDDLE of your residential block, but
it will be sad to lose such a weird business)

^ now the alderman says the project is on hold
since the developer wouldnt give guarantees
to develop the land as shown in the rendering

from broken heart rogers park

Foreclosure suit filed on Rogers Park condo conversion

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=28276

Bringing jazz to Rogers Park: Will people follow?
New venue in the Morse Theatre the product of cultural entrepreneurs

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/stage/chi-0224_morsefeb24,1,6768879.story

talks about 6 million dollar investment in old
morse theatre
pretty cool, just steps from my place

Bringing jazz to Rogers Park: Will people follow?
New venue in the Morse Theatre the product of cultural entrepreneurs

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/stage/chi-0224_morsefeb24,1,6768879.story

talks about 6 million dollar investment in old
morse theatre
pretty cool, just steps from my place

I am impressed by their guts. How can they afford that? If they are successul they deserve some sort of medal.

Here is a link to news on building going on at Loyola--Water tower and Lakeshore campus. The work on Loyola station phase 1 seems to be moving full steam ahead.

http://media.www.loyolaphoenix.com/media/storage/paper673/news/2008/04/23/News/Luc-Construction.Plans.Announced-3345514.shtmlhttp://http://media.www.loyolaphoenix.com/media/storage/paper673/news/2008/04/23/News/Luc-Construction.Plans.Announced-3345514.shtml

^^ So they are going to build another tower down there? Or is the "clair on steroids" the same as the clair? And if so...that is awesome!

Anyone got any new info about Loyola Station? I am an undergrad at Loyola and haven't been on campus since May, so I'm wondering if anyone knows about possible retail on the lower level?

It has been quiet on this thread. I just thought I would bring up all of the recent development occurring in RPARK and having a noticeable effect: Loyola Station Phase I is taking shape and filling what was parking lots and a former pancake house, Morse Street is finally starting to turn the corner with new retail and new residential, Howard West of the Red Line station has some successful retail and a 20 story new building, Jarvis Square with some great retail and entertainment has brought life to the center of RPark , and Devon Avenue from Broadway to Clark--with new retail, multiple new midscale and upscale restaurants are finally drawing students up from LU. All of this in the past two years! What will Rogers Park look like in the next 5 years? Though there are still problem areas, I am finally convinced that the fixation of some of the bloggers in the neighborhood on crime is THEIR obsession. Crime exists indeed, but having lived here the past 10 years...Rogers Park has never been better. RPark's density with its 68,000 people will certainly have crime. But look at the amount of people walking around the neighborhood today and up and down the beaches. It has doubled or tripled in the past three years. This leads to more social capital and more safety. The best is yet to come!

Mile of Murals on Glenwood


As part of the comprehensive commercial revitalization plan put in place by DevCorp North, the second phase of the Mile of Murals project is being implemented. In March, after receiving final approval from the CTA and the support of Alderman Moore’s office, DevCorp North and the Clark/Morse/Glenwood Special Service Area (SSA #24) began preparing the retaining wall for a mural on the west side of Glenwood between Morse and Lunt. The design theme is “Welcome to Rogers Park”.

The first phase of the Mile of Murals project involved the painting of the Morse El viaduct with a colorful mural identifying the neighborhood. The second phase continues to strengthen the Glenwood Avenue Arts District brand, brighten the community and draw attention to district.

The artists selected - Rahamaan Barnes and Max Sansing - both were born and raised in Rogers Park. Many community residents have commented that the colorful sketches on the wall are giving Glenwood Avenue new life.

DevCorp North and SSA #24 hope to have the mural ready by the 2009 Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest in August 2009







Just thought i would post a reply to A boost this nice thread back up from oblivion
and B to point out that something is still going on in Rogers Park
the extended mural from morse to lunt along the el on the west side along glenwood is really taking shape and looking great

I love the glenwood street festival in august and it keeps getting better every year

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=33837

CVS appears to be tenant in project near Loyola
CVS Caremark is apparently the first retail tenant in the Morgan, a 152-unit apartment and retail project in Rogers Park near Loyola University Chicago being developed by McCaffery Interests Inc. The store will be roughly 9,235 square feet. The Woonsocket, R.I.-based drugstore chain has put up a sign on the project, located at the corner of West Arthur Avenue and North Sheridan Road, next to the Loyola Red Line CTA station.

The Morgan brings green living to Rogers Park
YOUR HOME | Development also features luxury amenities, diverse neighborhood
Comments

April 29, 2009
BY CELESTE BUSK cbusk@suntimes.com

Renters looking for a brand new apartment development in the Rogers Park neighborhood can head to the Morgan at Loyola Station.

The luxury 5.4-acre development, at 1209 W. Arthur, will welcome the first renters in May. The posh complex is a mixed-use development featuring two buildings with 152 rental apartments, 33,000 square feet of retail space and 195 garage parking stalls.

for more click here
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/easy/1551783,HOF-News-ahunt30a.article


other info

What: The Morgan at Loyola Station, 1209 W. Arthur

Rents: Convertibles, 1- to 2-bedrooms from $1,119 to $1,823

Amenities: Landscaped roof terrace with grills and fireplace; club room; fitness room; bike storage; concierge services

Info: Call (773) 465-9400; www.morganatloyola station.com

(Boosterism i know) I have to booster for RP, I live here

Rogers Park Art Walk a Big Success, More to Follow
Arts
By James Ginderske

Hotei Art Gallery’s first Art Walk event was so successful that they plan to do several others this summer.

According to Hotei Creative Director Dahveed Kneeshack, over 200 people came through the various galleries and bars that welcomed arts patrons to the May 16 event.

Seven locations up and down Morse and Glenwood Avenues took part in the event, and Gallery B1E on Glenwood coordinated a fire dancing display as well.

“I have some friends who are usually in Pilsen and they said it kind of reminded them of what they do in Pilsen.” Kneeshack said. (Pilsen is a well known arts community on the south side of Chicago.)

Hotei is also planning a movie night once a month. The first is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24 at 9pm, after their “Laughter Yoga” program. Additionally, beginning on June 4, Hotei will be opening its doors to anyone who wishes to work on an art project “to enjoy the supporting creative atmosphere” at a working art gallery, according to Dahveed. The hours for that weekly activity will be from 3 to 11 pm, with BYOB welcomed after 7 pm.

Hotei’s second Art Walk will be on June 20, starting at 6 pm and feature the same mix of galleries, neighborhood bars, music, refreshments, and fire dancing. Different entertainers and the always shifting groups of artists that support Hotei will also be featured.

“It’s about letting people know Rogers Park isn’t dead.” says Kneeshack. “This is a diverse cultural community and we want to help revive the urban art culture using local artists and by displaying local artist’s work.”

An interesting sidebar is the zeal with which the Hotei and Gallery B1E teams are supporting the Morse-Glenwood Arts District. Gallery B1E owner Andy Delarosa, in addition to his numerous striking displays of public art, is planning to set up artists this summer on Morse avenue, just to work on paintings or other medium out on the street to enhance the general artistic ambiance of the area.

While more formal neighborhood entities are generally supportive of these efforts, the somewhat unorthodox or “guerrilla” nature of the combined initiatives is bringing a fresh authenticity and force to the arts district. It’s the kind of hard-to-quantify feeling that has always underpinned developing art “scenes” and which appears to be taking hold in East Rogers Park.

The collection of area live theater, nightlife, and cultural diversity, combined with artists pushing the envelope and marketing not just their own work but that of everything else in their community has the potential to yield results far beyond the impact of any solitary arts endeavor.

The Recyclery rolls into new Rogers Park home



A community bicycle shop and repair center in Evanston is relocating to a storefront in neighboring Rogers Park, increasing its visibility and access to the public.

Volunteers are helping move The Recyclery to 7628 N. Paulina Street this week. Before the move, the shop's Evanston operations were split between two donated basement spaces at 735 Reba Place and 713 Steward Street.

The move to the new Rogers Park location will give the shop space to sell bikes from the storefront, instead of at remote locations in Evanston and Chicago.

Staff member Sharlyn Grace, 23, hopes a single retail shop and better visibility will make The Recyclery more accessible to the public.

Visitors often have trouble finding the workshop center and mistakenly end up at the administrative office, she says.

The Recyclery receives bike donations from individuals, and repairs them for resale. It also regularly hosts bike building and repair workshops free of charge to anyone who is interested.

The Recyclery operates under a sponsor, RPF Ministries, and is in the process of getting non-profit status. Only one of its two part-time staff members is paid. The organization relies heavily on the volunteer support of bike enthusiasts.

The cost for a bike at the store ranges between $30 and $100, but the average bike sells for $70.

With the move, Grace says she expects more business to come from walk-by traffic. Currently most people find The Recyclery by word-of-mouth or through its websites and MySpace page, she says.

Volunteer Alex Añón is an avid rider who discovered the The Recyclery this past winter just as discussions on relocating began.

Añón just so happens to be an architect and volunteered to design the store’s layout and benches.

“We are lucky to have Alex,” Grace says. “I have no idea how we would have done it without him.”

Añón, who lives in Evanston with his wife and four young sons, decided 15 years ago to sell the family's car. The Añóns rely on public transportation, taxis, carpools, walking, and - of course - their bikes.

“People may think it's a radical lifestyle,” Añón says, “but it's possible.”

Before moving to the United States, Añón worked in a bicycle shop in Uruguay. One customer in particular came to his shop twice a month to have the same tire repaired each time.

Añón doesn't know if the man could or couldn't afford new equipment but says repairing and rebuilding perfectly functional things "is a different mindset."

In the United States, someone would have bought a new bike or a least a new tire, Añón says.

Añón does not know exactly how much his family is saving by not owning a car but he guesses it is a substantial amount.

According to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, Americans spent an average of $8,758 on vehicle ownership in 2007, including $2,384 elusively for gas and motor oil purchases.

This figure does not include other miscellaneous expenses such as auto insurance or maintenance and repair costs. Those purchases added about $2,000 more.

On the other hand, the average person spent $538 on public transportation






This is interesting article in discussing cost of public and bike transit versus just bicycle et. al.

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=34255

Construction

Cell phone company T-Mobile USA Inc. is planning a 2,525-square foot store in the Morgan at Loyola Station, a two-building project by McCaffery Interests Inc. in Rogers Park. The store will be in the first-floor retail space of the 152-unit apartment building at 1209 W. Arthur Ave. T-Mobile is the second retailer to lease space at the project, after CVS Caremark Corp. signed a deal for 9,235 square feet in the parking structure across Arthur from the residential building.

---
I believe that Five Guys burgers is opening a restaurant in the Morgan too.

I left my heart in the 400 Theater, and my gum under the seat
June 26th - 12:40 p.m.


When I was 22 years old a friend and I moved into a second-floor apartment at the northwest corner of Pratt and Sheridan in Rogers Park. For a yahoo just out of college, it was the perfect place to live. We'd sit on our balcony drinking beer and watching girls walk by, and we'd invite them up to join us (they never did). Or we'd take our cheap guitars, walk a couple blocks east to the beach, drink beer, jam, and hope the cops wouldn't bust us (they never did).

But for me, the best part about living there was the movie theater across the street—the 400—which played second-run features and cost only a couple bucks. The place didn't serve beer, but it didn't need to, because I could hang around at my place until 9:29 and be in my seat watching the opening credits at 9:30. I must have gone to the 400 at least once a week; when the theater ran Pee Wee's Big Adventure, my roommate and I saw it three or four times.

I'm more than twice as old now, and the 400 has been around the block a few times too: it became the Village North Theater for a while, then shut down. Tonight, following a $4 million renovation by developer Tony Fox, it reopens as the New 400 Theater. Screening this week are Up, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, and, uh, The Hangover.

Well the new 400 isnt open yet.

Stopped by there today and its got a sign posted
saying that due to unforseen problems
it wont be open until July First.

Five guys and CVS almost open too.

Good to see some retail on sheridan coming back to life.

While walking today on sheridan saw some cops hustling some real shady characters as well.
The Four plus one next to Chipotle is getting renovated, atleast half is, one entrance is closed, the north one

^^ I actually went to go see the Hangover last night in the 400, it's not done yet but it is a lot better then what used to be there, everyone I know called it the ghetto-plex. lol

Learn what the RP/WR Historical Society plans for the old firehouse
The Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society and 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore will host a community meeting to present their vision for a new permanent home in the former firehouse near Clark & Greenleaf.

Monday, July 13
7:00 p.m.
United Church of Rogers Park, 2nd Floor Gallery, 1545 W. Morse (at Ashland). (Note new location).


Just found this entry on rogerspark.net, I know it already happened.
But I had heard from a firefighter that this was happening
and just wanted some confirmation.
Also I noticed more Murals going up on Glenwood
now from estes to greenleaf. Notsure why it hasnt happened from greenleaf to lunt yet.

If you click the link below you can see
what the firehouse will look like
http://rpwrhs.org/

'Mile of Murals' in Rogers Park saves summer camp for young artists
Local businesses fund Rogers Park project for neighborhood children


By Jennifer Day
Special to the Tribune

August 26, 2009

Miriam and Nancy Sanchez gaze across the street at the new mural running along the elevated train line's concrete underbelly in Rogers Park. The two girls, ages 12 and 11, respectively, take turns listing their favorite parts: the big gothic letters that spell the word "origins"; the sunny beach scene; the zooming arrows that link the mural's theme of Rogers Park past and present.

"If I was an artist," Miriam says, but her summer camp teacher Chandra Clark cuts her off.

"Not if. You are an artist," Clark says.

The Sanchezes are two of 80 children who helped paint the mural, a project that was key to keeping the Howard Area Community Center's summer camp open. When funding cuts threatened the community center's youth program, the Rogers Park Business Alliance came up with a scheme: Why not hire the center -- and its summer campers -- to paint a blocklong neighborhood mural?

The organizations entered into a $36,000 contract that saved the summer camp and led to the completion of the second in a series of 11 planned neighborhood murals, said Kimberly Bares, executive director of the business alliance.

The newest portion of the "Mile of Murals" project runs along Glenwood Avenue between Greenleaf and Estes Avenues.

"It was the perfect opportunity to marry local resources and local talent," Bares said.

"The project itself fit into our curriculum," said Pamela Barnet, executive director of the community center.

And the kids thought it was pretty cool. Clark said it was popular with boys and girls among all ages.

Artists Dustin Harris, Lea Pinsky and Ingrid Swenson designed the mural to include two phrases linking past and present: "Connect Origins to Destinations" and "Reveal Roots to Respect." They drew on research from the Rogers Park-West Ridge Historical Society and input from summer campers.

The artists brought images to the kids and asked them to pick their favorites to build collages.

One child's collage juxtaposed an older photo and newer photo of a newspaper salesman who worked in the neighborhood for 50 years -- an idea that found its way into the mural.

"People are really responding to the mural," said Pinsky, who is married to Harris and lives in West Rogers Park.

Neighbors even pitched in by running an extension cord from their building when the camp needed electricity to project design images on the concrete wall, and Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare opened its doors to campers who needed to use the bathroom.

Bares said the project used tax dollars from the Clark/Morse/Glenwood Special Service Area No. 24, a city of Chicago-designated district that levies additional property taxes for local development. The goal was beautification, but she said the project did more than that: It employed local artists and offered neighborhood children an opportunity to get involved.

"So often the stories we hear are about how kids are up to no good, how they're a nuisance, a menace," Bares said. "This is a shining example of what happens when the community reaches out. Kids can do amazing things."

And for the community center, the project made a big difference.

"It turned out to be a beautiful project for the kids," Barnet said, "and it saved our summer camp."

Making space for cabs
North Side wards may let drivers park overnight on street
Comments

September 28, 2009

The City Council traffic committee is expected to give a break to cab drivers Tuesday by allowing them to park overnight on business streets on the Far North Side.

Cab drivers are forbidden to park on residential streets or on streets with retail businesses between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. in all but the 46th ward. A change in the law will allow cabbies in the 49th and 50th wards to park on business streets overnight.

The Chicago City Council traffic committee is expected to give a break to cab drivers tomorrow by allowing them to park overnight on business streets on the far north side.




CTA slates 3 public meetings on 'Circle Line' 10-day project shuts 159th Street ramp

This is important because a lot of cab drivers live in those wards, which include the immigrant-heavy Rogers Park neighborhood, according to the United Taxidrivers Community Council.

Drivers who work 16-hour shifts and don't have private garages don't have a place to park at night unless they park on an industrial street, which may mean a long, dangerous walk home, according to the UTCC.

"Unfortunately, our bedrooms aren't big enough for our cabs," said Javaid Ahmed, a driver in the 49th ward.

Ahmed said the ordinance against parking cabs on business streets was rarely enforced. But this year, the cash-strapped city started handing out $25 tickets. "It's costing us more than our rent," Ahmed said.

Ald. Joe Moore (49th) said he thinks the request to park overnight on business streets was "reasonable" and would not infringe on other ward residents.

"The drivers made a very compelling case that it's very difficult, with the kind of shifts they work, to try to find parking," Moore said.

Cab drivers are also pushing for eased parking rules in the 48th Ward. The full council will vote on the parking amendment next week.

Meanwhile, cab drivers have asked the City Council for a 22 percent fare hike, along with other extras such as a $50 clean-up fee imposed on passengers who vomit in the back of the cab. To prove they needed the hike, drivers offered the council a University of Chicago survey showing that they're working 13 hours a day for $4.38 an hour.

http://www.loyolaphoenix.com/2.541/news/garden-labyrinth-displayed-outside-crown-1.711317

Stuff still going on, but not even being reported on
rogers park blogs.

Also The Glenwood, the new gay bar on glenwood is
expanding into the space next door, it was cool as a small intimate bar,
but its nice to see more retail space being used for something.

Hotei art gallery failed and there is a rather bleak, dreary store
in one half with womens clothes, but perhaps it will do okay
and eventually spiff up a bit.

More graffitti in the neigborhood of late,
on the building by lunt and glenwood,

dollar signs in the graffitti, so i guess the taggers are mad, that
someone is fixing up the buildings and such.

Vtone on Jarvis is now open? New exercise equipement is inside
and it looks nice. "Temper" was tagged on the windows ofcourse.

Also the Mexican grocery store on morse is getting a new sign

From Rogerspark.com

Dear Neighbor,

In the spring of 2010 we will launch a seasonal weekly market at Morse and Glenwood, within the Glenwood Avenue Arts District and the Clark/Morse/Glenwood SSA.

We invite interested residents, organizations and businesses to participate in making this a terrific success for our community. We don't want to compete with local businesses, but rather invite them to participate and use this vehicle to attract new customers to their establishments. We want to showcase our amazing community.


Our hope is to create an international style market that features farmers' produce and other local goods. We hope to feature local artists and provide activities for children and families. A "Chef's Tent" will offer cooking demonstrations by our local restauranteurs and other Chicago area chefs who specialize in using local, seasonal, organic ingredients.

For information on how you can get involved, contact barbaramoore@ward49.com or visit our Ning group at www.glenwoodsundaymarket.ning.com.

We are holding our first major fundraiser: “MARKET DAZED” A taste of things to come! Sunday, October 25th from 2-5 pm in the space south of and adjacent to THE GLENWOOD BAR. $35 in advance. $40 at the door.

Staff Editorial
By Phoenix Editorial Board
Share this article Published: Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Miles Wisniewski

Art is dead — With no Crown Center Gallery and limited Mundelein renovations, the future of the Fine Arts program is questionable.
Take some time and visit the Crown Center Gallery — it may be gone before you know it.

As reported in our cover story this week, the number of floors in Damen Hall were miscounted, and consequently there is no longer enough space on campus to absorb several classrooms and offices after Damen is torn down in the summer of 2010. As a result, Loyola has decided to turn the Crown Center into a building solely for the Humanities department. Starting in January 2010, what is now the Crown Center student gallery will be converted into a seminar room, for the Humanities Department faculty.

Although the closing of the Crown Center gallery is the most immediate issue for the department, other problems are looming: Due to insufficient funds, some of the renovations in Mundelein Center, including a new gallery space and theater, have been put on hold until at least 2016. And since Mullady Theatre will be demolished within the next four years, it is possible Loyola will lack a theater in addition to a gallery. University plans to build a new café in Mundelein, however, remain underway.

And if you thought these fine arts fiascos were only student problems, think again. Purchased in part with TIF grants from Rogers Park taxpayers, both the Crown Center gallery and the new Mundelein building are meant to be used, in part, as a community resource — community members attend plays and exhibits, and both buildings serve as a source of art appreciation for Rogers Park. With no Crown Center Gallery and Mundelein’s renovation hanging precariously in limbo, there are virtually no community resources to speak of. Rogers Park residents have paid for a student café in a tax-exempt building on Loyola’s private property.

http://www.loyolaphoenix.com/2.541/discourse/loyola-ends-crown-center-gallery-angers-students-1.832114

Rogers Park Residents to Vote on Ward Budget
Produced by City Room on Wednesday, October 28, 2009

A night time look into Ald. Joe Moore's 49th Ward. (WBEZ/Kate Gardiner)
Residents of Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood will get to decide what's fixed first in their neighborhood next year. That's according to Ald. Joe Moore (49th).

Moore says he's going to let residents vote on how to spend more than one million dollars of discretionary money next summer. He says he thinks it'll help educate his neighborhood about the budget process.
MOORE: I think one of the things that people will find out is that while $1 million sounds like a lot of money, it doesn't pay for a whole lot, but it certainly can make a significant impact on the quality of life in the neighborhood.

Moore says he'll work with Rogers Park residents to come up with a list of projects.
Each alderman gets about $1.3 million to spend on his or her ward as they see fit.
If the program is successful, Moore says he'll try to convince other members of the city council to do the same thing.


link from npr

http://www.wbez.org/Content.aspx?audioID=37756

Former adelphi site on clark is up for sale.
it was to be a five story clock tower
there is an article in the local paper about it
news star? cant find the rogers park park edition online
they say the foundation is in goodshape and they hope for the building
to still be built.

CVS on Sheridan considers liquor license
Rogers Park residents raise objections to proposal

http://www.loyolaphoenix.com/2.541/news/cvs-on-sheridan-considers-liquor-license-1.894882

Also they are fixing up the facade of building across from reside on morse.
And they have about finished with nice new sign of morse fresh market

V-Tone Fitness opens in Rogers Park
Posted by Charlie on November 17, 2009

V-Tone Fitness located on 1550 West Jarvis in East Roger’s park is a newly open fitness club centered in the community that wants to stay in and be part of the area as much as possible, within Rogers Park. V-Tone Fitness is a family runned operation where our business goes beyond any commercial gym because this is a passion for helping others getting involved with fitness, general health and well being. We strive to give our members the best, most personalized and comfortable experience. At V-Tone we will always stay on top of the fitness industry for finding new equipment and creating new and exciting ways for you to reach your fitness goal. No matter what your goal or fitness desire maybe, we at V-Tone are here to serve you. Please stop in or checkout our website. V-Tone Fitness is located on 1550 West Jarvis in Chicago 60626. For contact or further information please call 312 929 3125 or check out our website http://www.vtonefitness.com

This past week a mysterious occurence
in the heart of Rogers Park.

Watch this Space signs were pasted on top of
the former Morse Theatre's signage.

Nice to see some activity on this place
especially after all the work that took
place here and the recovery after the arson fire.

6 million dollars was put into this project
so something great is bound to happen here.

Will let you know as soon as i find out
whats going on.

Didnt know about this bed and breakfast but its on the pritzkers website
if you look on the website you will see what a beautiful building/house this is.


http://www.catscradlechicago.com/

Welcome to "The Cat's Cradle", Chicago's newest and most lavish bed and breakfast and small private reception home. Whether you're in town for pleasure or business, you'll look forward to being our guest, again and again. We are located at 7421 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60626. You can reach us by phone (773) 764-9851 or by fax (773) 764-9852 or e-mail info@catscradlechicago.com.

We offer not only the finest in lodging, but can accommodate small groups for private receptions or catered events for up to 40 people in an elegant Mansion, built in 1919, located one block from the lake in East Rogers Park, one of Chicago's most interesting and diverse neighborhoods in the City. You can catch the "147 Express Bus" right outside our door which will take you to most any location on Michigan Ave. or walk two blocks and hop the Red Line "L" which will take you to any number of destinations throughout Chicago (and Evanston) as well as both airports.

We have five guest rooms, all with their own private bathrooms. You can rent one room or the whole house! For room rates, availabilty and to make a reservation, just click on the "check availabilty" tab on the right hand side of this page.

Imagine a birthday party, graduation / orientation, football / baseball weekend, small family reunion / wedding or just a great weekend exploring Chicago. We're here for you. Are you spending two or more nights? If so, get a tour of a fully restored Frank Lloyd Wright House right next door, The Emil Bach House, constructed in 1915. It's unbelievable! A must see.

You'll love to relax and watch our 47" big screen TV in the basement. Like to listen to "Old" record albums? We have over 50 to choose from with a turntable at your disposal. Also, you can cozy up to our fireplace during the cool months.

On the pritzkers website there is talk of
Mayne Stage and Act One Café is currently under development in Rogers Park.
Perhaps this is what is going to fill the space at Morse Theatre


http://www.tawanienterprises.com/partners/

Loyola plans $100 million in changes on campus
Plans focus on recreation, meeting space

Tribune reporter
January 21, 2010

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2010-01/51792478.jpg

...officials are to announce plans to remake campus life over the next five years. According to details revealed to the Tribune, the university will build a new student union, expand the recreation building and transform the athletics center from what looks like a high school gym into a modern college arena...

...The $100 million project, to be completed by 2015, imagines a connected complex of five new or renovated buildings on the northwest section of the Rogers Park campus: a three-story intercollegiate athletics center, a renovated Gentile Center for the Ramblers, a 70,000-square-foot student union, an expanded Halas recreation center and a repurposed Centennial Forum, which will include the bookstore, alumni center, and an outdoor adventure program...

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/ct-met-0122-loyola-student-life-20100121,0,6691443.story

^^
Loyola's Reimagine campaign:

Intercollegiate Althletics Center
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/8119/429515479936aa737c15.jpg
Gentile Center Renovation
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/4605/42951548492a6f17e69f.jpg
Student Union
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/8775/4295372817a0a2c3c09b.jpg
Halas Sports Center
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/8357/42959007109e1c94f68d.jpg
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/4711/42961183983e4c6d285a.jpg
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/2421/4296118470448d73d8af.jpg
Centennial Forum
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1345/429515492730a29d97be.jpg

^^ Yea that is awesome, too bad that i will be gone by the time all of that stuff will be done. :(

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/7738/campusoverview1.jpg

According to Loyola, the second phase of Loyola Station could be a boutique hotel at the corner of Sheridan and Albion.

http://www.loyolaphoenix.com/2.541/news/lu-devises-housing-strategy-1.1161924

LU devises housing strategy
By Adeshina Emmanuel

...She mentioned Xavier Hall and Seattle Hall as two structures the university is considering clearing away to make way for what Brosko called, “A state-of the-art residence hall."
http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/7240/1726360190.jpg

March 20, 2010

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Morse Theatre to reopen in June as Mayne Stage
The former Morse Theatre at 1328 W. Morse in Rogers Park will reopen for live music in mid-June, a public relations firm representing the business said Friday. It will be called Mayne Stage and will showcase national and local acts and provide rehearsal and recording space. It also said a restaurant on the property to be called Act One Cafe will open in late May. The Morse Theatre is owned by a business controlled by billionaire James Pritzker.

Morse and Glenwood to Receive Facelift This Year
Posted by Charlie on March 19, 2010
Dear Neighbor,

I’m pleased to report that construction will begin this spring on the long-awaited Morse-Glenwood streetscape project. The project encompasses Morse Avenue from Ashland to Wayne and Glenwood Avenue from Lunt to Farwell on both sides of the elevated tracks.

I am hosting a community meeting with the Rogers Park Business Alliance to present the plans and outline the construction schedule. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 24th, 7:00 p.m. at the United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 W. Morse, 3rd Floor. Representatives of the City of Chicago Department of Transportation will be on hand to answer your questions.

New streetlights, sidewalks and planter boxes will grace Morse and Glenwood. In addition, Morse Avenue will be resurfaced and the sidewalks on Glenwood will be widened for greater pedestrian access. The brick pavers that now exist on the western side of Glenwood will remain in the traffic lanes.

The $4 million streetscape is funded by $1.6 million in city of Chicago funds and $2.4 million in federal funds secured by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.

Community residents were instrumental in selecting the streetscape design and elements. I would like to thank the volunteers of the Morse Avenue Streetscape Committee, who worked tirelessly on this project, as well as all the neighborhood residents who attended community meetings to offer their input.

This has been a very long process, made even longer by the reviewing requirements that came attached with the federal dollars. But our patience will be rewarded by this summer’s end with a new and more appealing appearance for both Morse and Glenwood.

Please don’t hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions. You may reply to this e-mail or call my office at 773-338-5796.

Sincerely,
Joe Moore

An article printed in the News-star paper
March 10-16
describes a good size building that may go up 1557-61 w Howard st.

couldnt find the article online so i will type out the important details

there was a community meeting feb 22nd at Willye B White Park Fieldhouse
at 1610 w Howard st. to detail a proposed zoning change.

$ 9 million dollar plan for SEVEN story multipurpose building with 22,500 sq ft of retail space, 60-75 parking spot on the lower floors, a boys and girls club in the middle levels, and approx 60 residential units above.

The site is zoned B3-3 and would need to be changed to a B3-5 to allow this development at the site of the Old Wisdom Bridge Theater and the former DevCorp North Office building.

The developers have talked about wanting to incorporate a theater into the building as well. They are shooting for a 2012 start date.
Wow thats a couple years off. But hey it would be worth the wait.

The rendering shows a building with a three story base, half of the building continues up to the full 7 stories with glassy facade for the top 4 floors
and the rendering shows a marquee saying the wisdom bridge theater

Some people are mad that the developers arent planning on saving the limestone facade of the old wisdom bridge building,
which is a pretty cool building, and i can believe it has sat vacant and unused for so long.

The developers are Rich Aronson and Scott Sinar.

^ If you're talking about the building at the SE corner of Howard and Chicago, then yeah, I agree with the NIMBY's. What a crock of shit to demo a 6 story gem like that just to build a structure only 1 floor higher, especially with a vacant lot just next door.

Screw their zoning change

^I think you're thinking of the wrong corner. This project is closer to Ashland and Howard.
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/5328/1560howard.jpg

Renderings from Ald. Moore's website (http://www.ward49.com/zoning-economic-development-land-use/)

Imagine 15 different, uniquely designed bike racks in your neighborhood. The design of each bike rack relates to curriculum covered in the schools found in your neighborhood, so you can secure your bike to a geometry-themed rack, a poetry-themed bike rack, a history-themed bike rack, and so on. That plan is being proposed right now, in Rogers Park.

The Multi-Functional Bike Rack proposal is one of many project proposals which are among the 49th Ward Participatory Budgeting Initiative. Joe Moore, the Alderman of the 49th Ward, has spearheaded this initiative. In a city that has a certain less-than-stellar reputation for political corruption, this Participatory Budgeting Initiative has a refreshingly progressive and openly democratic tone surrounding it. Early voting has already begun, with polls being open on voting day on April 10 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.).

Andy DelaRosa, John Bambio, and Kit Miller are among the artists who are organizing the Multi-Functional Bike Rack proposal. One unique aspect of this proposal is that each bike rack would be different. DelaRosa, who is involved with Gallery B1E (at 6902 N. Glenwood Ave.), built the sculpture park which is just north of Gallery B1E. The concept for each of the proposed 15 bike racks to be unique and artistically designed meshes with DelaRosa’s idea of artistic expression being combined with smart, functional design.

Chicago has long been known as a bicycle-friendly city. Chicago has been listed as one of America's most bike-friendly cities, and Mayor Daley has stated that he'd like to see Chicago become the U.S.'s most bike-friendly city. With its many bike lanes, excellent advocacy and programming by the Active Transportation Alliance and other bike-friendly organizations, the annual Bike the Drive, Critical Mass, and other events and programs, Chicago's biking community is continually pushing for new progress. Chicago does have a lot of bike racks, but I'd like see a lot more -- such as the unique, artistically designed ones included in Rogers Park's Multi-Functional Bike Rack Proposal.

The Multi-Functional Bike Rack proposal is currently being displayed at Mess Hall (6932 N. Glenwood Ave.), which is one of Chicago's great community arts centers.

Sidewalk Repairs $188,292 910
Repair of dilapidated sidewalks at 27 locations in the 49th Ward
Bike Lanes $100,000 837
Implementation of phase 1 of a Rogers Park bike network, providing east-west and
north-south bike lanes across the ward on Touhy Rogers and Ashland
Dog Friendly Area at Pottawattomie Park (7340 N. Rogers) $110,000 762
Construction of an enclosed dog park on the vacant northeast corner of the park
Community Gardens in Dubkin Park (7442 N. Ashland) and
and Pottawattomie Park (7340 N. Rogers) $ 33,000 741
A portion of each park will be dedicated to a community garden where youth and families
can produce food, learn about ecology and develop social ties through gardening
Underpass Murals $ 84,000 740
Twelve (12) murals created by Chicago artists on CTA and Metra underpasses
Traffic/Pedestrian Signal on Clark at Chase $230,000 494
Installation of traffic control signal near the Chicago Math and Science Academy using
pedestrian/vehicle activated signal
Artistic Multifunctional Bike Racks $105,000 489
Fifteen (15) multipurpose bike racks placed throughout the 49th Ward to serve educational,
artistic, and functional purposes
Additional Benches and Shelters on CTA “El” Platforms $ 84,000 487
Placement of one additional bench and one additional heated shelter on each platform at
the Jarvis, Morse and Loyola Red Line stops
Street Resurfacing: 1600-1750 and 1900-2100 W. Lunt $102,000 480
Resurfacing of Lunt from Ashland to Clark and from Wolcott to Ridge
Solar-Powered Garbage Containers on Sheridan $ 41,000 468
Ten solar-powered garbage compacting “Big Belly” containers to be placed on high traffic
corners on Sheridan.
Convenience showers at Loyola Park Beach $ 50,000 457
A freestanding shower and foot shower unit, with a concrete surround and drain to allow
beach goers to wash sand and dirt away
Completion of Path in Touhy Park (7348 N. Paulina) $ 25,000 428
Completion of the paved pedestrian path circling the interior of the park
3
Winning projects (cont.)
Proposed Project Estimated Cost Votes Cast
Rogers Park Historical Signs $ 42,000 391
Six signs at points throughout the neighborhood telling the stories of Rogers Park houses,
businesses and streets over the past 200 years
Residential Street Lighting: 1200-1350 W. Morse $130,000 371
New residential street lights on Morse from Sheridan to Wayne
Total $1,324,292





http://rogerspark.com/images/news_articles_uploads/ParticipatoryBudgeting--ElectionResults2010.pdf

http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=163129

here is a link of video discussing the menu money
and parcipatory budget in rogers park

Mayne Stage offers a sneak peek for a good cause
Comments

April 15, 2010

Although the Mayne Stage and Act One Cafe (1328-30 W Morse Ave.) won't officially be unveiled until later this year, the theater will open its doors early for an event to benefit the Rogers Park Business Alliance on Wednesday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m.

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/evanston/news/community/2157546,evanston-commayn-041510-s1.article

Society Hosts Annual House Walk on May 2nd in Indian Boundary Park Area

The Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society will host its annual House Walk on Sunday, May 2, 2010. This year’s tour will highlight Indian Boundary Park and surrounding homes, including the historic Park Castles and Park Gables co-ops. Tours begin at noon with the last tour offered at 3:30pm. The event concludes at 5:00pm. You can pre-register for this event through April 25.

Indian Boundary Park opened in 1922 as the centerpiece of the Ridge Avenue Park District. The 13-acre park was designed as a pastoral landscape with picturesque gardens, a lagoon with a small island, rolling lawns, and meandering paths.



http://www.rpwrhs.org/
click to see picture

^ To be honest, I don't know why you're posting this stuff.

This isn't a neighborhood bulletin. This is "development news". I come here to look forward to updates, and, as usual, am disappointed to find that there is absolutely no new development happening, just a bunch of mumbo jumbo...

^^^^
hmmm.

I like to post stuff cuz i want people to see that this
area isnt a hellhole.
Also that participatory money will do a whole lot of good in Rogers Park
and making the streetscape look better will help improve the neighborhood. over a million bucks invested in Rogers Park, maybe not in bulidings, but in infrastructure is important news, like bike racks, street lights, etc, maybe isnt sexy, but it improves the quality of life for all in the hood.
As well as the Mayne Stage opening up finally is big news.
6 million was put into that place, the Morse theatre shut
but now the new marquee is up and its looks great
I live down the street and the gangbangers have shifted to wayne
well im hoping this opening up will curtail their activities significantly.

Any new retail opening up is news, especially is the current economic conditions. Another restaurant is going to open down the street, brick oven pizza and stuff. Im a rogers park booster. I cant help it.
It would be insane if i wasnt since I live and own here.

The murals along glenwood and morse look great and help the neighborhood look as good as it should.
I think why there isnt more development in Rogers Park
is because the housing stock is already top notch and just needs to be fixed up.

Also some people maybe ignorant of Indian boundary park
which is one of the coolest parks in chicago, but not well known,
have you been there? Also i think the RP/WR historical society
is awesome and i am a booster of that too. Oh well

actually i appreciate this sort of news. it's not skyscraper build-a-new-tower fan sort of news, but i would still call it news on neighborhood development. quality of life, economic development, and community building are important to the neighborhood (and city), and isn't that sort of urban success what most of us want to see happen?

http://morsehellhole.blogspot.com/

(broken hearted no longer)

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NYpMerQgcHU/S9cE6iU8-9I/AAAAAAAAE3s/K_r5GEb2Bjk/s1600/00.broken+heart.jpg

Oops I mean Streetscape

Some of the features of the street scape include:

•New overhead lights - black old fashioned style "Gateway 2000" street lights

•"Double-acorn" lights on black posts - lower, for pedestrian lighting
•A new stormwater drainage system for Glenwood

•Expansion of the pedestrian sidewalk and parkway along Glenwood

•Water permeable brick pavers on expanded parkways
•Raised self watering planter boxes at Morse & Ashland
•Concrete planters on parkway bump-outs at corners

•Retention and restoration of much of the cobblestone street (SB Glenwood)
•No expansion of the existing pay-to-park locations

how long is the streetscaping suppossed to take?

^^ pretty exciting, its just started on glenwood north of morse on the west side
also seen some streetscaping going on clark north of lawrence.



http://rogerspark.com/rp/news_articles/view/morse_streetscape_project_begins_today/

Morse Streetscape Project begins today.
Posted by Charlie on May 03, 2010
To accomodate this summer’s Glenwood Sunday Market, construction will be begin first on Glenwood west of the CTA tracks between Morse and Lunt. The hope is to complete construction in that area before the market begins in June. Construction will then extend to other areas throughout the project zone. The project should be fully completed by November.

New streetlights, sidewalks and planter boxes will grace Morse and Glenwood. In addition, Morse Avenue will be resurfaced and the sidewalks on Glenwood will be widened for greater pedestrian access. The brick pavers that now exist on the western side of Glenwood will remain in the traffic lanes.

The $4 million streetscape is funded by $1.6 million in city of Chicago funds and $2.4 million in federal funds secured by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.

This has been a very long process, made even longer by the reviewing requirements that came attached with the federal dollars. But our patience will be rewarded by this summer’s end with a new and more appealing appearance for both Morse and Glenwood.

In Rogers Park, kids — and their plants — are growing
Businesses unite to help neighborhood group show kids how to run a greenhouse and plant flora along Howard Street

By Jennifer Day, Special to the Tribune

May 19, 2010 (excerpt)

The children are among 30 students working in the Gale Math and Science Academy's greenhouse to beautify Howard Street in Rogers Park. With $6,000 in funding from the Howard Street Special Service Area 19, the Rogers Park Business Alliance has paid for an afterschool gardening program to grow and plant flowers along the street between Ridge Avenue and Sheridan Road.

The business group contracted with Neighbors United in New Possibilities, a nonprofit organization that worked with a local school council to convert the greenhouse from storage space to a hands-on learning resource, said John Hoekwater, director of Neighbors United. Participants include students from Gale in the Family Matters All-Grow tutoring program and Jordan School in the Howard Area Community Center's after-school program.

"It's another local investment in the community," said Kimberly Bares, executive director of the Rogers Park Business Alliance. "This is a great opportunity to hire local talent essentially as vendors."

Neighbors United volunteers built the seven growing tables that crowd the Gale greenhouse floor. Hanging baskets overflow with basil, chives, cilantro and tomato plants. The greenhouse's first planting yielded nearly 3,000 plants, Hoekwater said.

In years past, the greenhouse has sold plants to support itself, but it's been difficult to predict what customers will buy, he said. One year, volunteers planted 100 hanging baskets but sold only 30. The contract will provide the program with as much as 95 percent of the funding it needs.

Students and parents who work in the greenhouse receive credits for each hour at a rate of $8 an hour, Hoekwater said. The credits help send kids on a gardening-themed field trip and buy supplies for an outdoor parent garden.

The credits are a way to help families feel more invested, said Gregory Roberts, who has three nieces and nephews at Gale. A dozen parents are involved in the outdoor garden, he said. Last year, Neighbors United worked with families to plant an outdoor garden but gave up midway through the summer when students and parents stopped watering it.

The planters in the Howard corridor also will feature signs to foster community pride by advertising that the planters are maintained by Rogers Park students.

"We want people to care for the plants," Hoekwater said. "Maybe [the signs] will help people think twice before they drop their trash or pull out plants. It's about creating a sense of ownership."

Since moving the tutoring program into the greenhouse, Lovell said, it's been easier to engage the students, who are too antsy to sit still in a classroom. The curriculum, which incorporates food and nutrition, is based in problem-solving and group activities.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/ct-x-c-all-grow-program-0514-20100519,0,4948413.story

Alderman Moore Gives Green Light to Howard St Development

The proposal calls for a seven-story building with 60 residential units and 15,000 to 30,000 square feet of commercial space on the first and second floors. The proposal also includes 60-75 parking spaces located within the building.

The first three floors of the proposed development would contain parking and retail and office space. No commercial or office tenants have been identified, but the developers have indicated a desire to locate a live theater company at the site. The top four floors would consist of either condominiums or rental units depending on market conditions at the time the project is completed.

The property currently is zoned B3-3. A zoning change to B3-5 is required to allow for the proposed development.

The developers initially proposed a modernistic facade design, which engendered a significant amount of community opposition at the February meeting. Based on that community input, I asked the developers to come up with a more traditional facade design that was more in keeping with the surrounding architecture. The developers came up with two different versions of an art deco brick facade.

The proposed development would replace two dilapidated buildings. The building at 1557 W. Howard, which once housed the Wisdom Bridge Theater, is in particularly dangerous condition and will soon be demolished by the City of Chicago (the demolition cost will be borne by the property’s owner).

http://rogerspark.com/rp/news_articles/view/alderman_moore_gives_green_light_to_howard_st_development/

thats some good news considering how dead that part of howard st. looks, but like usual I would prefer them to double the height atleast considering the location

The NIMBY's rejected a nice building and will instead get a cinderblock-faced piece of garbage. You reap what you sow, I guess..

From Broken Heart Rogers Park

Building Falling Down on Howard
The police are reporting a vacant building is falling down on its own in the 1500 block of West Howard. From scanner reports bricks and mortal are crashing down on the sidewalk and are possibly going to hit a couple of cars. They are requesting Fire and barricades. Plus there may be a squatter on site.

3:50 PM: More equipment is being requested. More road blocks are being put into place. The Build Dept has been called to check out the building. Looks like some building owner is in a heap of trouble.

The NIMBY's rejected a nice building and will instead get a cinderblock-faced piece of garbage. You reap what you sow, I guess..

I guess when you put it that way
it makes the new design not so good.
I like glass and steel better
than cinderblock,
hopefully it wont be cheap cinderblock.

Isnt cinderblock what is used in third world
countries to make buildings?
cinderblocks dont seem to wear well or last long

http://www.glenwoodsundaymarket.org/

June 6th to October 17th
9am to 2pm on Sundays

on Glenwood between Morse and Lunt.

They were supposed to get the sidewalk streetscape
done before the market started.
But I suppose all the rain has maybe delayed that?

Calling All Artists! Applications to Design an Underpass Mural Now Being Accepted
Posted by Charlie on June 23, 2010
Or pick up an application during regular business hours at my 49th Ward Service Office, 7356 N. Greenview (at Jarvis).

http://rogerspark.com/rp/news_articles/view/calling_all_artists_applications_to_design_an_underpass_mural_now_being_acc/

Eligible artists for the Mass Underpass Murals Project must either live in Chicago or have a studio located in Chicago.

The members of the Arts and Other Projects Committee of the Participatory Budgeting Initiative will review all design proposals for artistic merit, appropriateness to public presentation and originality. All proposals deemed eligible will be submitted to a vote of the 49th Ward residents at an election to be held later this summer. The twelve proposals winning the most votes will be selected for the underpass murals project.

Each winning artist will receive a stipend of $5,500 to execute the mural regardless of its size and location. The artists will be responsible for purchasing their own primer, paint and other supplies.

The following underpasses are slated to receive a mural:

CTA Underpasses

Columbia
Estes
Farwell
Greenleaf
Pratt

Union Pacific (Metra) Underpasses

Estes
Farwell
Greenleaf
Morse
Pratt
Rogers
Touhy

Each artist will paint one side of an underpass. If more than one artist wishes to paint the same side of an underpass, the artist whose proposal received the most votes will be given preference.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION, TOGETHER WITH A RENDERING OF YOUR PROPOSED MURAL, IS FRIDAY, JULY 16TH, AT 5 P.M. Instructions for how to submit your application and proposal are contained in the application.

^^^^

Im especially happy because I live right near the Farwell CTA viaduct.
So many blank canvases that are otherwise very tempting
for local gangs to tag on.

I know its crazy to respond to myself.

^^^^ Quick question, is it possible to submit a rendering of a proposed mural without actually having to paint myself?? In other words if I submitted a proposal and it got into the top 12 or was chosen would I myself have to paint it or would another artist be able to take on the project??

^^^^ Quick question, is it possible to submit a rendering of a proposed mural without actually having to paint myself?? In other words if I submitted a proposal and it got into the top 12 or was chosen would I myself have to paint it or would another artist be able to take on the project??

Dont know just cut and pasted what is on the rogers park website.
Sounds like you could make a deal with someone to paint it for you though.

Loyola making big plans for Rogers Park campus
ROGERS PARK | School would add dorms, replace gym with student union

http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/2467340,CST-NWS-loyola06.article


July 6, 2010

BY DAVID ROEDER AND FRAN SPIELMAN Staff Reporters

Loyola University Chicago has delivered to city officials a zoning proposal for a multi-year plan of additions and improvements to its Rogers Park campus.

The proposal calls for new housing, including dorms and market-rate homes, immediately south and west of the campus at Devon and Sheridan.

It also proposes to replace the old Alumni Gym -- former home of the Loyola Ramblers -- with a student union, and to expand the Halas Sports Center.

Brosko said the plans should take around six years to realize. Loyola is more than halfway toward its fund-raising goal in a $500 million capital campaign, he said.

It also calls for a hotel at 6601 N. Sheridan, on the campus' northern fringe. The new housing would consist of dorms at 6340 N. Kenmore and market-rate homes at 1201 W. Loyola.

The zoning proposal is a revision of the "planned development" that currently covers the campus. The submission starts a city review process that leads to a vote in the City Council..

(alderman) Moore said the neighborhood would welcome a hotel that would serve the campus, but he expects the addition is years away. Hotel operators have been reluctant to commit to new projects because of the recession's impact on the lodging business.

It also calls for a hotel at 6601 N. Sheridan, on the campus' northern fringe. The new housing would consist of dorms at 6340 N. Kenmore and market-rate homes at 1201 W. Loyola.

^ All in all, good to hear. I don't know about 1201 W Loyola, but the other 2 developments will replace empty land or surface parking :)

^ All in all, good to hear. I don't know about 1201 W Loyola, but the other 2 developments will replace empty land or surface parking :)

Yeah, very cool.
Its funny when you google map streetview 1201 w loyola
you can see a before and after at the site of the cvs pharmacy
makes a world of difference.
looked like a good place to get mugged as a parking lot.


I think its just more parking lot that wasnt used
for cvs pharmacy at 1201, either that or a building
was torn down, i will check on the way home today

hey urb, i finally posted some real development news!

hey urb, i finally posted some real development news!
:lol:

Some other Loyola projects:
St. Joseph Seminary (replacing a tennis court + apartment building north of Loyola)
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/2521/picture1qr.png
Cuneo Hall (replacing Damen Hall)
http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/694/cuneo.jpg

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/galleries/north/2614670,evanston-muralists-081910-gallery.photogallery

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/evanston/news/2610390,evanston-muralists-081910-s1.article#

Painting the town
August 19, 2010

Two Evanston Township High School graduates are leading the way on a project to paint murals on a stretch of track in neighboring Rogers Park in Chicago.

......a group of professional artists to paint colorful murals on both sides of the (el - redline) track which run from Estes Avenue to Pratt Avenue.

The murals pay special attention to influence and impact the Heartland and No Exit Cafes have had on the area.
The work is to be completed this week.

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/cta-tattler/2010/08/ward-voters-pick-murals-to-grace-cta-underpasses-in-rogers-park.html

(If you click on the article you can see the Cool Birch Forest Mural
and also see all the other murals)

http://participatorybudgeting49.wordpress.com/2010/08/06/2010-mass-underpass-voting-day-set/

Earlier this year we told you about how 49th Ward residents had voted to spend part of its $1.3 million "menu money" on both CTA L station amenities and murals for underpasses. It was part of what 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore called "participatory budgeting."

On Aug. 21 and 22, ward residents voted to select 12 of 24 proposals for murals. The murals will be painted on CTA underpasses at Chase, Columbia, Fargo, Pratt, and Touhy. Murals also will brighten Metra underpasses at Estes, Farwell, Greenleaf, Morse, Pratt, Rogers, and Touhy.

Each artist will get a stipend of $5,500 to complete the mural.


Below are the winners of the election. The name of the work is followed by the ballot position, the artist, and the number of votes the work received. Four of the winners are Rogers Park or Edgewater residents (indicated by an asterisk (*)).

1. "Let's Bring the Birch Trees Back to Rogers Park" (#14), Joanna White (430 votes)
2. "Next to Each Other" (#24), Zsofia Otvos (322 votes)
3. (tie) "Daisy Fields" (# 2), Brenda Barnum (314 votes)*
"Imagination Street" (#12), Jen Pagnini (314 votes)*
4. "Tribute to the Fish of Lake Michigan" (#1), Amanda Paulson (286 votes)
5. "Faces of Rogers Park" (#4), Christopher Royal (261 votes)*
6. "Respiration" (#9), Hebru Brantley (260 votes)
7. "United We Flow" (#10), Jason Brammer (246 votes)
8. "Interrelations" (#16), Jose Andreu (234 votes)
9. "Say, Say, Say" (#13), Jeremy Tinder (231 votes)
10. "In Dreams" (#5), Dan Bellini and Jennifer Cronin (225 votes)
11. (tie) "Urban Oasis" (#17), Natalie Clark and Leah Tumerman (220 votes)
"Birds, Bugs, Butterflies and Beauty" (#20), Molly Z (220 votes)*

Loyola's student-run guesthouse open
8 undergrads spent summer readying project

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-08-31/news/ct-met-loyola-flats-20100831_1_loyola-station-loyola-officials-flats

August 31, 2010|By Jason Meisner, Tribune reporter


A team of eight Loyola undergrads from a wide range of backgrounds has spent hundreds of hours putting the final touches on a high-end, 10-unit guesthouse they developed and operate.

Loyola officials tout the $3 million Flats at Loyola Station project as the first of its kind in the country. The students are paid about $9 an hour for their labor and receive three hours of class or internship credit.

The apartment building sits at Arthur Avenue and Sheridan Road, across the street from campus.

One-bedrooms at the Flats rent for $125 to $220 per day, with prices going up to $280 for a two-bedroom, two-bath unit with a balcony. Discounted long-term rates are also offered.

The apartments are typical of new-construction residences in Chicago — lots of amenities like hardwood floors, modern kitchens, in-unit washers and dryers, and free wireless Internet.

But Adorno and his team have added other touches, like themes for some units, including a Route 66 pad adorned with Elvis paintings and photographs from the iconic highway.

Since it opened July 22, the Flats has entertained more than 50 guests, most of them parents of Loyola students looking for lodging near campus that offered more than area hotels.

Eventually, the students running the Flats want to cater to everyone from extended vacationers to firms who send employees to Chicago for weeks at a time.

"There is a whole market of people who want something different than your average residence hotel," Adorno said.

Rogers Park Muslim prayer center denies permit
By Liz Mannebach

News Writer

Published: Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Updated: Wednesday, September 8, 2010 17:09

http://www.loyolaphoenix.com/2.541/news/rogers-park-muslim-prayer-center-denies-permit-1.1573394

Michael Berry

A U Lucky Dawg hot dog sign still stands at the disputed vacant lot.

But the decision may be less controversial than it seems.

The organization Faizan-e-Madina had hoped to hold services inside of the closed-down restaurant, U Lucky Dawg, at 6821 N. Western Ave. The proposed space would not actually be a mosque, but rather a musiyallah, or prayer center.

Though the group bought the property after the restaurant closed, they were required to obtain a special-use permit in order to create a worship space.

According to Amie Zander, Executive Director of the West Ridge Chamber of Commerce Board, the primary reason that the zoning board denied them the permit was over financial concerns. A tax-exempt mosque wouldn’t generate much-needed revenue for the financially struggling area.

“There are tons of religious organizations in the neighborhood already; and since they don’t pay taxes, we had to take it upon ourselves to say that this isn’t a good fit for the community right now,” Zander said.

Eleven mosques and Islamic prayer centers already exist within a five-mile radius of the property, as well as 16 other churches, temples and synagogues.

New Home for Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society
10.13.10—The Rogers Park / West Ridge Historical Society has found a new home. The organization will move from its current location to 1447 West Morse Avenue. The move is planned to be complete by early November. To celebrate, the Society is planning a series of events continuing through the end of the year. The Grand Opening of the new facility will take place on Sunday, December 12, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed to prepare for the move and to staff events. Those interested in helping can call the Society’s offices at 773–764–4078 or send an e-mail to rpwrhs@aol.com.



Also Chuckies a new Bar has just opened.
It has chandeliers and is very nice looking, CLASSY.
Hmmm, Morse Classy? Yeah its getting classy
with Act One Cafe and Now Chuckies, weird name I Know
Check out Morse sometime this fall or winter,
The Morse streetscape continues and looks pretty good.

http://rogerspark.com/rp/photos/image_full/316/


I think most of the murals will be done in the spring,
most havent been started yet.

^ What was the theme supposed to be? I could have done much better...

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/cta-tattler/2010/11/alderman-funds-new-cta-heat-shelters-benches-in-rogers-park.html

Hey, our El stops in RP are getting upgraded! :cheers:

very nice, both in the gain of CTA amenities--although I rarely find the heating shelters particularly useful--as well as that people in RP find it important to invest in the stations (even if only a small total sum).

http://www.nbcchicago.com/traffic/transit/rogers-park-touhy-avenue-parking-meters-107009999.html

Parking Meters in West Rogers Park. (Westridge)

http://rogerspark.com/rp/news_articles/view/community_meeting_to_review_plans_for_the_howard_streetscape_project/

Community Meeting to Review Plans for the Howard Streetscape Project
Posted by Charlie on November 18, 2010
Community Meeting to Review Plans for the Howard Streetscape Project
Dear Neighbor,

I am writing to invite you to attend a community meeting to review plans for the new Howard Street streetscape project. The meeting will take place Monday, November 22nd, 7:00 p.m. at the Willye White Park Fieldhouse, 1610 W. Howard.

Representatives of the Chicago Department of Transportation’s Streetscape and Sustainable Design Program, as well as the design firms assigned to the project, will present the plans for this project, which is scheduled for groundbreaking next year.

The streetscape design for Howard Street from the Howard el station to Sheridan Road was the result of a community process put into place nearly ten years ago. The final plan was presented to the community at a public meeting in November 2003. Implementation of the project was put on hold, however, until a funding source could be identified.

After the CTA in 2008 requested funds from the Howard Paulina Tax Increment Financing District to complete the construction of the new Howard el station, I secured an agreement from the City of Chicago Department of Planning to allow use of the TIF funds to pay for the Howard Street streetscape project, as well. This was in keeping with the community’s desire expressed at an August 2008 meeting to see both the Howard El Station rehabilitation completed and the implementation of the Howard Street streetscape plan.

I look forward to the implementation of this exciting project!

Sincerely,

Joe Moore

Dealing with Howard I think could get a boost from a Metra station

Call your representative soon to be 48th aldeman Harry Osterman

He plans a new metra stop at peterson/ ridge / ravenswood

calling for lots more parking he says for the common good

A new station at devon and remove the one at lunt

and in its place a metra at howard tied to the CTA

would help spark redevelopment of Devon and Howard some say is all but sunk

Dealing with Howard I think could get a boost from a Metra station

Call your representative soon to be 48th aldeman Harry Osterman

He plans a new metra stop at peterson/ ridge / ravenswood

calling for lots more parking he says for the common good

A new station at devon and remove the one at lunt

and in its place a metra at howard tied to the CTA

would help spark redevelopment of Devon and Howard some say is all but sunk


I am for a stop at Howard too,
though not sure if I would get rid of the one at Lunt,
just cuz its closer to my place,
but in anycase will be interesting to see.

Yeah the new stop at peterson wil be cool

^^What I meant to say but perhaps was unclear
is that station at peterson will bring nothing but tears
of frustration as choked traffic snarls round ravenswood ridge
we'd be far better off with a station north a few blocks by a smidge

I live near Lunt so I know how you feel
and removing it would for me would be a nearly daily deal
but metra and cta our transportation draft horses
are not personal play thing but meant to benefit the greatest masses


Take away Lunt and sure i'd be sad
but a new one at Howard
and put planned peterson at devon
and these two new stations would be much more fun



=========================

I all seriousness I think the station at Peterson is a bad idea....too isolated a nearly a quarter of a circle around it is filled by actual dead people (rosehill) who very rarely take metra....and Peterson itself is an auto sewer....Even the new development along western
at peterson is auto-centric hell...despite only being 1 mile to new proposed station and like a 5 minute bus ride.

Devon makes more sense....better for a nascent business strip east on devon; good for business strip west on devon...good for S&C; also empty lot south of devon could be developed into TOD / possible parking structure...also that horrible parcel in no-mans land between ridge and metra via-duct couild be redeveloped to take advantage of TOD....also their are way more people within say 1/2 mile radius of that devon spot than at Ridge / Peterson (ie the formerly mentioned dead people).

Howard and a tie in to the Red line somehow....I think is self-explanatory.


Osterman is a good guy but he is focused on the 48th ward....this issue could benefit both Edgewater and RP so much more if stations were done at Howard and Devon (remove Lunt)...and yes it would be inconvenient for me....Lunt is 2 blocks from my house..devon would be more like 5.

I urge anyone reading this to contact Schawkowsky and Osterman as well as Moore to put this idea in their heads.

Howard and Devon Metra stops would help revitalize 2 business strips; further aid in development of a 3rd nascent one; better tie into CTA redline; benefit far more people with in say 1/2 mile or so of each respective station.

A station at peterson will simply be a car magnet with little if any ancillary benefit.

wow auto sewer, good one.
on the plus side dead people make terrible nimbies....

I see your point on Howard and Devon.
It definitely would help both retail strips.
Also if Lunt did go away, I would just take the
redline from Morse to Howard and walk over.
The Howard Metra stop would be very close
to the Redline and help that intervening stretch
as well. I know alot of people have been hoping
for a Howard Metra stop. And it would especially
help out that stretch of Howard west of the
Metra Line. It is so dead over there.

With the Devon Stop it would help that kinda
dead zone between the Rogers Park area
and West Ridge business districts.
There is a cool sign there now
displaying Rogers Park and Edgewater.

South of Devon so technically Edgewater, but seems to make more sense here:

Loyola University Chicago recently snapped up the site of a proposed condominium building near its Rogers Park campus for $940,000, less than the debt on the vacant parcel.

The university paid about $52 per square foot for a long-vacant 18,000-square-foot site at the northwest corner of Broadway Avenue and Rosemont Avenue, about a block from the university’s campus, according to real estate firm Titan Commercial LLC, which represented Loyola in the transaction.

A Loyola spokeswoman says there are currently no plans for the site, 6300 N. Broadway Ave., where residential developers once planned a five-story condo building.


Crain's story (http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20101213/CRED03/101219972/loyola-buys-site-of-scrapped-condo-project#ixzz187Nobg7M)

^ I certainly hope to see something developed there. The area around Broadway/Devon as so much potential, but is unfortunately still marred by abandonment and decay.

I would imagine it is in Loyola's interest to see this part of town redeveloped into something more lively and "safe" for the benefit of their current and future students.

Yeah I put that article in the edgewater section already,
but hey, I wont complain about it being here.

Urbs, that area is getting better.
Green Element Resale down the street is cool
it was bought by a guy who is slowly rehabbing it.

Whats happening now is property that was languishing
is being bought up for future development
or by business savvy guys who know what they are doing.

There is a nice coffee shop on Devon not too far from Broadway
by Magnolia, and there is a Viet Bistro on Devon along that stretch too.
Its coming along slowly in a positive way,
If you look at clark south of devon and north of ridge alot of
buildings getting fixed up there. Dont forget Uncommon Ground
is at glenwood and devon.

And Broadway has nice antique shops already.
It'll get there........

So yeah Im Bully for Rogers Park and Edgewater.

http://morsehellhole.blogspot.com/2011/01/crown-jewel-lights-installed.html

Take a look at Morse and Mayne Stage.
Its getting its new lights put in.

http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=176161

If alderman has his way, Devon parking structure will open by Election Day
by Karla Dawn Meier
Jan 13, 2011


Karla Dawn Meier/MEDILL

Is there an election coming up?

After seven years of controversy and setbacks, a parking structure at the corner of Devon and Rockwell in West Rogers Park is set to open, according to the alderman.

“It should be open before Election Day,” said Ald. Bernard Stone, who has championed the $16 million project. “They are just waiting for the heat to be turned on.”

Homeowners Michael and Sue Freely, who now live in the structure’s shadow, are skeptical.

“Yeah, right,” Michael Freely said. “I don’t think so. It’s definitely not finished.”

Sue Freely added: “They’ve picked up the pace the last two months, I think, just to show the neighborhood how ‘hard’ [Stone] is working. I guess that’s politics in Chicago.”

Parking in the area is horrendous. Devon only has meter parking; the surrounding side streets have permit parking, inaccessible to business patrons at most hours.

Aruna Singh said she drove around for 20 minutes Wednesday night looking for a spot.

“It’s awful,” she said.

The construction plan was submitted to city zoning officials in 2004 by Asat Inc. with a timeline of 18 months, start to finish.

Construction commenced in June 2007 and, nearly four years later, a visitor to the property can see that it is far from complete.

One reason for the delay is legal issues.

The city requires that buildings on Rockwell sit 20 feet back from the property line and be no more than two stories high. The Devon parking structure violates both of these restrictions.

A group of local homeowners brought a lawsuit against Asat and its president, Mohamed Siddiqui, which stopped construction for at least two months.

“It was kind of stunning that the zoning ordinances were altered so much to allow for this six-story building,” Mr. Freely said. “It was kind of a joke.”

Asat won the case and a subsequent appeal. No one from the development company could be reached for comment.

Another complaint is the structure’s design.

“This building just doesn’t make sense,” said Greg Brewer, an architect and one of Stone’s opponents in the Feb. 22 aldermanic race.

“It is so poorly designed as to be almost non-functional,” he said.

The structure is built to accommodate commercial space on the first level, parking on the second, third and fourth levels, and 24 condo units on the fifth and sixth levels.

Brewer said the site was previously home to a parking lot that had about 60 spots. The new structure promises 159 total spots, 110 of which will be designated for public use.

With a net gain of about 50 spots, the $16 million project—almost $4 million from tax increment finance money—makes the cost of each new spot about $350,000.

“You can get more parking in cheaper ways,” Brewer said, such as creating an angled parking system on Devon or loosening up the parking permit limitations on surrounding streets.

“It’s like having a spaceship land in your backyard,” Sue Freely said.

The community had a gathering space before, she said, because street fairs, farmers markets and dances were held at the open-air parking lot.

“This is worse than the Berlin Wall,” she said. “It has nothing to do with uniting people.”

Despite the opposition, local businesses and patrons are excited to have the garage open sooner than later.

Wajid Ahsan works at J.K. Kabab House directly across Rockwell from the structure. “We are hoping and praying that business will be better once it’s completed,” he said.

When Singh heard that Ald. Stone would have it open by Feb. 22, she gave two thumbs up.

“I will come back after that,” she said. “Not before.”

http://www.chicagonewscoop.org/candidates-question-the-ways-tax-increment-financing-is-used/

Candidates Question the Ways Tax Increment Financing Is Used
By MICK DUMKE
January 20, 2011

Brian White, candidate for the 49th Ward, proposes a different use for TIF.
Jose More/Chicago News Cooperative
Nearly 300 church members, community activists and other area residents gathered in the auditorium of a Rogers Park school last Sunday to celebrate the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — and to rally around a proposal to create a special taxing district that would finance neighborhood rental housing exclusively.
Its chief proponent, Brian White, an advocate of affordable housing and a candidate for 49th Ward alderman, received rousing applause after he addressed the group.

Its chief opponent, the ward’s incumbent alderman, Joe Moore, was not at the event. “Simply put, I am shut out of the meeting,” he wrote in a statement distributed by supporters outside.

The political dustup in Rogers Park, which has roughly the same boundaries as the 49th Ward, is the latest example of how tax increment financing, or TIF, has become a leading issue in the Feb. 22 municipal elections. Candidates and voters are hungrily eyeing the hundreds of millions of tax dollars flowing annually into the city’s TIF program, an economic-development initiative financed and administered separately from the city’s $6 billion annual budget.

Tax increment financing works by siphoning off some property taxes in designated areas, known as TIF districts, and setting the money aside for corporate subsidies, infrastructure, job training, housing and anything else that city officials deem a catalyst for economic development. The increase in property values that results from development would mean more revenue for the city.

As the city struggles with annual deficits in its regular budget, the lack of transparency in how TIF money is used and the sheer quantity of resources it consumes has inspired calls for reform. About $500 million has gone into the TIF program in each of the last four years, and most financing decisions are made behind closed doors by top city officials and aldermen.

Leading mayoral candidates have taken notice. Rahm Emanuel, President Obama’s former chief of staff, has said he would include TIF finances in the regular budget that the City Council must approve publicly. He has also proposed using TIF dollars to pay for more police officers. Carol Moseley Braun, the former United States senator, has called for a moratorium on TIFs so that the money could be used to shore up the regular city budget, while another candidate, Gery Chico, said he wanted more TIF subsidies for small businesses. Miguel del Valle has said that the TIF program should be restructured to ensure that money is flowing into “blighted” communities, the program’s original intent, rather than prosperous neighborhoods downtown, which have received the vast majority of TIF dollars.

Meanwhile a coalition of incumbent aldermen and lower cost-housing advocates has been fighting for months to get the City Council to approve the Sweet Home Chicago ordinance, which would set aside 20 percent of all TIF funds citywide for affordable housing. It has been thwarted by council allies of Mayor Richard M. Daley, who believe that it limits the city’s ability to decide how best to use the TIF money.

The proposal in the 49th Ward is a new twist on tax increment financing. Housing advocates led by Mr. White, who is on leave as executive director of the Lakeside Community Development Corporation, want to create a TIF district with the sole purpose of generating funds to preserve rental housing. Referred to as a rental improvement fund district, or RIF, it would encompass most of the ward. Tax increment financing has traditionally been viewed as a means of reversing neighborhood decline, but Mr. White said his plan would help slow gentrification. Subsidies would be provided to landlords who agreed to keep rents low.

Rogers Park has long been one of the most diverse areas in Chicago, but Mr. White noted that recent census data showed it had lost about one-fifth* of its black and Hispanic residents since 2000.

“We could do something that fundamentally changes how we protect housing in Rogers Park,” he said.

Mr. White and other neighborhood activists said Mr. Moore was enthusiastic when they first approached him with the proposal in 2009 and that he had told them he would help them enact the plan. Marilyn Pagan-Banks, executive director of A Just Harvest, an antipoverty organization, said Mr. Moore told them the plan was “cutting edge.”

Mr. Moore said he had merely promised to keep an open mind. “I told them they needed to demonstrate broad-based community support,” he said. “They have failed miserably.”

The activists and the alderman butted heads over financing for an independent study to determine whether the ward qualified as a TIF district; Mr. White eventually secured grant money to pay for it. Mr. Moore said he wanted to create a task force to study the issue further; Mr. White said he saw this as a stalling tactic.

In October, Mr. White decided to challenge Mr. Moore’s re-election bid. He said the TIF proposal was just one of his ideas for bringing “balanced development” to the ward.

Mr. White said he received an angry call from Mr. Moore soon after he began collecting signatures to get on the ballot. “I told him, ‘The happiest thing for me would be to be working at Lakeside and supporting you on all the wonderful things you’re doing in the community, but you’re not,’” Mr. White said.

Mr. Moore maintained that Mr. White had always wanted his job. “I view this TIF proposal as part of a long-term strategic plan on his part to run for alderman — a flawed strategic plan,” he said.

The Illinois law governing tax increment financing is so broadly written that widely differing areas can qualify, from economically depressed communities to not-so-depressed parts of the Loop where the buildings are simply old.

The study commissioned by Mr. White, which was released last week, concluded that not all of the housing in the 49th Ward was troubled enough to qualify for a TIF district — though the areas that might be eligible could collect more than $55 million in TIF funds over the next 23 years.

At the rally Sunday, organized by Northside Power (People Organized to Work, Educate and Restore), Mr. White told the standing-room-only crowd that he viewed the preservation of rental housing as a civil rights issue. “The election is coming up in five weeks, and there are two candidates on the ballot,” he said. “There’s one candidate who’s going to push for the RIF, and there’s another who’s not standing with you today.” The room erupted with applause.

In the letter distributed by supporters, Mr. Moore wrote that the study had justified his decision not to endorse the TIF plan, but rally organizers “will not grant me the courtesy of allowing me to explain my position at their meeting.”

Mr. Moore wrote that by capturing property tax money to be used only for rental housing, the proposed TIF “would deprive our community of the flexibility to decide how millions of tax dollars could be spent in the future.”

The alderman noted that he was a supporter of other affordable-housing proposals, including Sweet Home Chicago, although its foes had argued that it, too, would limit flexibility in using property tax funds.

In a subsequent interview, Mr. Moore said the comparison was unfair, because the Sweet Home Chicago plan would leave 80 percent of all tax increment financing money available for uses besides housing.

He said the TIF program needed more transparency and oversight, especially in tight budget times. If the program did not exist, the taxes it collects would instead go to the regular city budget, the public schools and other local government agencies.

“It’s not free money,” he said.

http://www.loyolaphoenix.com/2.541/news/new-housing-plans-announced-1.1917825

New housing plans announced
By Nathan Lurz

...To replace them, it has been proposed that two new first year halls be built in the parking lots directly east of Simpson Hall and south of Wright Hall. In turn, Regis Hall, which currently houses freshmen, will be opened to sophomores.

...Loyola is also planning on a new, building similar to the Morgan, a mixed-use residential and retail space in the currently empty lot on Loyola Avenue and a living space for upperclassmen, faculty and staff along Albion. Both would be "off-grid," meaning that residents would not be forced to enroll in a meal plan and would sign a full 12-month lease with prices competitive to local apartments.

http://www.loyolaphoenix.com/2.541/news/new-housing-plans-announced-1.1917825

New housing plans announced
By Nathan Lurz

...To replace them, it has been proposed that two new first year halls be built in the parking lots directly east of Simpson Hall and south of Wright Hall. In turn, Regis Hall, which currently houses freshmen, will be opened to sophomores.

...Loyola is also planning on a new, building similar to the Morgan, a mixed-use residential and retail space in the currently empty lot on Loyola Avenue and a living space for upperclassmen, faculty and staff along Albion. Both would be "off-grid," meaning that residents would not be forced to enroll in a meal plan and would sign a full 12-month lease with prices competitive to local apartments.

^ The article is confusing. While they plan to build new dorms, they also plan to decommission some of them.

So will this be a net gain in residences/buildings or simply a churning of space? Will those old dorms simply be torn down, so that in the end we'll have the same number of vacant lots?

If so, that would be really disappointing..

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20110422/CRED03/110429946/loyola-buys-apartment-complex-for-high-end-housing


Loyola buys apartment complex for high-end housing
By: Frank Kalman April 22, 2011

(Crain’s) — Loyola University Chicago bought a two-building apartment complex just north of its Rogers Park campus and plans to convert the buildings into high-end student housing.

The Catholic university paid $6 million for the vacant complex of some 120 units at 6610-28 N. Sheridan Road, and plans to spend close to $10 million on renovations that will include new kitchens, in-unit laundry machines and new common areas, says Wayne Magdziarz, the school’s vice-president of capital planning.

The apartments will accommodate about 300 upperclassmen and are to be ready by fall 2012, part of a broader push by Loyola to upgrade and augment its main Rogers Park campus, Mr. Magdziarz says.

“We know our students look for apartment-style living,” he says. “So this will fill that gap for us.”

Loyola bought the 42-year-old complex earlier this month from PNC Bank, which early last year sued to foreclose on a pair of loans secured by that property and another one after the former owner, investor Ayman Khalil, failed to land financing to renovate the 6610-28 N. Sheridan Road complex.

Mr. Khalil bought the buildings in 2005 for $11.6 million, according to property records, and surrendered the complex to PNC last fall after the bank filed a $23-million foreclosure suit against the complex and a 105-unit apartment building at 7301 N. Sheridan Road. The loans came due in December 2009, according to PNC’s lawsuit.

Related story: Investor faces foreclosure on 2 apartment buildings

The 6610-28 N. Sheridan Road property was in the process of being renovated by Mr. Khalil, who in 2008 was in line to receive $2.8 million in tax-increment financing from the city. But Mr. Khalil failed to obtain private financing, and the TIF funding never materialized.

The location of the complex, a "four-plus-one" structure with four stories of apartments on top of a parking garage, was a good fit for Loyola.

“I don’t think you could ask for a better location in Rogers Park,” says Doug Fisher, a principal with Chicago-based Essex Realty Group Inc., who brokered the sale.

Loyola’s Mr. Madgiarz says it was an opportunity to invest in a property north of its campus, while in years past the school has largely focused on properties on its southern end, near the Granville CTA El stop.

The 15,300-student university in 2009 opened the first phase of its $400-million Loyola Station development, at Sheridan Road and Arthur Avenue, with an eight-story, 152-unit student apartment building called the Morgan at Loyola Station. Plans call for another residential tower there and about 90,000 square feet of retail space



Read more: http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20110422/CRED03/110429946/loyola-buys-apartment-complex-for-high-end-housing#ixzz1KaawksNT
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http://luc.edu/farmersmarket/

New Farmers Market at Loyola Stop Red Line

http://gaychicagonews.com/blog/2011/06/rogers-park-gears-up-to-strut-its-pride/

Rogers Park gears up to strut its Pride
by Matt Simonette on Jun 21, 2011

The Glenwood will be ground zero for Pride North

CHICAGO – On Sunday, June 26, once the Pride Parade ends, thousands of Mardi Gras beads will be swept off Lakeview streets. A few overheated flatbed trucks will be towed from Lincoln Park. And thousands of revelers will descend upon their favorite watering holes and dance clubs to continue the Pride fun.But this year, many of those revelers will be heading north of Devon Avenue to Rogers Park.

Pride North, a large-scale celebration on Glenwood Avenue between Lunt and Morse Avenues, begins at 4 p.m. and lasts until 10 p.m. The featured entertainment will be DJ Moosebox and DJ Voxbox, as well as 1980s cover band Sixteen Candles.“Many of our customers didn’t want to hang around in Lakeview and wait in line to get served in places they wouldn’t wait the other 364 days a year,” said Renee Labrana, co-owner of the Glenwood Bar, 6962 N. Glenwood Ave., and an organizer of Pride North.

Labrana and her co-owner, Colm Treacy, had originally planned a pre-Pride gathering and a group who’d go down and watch the parade together.“But it just kept getting bigger and bigger,” Labrana said. “Finally we just said, ‘Why not throw a party here?’”Rogers Park has long been regarded as one of the city’s most economically and ethnically diverse neighborhoods. It is home to a sizeable LGBT community as well as gay-owned and -operated businesses such as Touché, Jackhammer and the Leather Archives.

But for many years there was a lingering sense among some locals that, to do something “gay,” you had to hop on the El or the bus and ride to Lakeview or Andersonville, according to Labrana. When she and Treacy opened their doors in 2008, “We couldn’t believe how many people seemed to be waiting for us,” she said.Kimberly Bares, executive director of the Rogers Park Business Alliance, remembers being surprised by the number of gay people in the neighborhood when she and her partner were house hunting in Rogers Park.

“Whenever we went to an open house, it would belong to a gay couple,” Bares said. “The real estate agent would usually stand on the front porch, point at each house and tell us if the owners were gay or not.” Labrana added, “Gay people may have lived in the same building or lived on the same street, but many of them didn’t know that anyone else was there.” Her bar has become a “sort of public meeting house. It’s like this extended family that we helped create.”

The Glenwood Bar is part of a revitalized nightlife within the area known as the Glenwood Area Arts District, which includes more recent additions such as the Mayne Stage entertainment complex, 1328 W. Morse Ave., and long-established businesses such as the Heartland Café, 7000 N. Glenwood Ave.

Ald. Joe Moore (49th) said he is “thrilled” with a lot of changes in the neighborhood, which include significant improvements to the Morse Avenue streetscape that were marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony in early June.“A lot of great changes have taken place up here,” added Moore. “Not only do you have a lot of these businesses, but we have a farmers’ market that is bringing a lot of people up here on Sundays.”

The popular Glenwood Sunday Market has met with tremendous response from locals, according to Bares, and is among the myriad reasons the gay population has continued to grow in the neighborhood. “Rogers Park has unfettered access to the lake and an abundance of mass transit options,” Bares said. “It’s someplace offering the best value for their dollars, and there’s that long tradition of being welcome to all kinds of different families.”

Labrana said the community’s enthusiasm is what makes the Pride party a possibility.“With the community behind me and the alderman behind me, I knew that this was going to happen,” she said. Moore said he’s going to be there June 26.“The GLBT community has just provided so much energy and excitement to Rogers Park,” he added. “It’s really filled with a lot of great people.”

http://www.suntimes.com/business/roeder/6357849-452/rogers-park-harvests-plan-for-open-land-that-could-become-urban-farm.html

Rogers Park harvests plan for open land that could become urban farm
DAVID ROEDER droeder@suntimes.com July 5, 2011 7:42PM

Updated: July 6, 2011 2:10AM

Densely and diversely populated, could Rogers Park on the city’s North Side soon be the site of an urban farm?

It’s an idea getting a serious push, and deservedly so. Capital to build on vacant lots is hard to come by, so why not use the land to grow produce and teach agricultural and business skills?

Rogers Park could get a farm at 7501 N. Ashland, a two-acre site that 20 years ago was the home of Lerner Newspapers. Royal Bank of Canada is foreclosing on the land. The city invited developer proposals for the property a few years ago, but nobody responded.

Residents organized as Rogers Park Farms have proposed taking it over, but they need funding and city help to get it out of private hands. Ald. Joe Moore, whose 49th Ward covers Rogers Park, has authored an ordinance authorizing the city to negotiate to buy the property.

Moore said he’s intrigued by the farming idea but wants to leave the door open to other development interests. He said money is available from the account of a tax-increment financing district that includes the property. Called the Howard Paulina district, it last reported a balance in 2010 of $11.2 million.

Any farmers interested in taking over the property “would have to demonstrate they have the capacity to carry this off,” Moore said. His ordinance is up for a vote today at the City Council.

Moore said Rogers Park Farms wants to partner with the Heartland Alliance for Human Needs and Human Rights, which is establishing a farm on the West Side.

“It could work well in my neck of the woods, too, with the high unemployment we have near Howard Street,” Moore said.

New Loyola developments around Wright Hall
http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/7486/wrighthall.jpg
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/5792/hwvef9ga.jpg

Rendering of the Loyola CTA station renovation
http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/6658/picture2uxz.jpg

^^^^ looks good spyguy!
Fits in with the whole patio concept at the 400/starbucks/chipotle/etc on sheridan and even at pratt and sheridan.

I really think that Sheridan/ that part is going to take off as a great place for a stroll, for eating/shopping etc.

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:
:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20110422/CRED03/110429946/loyola-buys-apartment-complex-for-high-end-housing


Loyola buys apartment complex for high-end housing
By: Frank Kalman April 22, 2011

(Crain’s) — Loyola University Chicago bought a two-building apartment complex just north of its Rogers Park campus and plans to convert the buildings into high-end student housing.


Read more: http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20110422/CRED03/110429946/loyola-buys-apartment-complex-for-high-end-housing#ixzz1KaawksNT
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This is huge because that building was shit. Anyhow, now if Loyola could do this a few more times north.of campuss.....How abut turning the old hotel at Pratt and Sherdian into a boutique hotel for visiting parents etc....just a thought.

This is huge because that building was shit. Anyhow, now if Loyola could do this a few more times north.of campuss.....How abut turning the old hotel at Pratt and Sherdian into a boutique hotel for visiting parents etc....just a thought.

True....
Loyola has a new little boutique hotel just west of the CVS on Loyola.
Loyola and Pritzker are the too biggest real estate players in Rogers Park, atleast that I know of in my area.

I would like to see that gigantic building get a nice makeover.
I know there is a new restaurant where Ropa used to be, forgot the name but it looks like its a sports bar. That and there is a new restaurant called Pillars Social Club at Pratt and Sheridan across the street that is about to open. I dont post much on here anymore, mainly I stick to everyblock Rogers Park.

A five story mixed use development planned next to the One Acthttp://zfengarchitect.com/residentialprojects/morse.html

Apparently a new bistro is going in on the corner of Glenwood and Morse as well. Lot of energy and life coming to that area around the train station.

Proposal by Loyola for development on the long vacant parking lot site on Albion

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2012/01/24/loyola-to-spring-more-faceless-housing-on-its-neighbors.php

http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2012/02/08/morse.php

lots of good stuff going in Rogers Park nowadays.....:cheers::cheers::cheers:

tejas to take part in united nation peace mission in russia

pics

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