1632 N Milwaukee
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/1072/1612nmilwaukee.jpg

that polish triangle is a cool concept

Ha ha, that's just a conceptual scheme. Any long-term improvements are contingent on knowing what's going on with the circle line -- will it rip up Ashland or not?

A public market at 1765 Elston? This sales listing still markets it as offices:
http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/15862362/1765-N-Elston-Chicago-IL/
I suppose there are worse sites, but "Elston near the Hideout" offers a rather dim prospect of walk-by traffic (until the Bloomingdale Trail gets built?).

Judging by the rear location of the checkouts, the Elston Market is not planning to rely on walk-by traffic. I'm fine with it being auto-oriented, given that the chances of this area ever being transit-friendly are slim to none. The whole site plan isn't posted, but I'm willing to bet that there would be some sort of structured parking in the back along the river; there's quite a bit of room back there. It looks like the upper levels would be a health club or something... the rendering seems to show a track running around the balcony level.

The Polish Triangle plan seems incredibly unworkable. I love the pavilion in the center and the way it overhangs the street, but turning the Triangle into a contorted traffic circle is not a safe or feasible option from a traffic perspective. If the designers want more real estate, they should narrow Division and Ashland to one lane each way... it would be better for pedestrians and motorists alike.

I'm also sorta skeptical of the whole "let's make an urban hill" thing, especially when it's sold as some sort of amphitheater. Chicago weather makes outdoor movies impossible for 5 months out of the year, and NIMBYs would probably shut it down the other 7 months. If the Circle Line is built, I'd rather see some sort of sunken area, ala Hallidie Plaza in SF, to help bring daylight and green into the underground rat's warren that the transfer station would probably become. In such a configuration, you could probably build retail spaces underneath Division.

http://peoplingplaces.wordpress.com/2010/05/20/celebrating-hairpin-lofts/

Celebrating Hairpin Lofts!

Let’s put the Sachs/Payless moniker to rest and get used to Hairpin Lofts rolling off the tongue.

Tuesday was a day of celebration for the Hairpin Lofts and Logan Square Arts Center, the official “groundbreaking” for the project.

Good news about the MB Bank on Division and Ashland. CVS on the ground floor, restaurant/club called the Bedford Club below.

Pics from george on SSP:
Former MB Financial @ Division & Ashland being rehabbed for possible CVS on level 1. The lower level & old safe deposit box vault to be converted into a night club. A sledgehammer is used to remove the old limestone blocks covering the window openings.
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/7930/mb1e.jpg (http://img411.imageshack.us/i/mb1e.jpg/)

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/3745/mb4v.jpg (http://img411.imageshack.us/i/mb4v.jpg/)

^^ Saw the windows being revealed/replaced last Tuesday while in the area. I may never end up at the club going in there, but I definitely appreciate their "un-blanking" of that wall.

Does anyone have an idea of when they were first bricked over?

According to this article (http://chicagoist.com/2006/02/09/ask_chicagoist_banking_on_architecture.php), in the 50's.

what a dramatic improvement to the streetscape! good rehab of an older building.

According to this article (http://chicagoist.com/2006/02/09/ask_chicagoist_banking_on_architecture.php), in the 50's.

ah, Chicagoist article to the rescue! Thanks for the link.

now if only something good was done with this (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=1030+N+State+St,+Chicago,+Cook,+Illinois+60610&ll=41.902916,-87.666779&spn=0,0.01929&z=16&layer=c&cbll=41.903254,-87.667531&panoid=ka5t1_Xc10AfVuoSasnX-w&cbp=12,230.12,,0,1) pleasant property across the street...

The parking garage's site:
http://greenparkgarage.com/

I'll believe it when I see it -- they said in a presentation that they have financing, but they're not-too-subtly fishing for investors on that site. Given the empty street parking around there (at $1/hr), I can't see how a garage with high fixed costs can really make much money. That said, I'm glad to see someone finally propose a garage >1 block from M/N/D.

Our only explanation (we live on that block, and there is always street parking plus free parking on the streets back in the neighborhood) is that whoever is building this knows that a project down at Leavitt and Milwaukee must be happening. Zoning for that property is on the agenda for today's zoning commission meeting.

Otherwise, we have no idea who will actually use that garage. It's not like it's hard to find parking in the area, and no one is parking 3/4 of a mile up Milwaukee to go down to Milwaukee/North/Damen. They have to have some sort of inside knowledge that their garage will be needed or we are going to end up with an abandoned parking garage on that block within 5 years after it is built because they couldn't pay their bills.

Zoning for that property is on the agenda for today's zoning commission meeting.

Oh drat, I forgot to look that up beforehand -- briefly saw the sign last week, but forgot about it before I was a block away.

The garage developer wants the taxpayers (via the SSA) to pay for a shuttle bus to/from their garage. Suuure.

Public meeting on Tuesday (2333 N Milwaukee, betw 6-10PM) "to update the Logan Square Open Space Plan" to include an... orchard in the middle of the neighborhood. Yipppeee. Please drop by if you have a chance and share your thoughts about what Logan Square needs.

http://westnorth.com/2010/08/12/orchard-2/

I just noticed there was fencing up around the old Hardee's (or Burger King) building next to the Wendy's. Any clue on what they're developing?

ah, Chicagoist article to the rescue! Thanks for the link.

now if only something good was done with this (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=1030+N+State+St,+Chicago,+Cook,+Illinois+60610&ll=41.902916,-87.666779&spn=0,0.01929&z=16&layer=c&cbll=41.903254,-87.667531&panoid=ka5t1_Xc10AfVuoSasnX-w&cbp=12,230.12,,0,1) pleasant property across the street...

The fences around the ex-Pizza Hut at Division & Ashland have been up for a while. No news that I've heard, since Walgreen's is going to stay on Milwaukee.

This sounds like a great use for the building and a nice addition to the neighborhood, but I don't think the developer should be permitted to tear down a building to create surface parking on Chicago Avenue.

Bowling Alley/Music Venue planned for West Town (http://news.eastvillagechicago.org/2010/09/bowling-alley-pins-success-to-live.html).

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20101006/CRED03/101009947/bucktown-lands-trendy-national-jeweler

Bucktown lands trendy national jeweler
By: Eddie Baeb October 06, 2010

Trendy New York jewelry and accessories designer Alexis Bittar, best known for his work with Lucite, is opening a store in Bucktown.

Mr. Bittar’s arrival marks a post-recession return of national fashion names flocking to the funky Northwest Side neighborhood — sometimes at the expense of locals.

http://news.eastvillagechicago.org/2010/10/plan-cooked-up-for-pizza-hut-chicago.html

What will replace Pizza Hut? One developer's idea

David Agosto presented plans to build a tower at the old Pizza Hut location at the southwest corner of Division and Ashland. Agosto stated the property could support only a bank or drugstore on its first floor. The board was very concerned about complications to an already high level of vehicular traffic.

The plans involve a drive-through on the first floor with traffic exiting onto Ashland Avenue. Concerns were raised about effects on the bus stop, bike lane and high pedestrian traffic. The proposal does not match Special Service Area plans and community sentiment for pedestrian-friendly business.

Rappe is to draft a letter stating the board voted to not support Agosto's proposal.

Good to know they aren't going to shove the first thing that gets proposed into that space. A drive-through bank would almost be a downgrade from an abandoned pizza hut.

Proposed 200-seat pizzeria and bar called Roots alongside the new home base for Bleeding Heart Bakery & Cafe at 1916-1924 W. Chicago Ave.

http://chicago.metromix.com/restaurants/article/5-things-to-know/2268396/content

This sounds like a great use for the building and a nice addition to the neighborhood, but I don't think the developer should be permitted to tear down a building to create surface parking on Chicago Avenue.

Bowling Alley/Music Venue planned for West Town (http://news.eastvillagechicago.org/2010/09/bowling-alley-pins-success-to-live.html).

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/7494/chicagobowl183458.jpg (http://img261.imageshack.us/i/chicagobowl183458.jpg/)
Site of Chicago Bowl

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/6734/chibowl2.jpg (http://img261.imageshack.us/i/chibowl2.jpg/)
Building proposed for demo / parking lot. Better to save the facade, gut the interior and use for parking.

^ Not a big loss there, that's for sure.

If they do a good job of creating a good "street edge" for the parking lot I don't mind. All in all, a successful venue will create much more activity in this site and add vibrance, a fair trade for interruption of the streetwall. But I wouldn't want to see this become a common practice

Green Park Eco Garage (http://www.greenparkgarage.com)
1868 N Milwaukee
http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/3605/pressrelease03.jpg
100 parking spots
LEED Gold, fully automated parking system

http://news.eastvillagechicago.org/2011/01/bleeding-heart-final-vote-37-11.html

Division-Ashland development

Greg Nagel reported a proposal that was brought to his attention regarding the old Pizza Hut location at Division and Ashland. According to Nagel, Shorewood Development has a proposal for a one-story bank with a drive-through. Nagel stated that he spoke with the representative about the interest of the neighborhood to have a more residential and pedestrian-friendly use for that location.

The representative then came back with an proposal to have a residential building above a bank with one drive-through lane if the parking requirement could be reduced. Nagel discussed this with the alderman, who stated he had the ability to reduce the parking requirement for a residential building. However, the board was unsupportive of the proposal due to the effect it would have on the pedestrian designation and foot traffic issues with the drive through lane.

Good news about the MB Bank on Division and Ashland. CVS on the ground floor, restaurant/club called the Bedford Club below.


I think this is the same project:

Mark Steuer Leaves The Gage to Open The Bedford (http://chicago.grubstreet.com/2011/01/mark_steuer_leaves_the_gage_to.html)

The opening frenzy continues: Mark Steuer, who was the executive sous chef at The Gage, will be leaving the Loop restaurant to open his own place called The Bedford. According to the 312 Dining Diva, it’ll be located in the Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village area.

http://news.eastvillagechicago.org/2011/01/bleeding-heart-final-vote-37-11.html

Division-Ashland development

Greg Nagel reported a proposal that was brought to his attention regarding the old Pizza Hut location at Division and Ashland. According to Nagel, Shorewood Development has a proposal for a one-story bank with a drive-through. Nagel stated that he spoke with the representative about the interest of the neighborhood to have a more residential and pedestrian-friendly use for that location.

The representative then came back with an proposal to have a residential building above a bank with one drive-through lane if the parking requirement could be reduced. Nagel discussed this with the alderman, who stated he had the ability to reduce the parking requirement for a residential building. However, the board was unsupportive of the proposal due to the effect it would have on the pedestrian designation and foot traffic issues with the drive through lane.

^ Good NIMBY's do exist.

^ Good NIMBY's do exist.

Yes they do.
I have seen alot of one story banks popping up.
Kinda blah about these.
PNC seems to be a major culprit of late.

There was one at Addison and Ashland
and that is disappointing because there used to be a
nice two stary brick building there with commercial space.
Now its just a blah drive through bank.

The one that is okay though is at Halsted and Wrightwood.
Atleast that one Replaced a gas station.

Anyways at this particular site it would be cool to have a highrise
IMHO. Anything, Anything besides a drive through anything.
Very cool location, deserves much better.
Let the lot and old pizza hut rot for awhile until something
better comes along.

PNC seems to be a major culprit of late.

There was one at Addison and Ashland
and that is disappointing because there used to be a
nice two stary brick building there with commercial space.
Now its just a blah drive through bank.


^ That's wrong. That site was previously occupied by a gas station.

The PNC bank holds the corner. It's far from ideal, but better than a goddamn gas station

^ actually I disagree. I think a gas, although it doesn't hug the corner, is much better than a pnc bank, atleast the ones I've seen. With the gas station at night its lit up brightly which makes the corner look better imo where as with the bank, its similar to any small fast food joint. with a drive through...

^ actually I disagree. I think a gas, although it doesn't hug the corner, is much better than a pnc bank, atleast the ones I've seen. With the gas station at night its lit up brightly which makes the corner look better imo where as with the bank, its similar to any small fast food joint. with a drive through...

^ So with your logic, a 2 story building with perhaps a ground level store, is not as attractive as a gas station because it doesn't light up the corner as much?

Take a streetview look at that intersection and tell me if you really think that the gas station that was once there is actually better than the brick PNC bank that they've just built

:lurker::lurker::lurker::lurker:

^ That's wrong. That site was previously occupied by a gas station.

The PNC bank holds the corner. It's far from ideal, but better than a goddamn gas station

Well for some reason I remember a two story building there,
but on google maps its a gas station.

Still better as a bank building that hugs the corner I agree.

Also unrelated :storm::storm::storm::storm:I just miss different icons like lurker and ? storm....


In general this forum is so dead.
So many previous posters bit the dust or something.

In general this forum is so dead.
So many previous posters bit the dust or something.

^ Go to Skyscraperpage--much more active.

The Chicago Economy Thread and the Retail and Restaurant thread, as well as some of the photo threads, are the only reason to spend any time around here

1214 N Wood (http://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/1214-N-Wood-St-60622/unit-301/home/35629927)
4 units
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/2286/076754561.jpg

^^

Ah, yes. I used to live just north of there about seven years ago. I thought then that this lot and dilapidated shack were just gagging for re-development, being on a pleasant street and close to the heart of Division's night life. I was surprised it made it through the boom undeveloped.

Looks like the Noel State Bank conversion to retail may be moving forward. The landmarks commission mentions that the owner of the building is now DRW Holdings (owned by Don Wilson of DRW Trading, who has purchased numerous high-profile sites in the Gold Coast) and the architect is Hartshorne Plunkard.

Proposal: Proposed rehabilitation and conversion to a retail use of a 3-story limestone bank
building, including masonry repair and repainting, enlargement of ground-floor window
openings, window replacement, and new retail tenant signs.

Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Committee find that the project, with the
following conditions, will not have an adverse effect on the significant
historical and architectural features of the landmark district and approve
the project subject to these conditions and Historic Preservation staff
review and approval:
1. Fourteen ground-floor window openings, proposed to be enlarged, are
original character-defining features on primary (street) elevations of the
building, and the size of the openings shall not be changed;
2. As proposed, all new replacement glass shall be clear glass. If the
ground-floor windows are to be replaced, the new windows should
incorporate a transom bar, consistent with the historic configuration
shown in photographs of the building. Existing and proposed
dimensioned window and door details, and their proposed finishes, shall
be included in the permit plans;
3. The fixture plan shall be further studied. Areas behind the windows
should be kept open and unobstructed to allow transparency and views
into the building. Additional information about the build-out behind the
windows, any proposed window signage, and merchandising
installations shall be provided for Historic Preservation staff review and
approval as part of the permit application;
4. Masonry cleaning, repair, and replacement details shall be included in
the permit application plans. Samples of any replacement stone,
patching, and mortar shall be reviewed and approved by Historic
Preservation staff prior to order and installation. Any new limestone
shall match the unpainted limestone in color, texture, and finish; and any
new mortar shall match the historic unpainted condition in color, profile,
and composition;
5. A conditions analysis of the paint and stone shall be performed by a
qualified materials engineer/conservator to determine the appropriate
paint product type, color, and finish for the existing painted limestone.
The analysis and paint specification shall be submitted for review and
approval by Historic Preservation staff prior to order and application;
6. The exterior light fixtures proposed to be mounted above the column
bases are too visible and obtrusive, and would negatively affect the
appearance and historic character of the building and should therefore be
eliminated;
7. The large “W” sign, proposed to be mounted in front of the upper-floor
window above the entry of the building, would obscure a significant
feature and shall be eliminated. The four signs proposed above the doors
should be relocated to the flat stone jambs above the door and below the
beaded stone molding, or could be relocated to the flat stone pilasters
next to the doors and designed to appear like plaques. The other
proposed sign areas, the two locations along the stone sign bands at the
parapet and the six proposed projecting banners mounted at the stone
pilasters are approved in concept only. All future signage including
material, color, attachment details, sizes, lighting and other information
shall be reviewed and approved by Historic Preservation staff prior to
order and installation. The signs shall be designed with as few
attachments to the masonry as possible, and with attachments preferably
located at the mortar joints; and,
8. The proposed use of the building requires a zoning change for the
portion of the lot which is currently zoned M1-2. The Commission takes
no position regarding the merits of any requested zoning change.
The Committee acknowledges that this is a vacant building at a
prominent and key location in the district; and strongly supports the reuse
of the historic property. The Committee encourages the applicant to
continue to work with Historic Preservation staff to address the above
issues and concerns in order to bring the project into conformance with
the Commission’s adopted standards and guidelines.

I'm trying to think of a store or restaurant that would need a giant W sign, unless it's just for vanity (Wilson).

Recently came across a rendering of a building that was proposed a few years ago on North Avenue and Bosworth. Don't know the latest on this one but I'd expect something similar when the market improves.
http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/7996/bosworth.jpg

Apparently, the proposed retail building set to replace the former Burger King on Milwaukee is already partially leased by a restaurant.
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5537/viewimageh.jpg

And a recent construction update on 1838 W Division. Looks like it will house a restaurant called prasino (http://www.prasino.com/home.php)
http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/563/5467426464edf64e0de0z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21022123@N04/5467426464/)
Division Street, Wicker Park (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21022123@N04/5467426464/) by hannibal1107 (http://www.flickr.com/people/21022123@N04/), on Flickr

Recently came across a rendering of a building that was proposed a few years ago on North Avenue and Bosworth.

There was a larger plan (by Paul Beitler?) for this lot that included it and what's now the Mercedes dealership across the street. The site got entitled for the taller buildings, but the overall plan fell through and so that building was sketched in its place.

Noticed the other day that there's a backhoe parked on the old MB Bank parking lot; don't know how long it's been there.

Apparently, the proposed retail building set to replace the former Burger King on Milwaukee is already partially leased by a restaurant.
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5537/viewimageh.jpg

LG Development Group Breaks Ground on New Retail Development in Bucktown (http://www.realcorner.com/profiles/blogs/lg-development-group-breaks?xg_source=activity)

Chicago-based LG Development Group has broken ground on 9,200-square-feet of retail space at 1480 N. Milwaukee, in Chicago’s Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhood. The development offers up to four retail storefronts measuring from 1,445 to 3,765 square feet.

According to Marc Lifshin, partner in LG Development, this is a prime location because of the high visibility and strong foot traffic along Milwaukee Avenue. The retail development is at the corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Honore Street, one block from the North/Damen/Milwaukee intersection, CTA blue line stop, and along the #56 Milwaukee Ave. bus route.

...California-based Native Foods Café, a rapidly-expanding national restaurant chain offering quick-service organic and vegan foods, has signed a lease in the development for 3,100 square feet at the corner of Milwaukee and Honore. Scheduled to open this summer, the café will include seasonal outdoor seating along Honore Street. This will be the chain’s first Chicago location.

http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd/provdrs/ec_dev/news/2011/mar/community_developmentcommissionrecommendsprojectstobringnursings.html

Community Development Commission Recommends Projects To Bring Nursing School To Chicago From Suburbs And Increase Access To Organic Food In West Englewood

“The recommendations made by the CDC today continue to move economic development forward in Chicago,” said Department of Housing and Economic Development Commissioner Andrew Mooney. “Bringing Resurrection University students and staff to the City from the suburbs is a prime example of successfully combining economic and workforce development, as is the expansion of Growing Home’s footprint in the City, increasing residents’ access to fresh food through a transitional jobs program.”

The CDC today recommended that City Council approve the renovation of 38,900 square feet of vacant space on five floors of the 11-story St. Elizabeth Medical Center, at 1431 North Claremont in Chicago’s West Town community. The developer is seeking $4,738,139 in TIF assistance for the renovation. This project will enable Resurrection University, with a College of Nursing and College of Allied Health, to move into vacant space at St. Elizabeth hospital. The University is now located at West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, with an enrollment of 275 students, approximately half of whom are City of Chicago residents, and 50 employees. The university projects continuing strong demand for registered nurses due to a well-documented nursing shortage. The school hopes to retain 80% of its graduates to meet its own workforce needs and plans to nearly double its enrollment and increase its staff. The recommendation names Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center as the owner and developer of the project.

...California-based Native Foods Café

Now that's an interesting choice to replace a Burger King. Besides Veggie Bite -- which has a similar comfort food menu, albeit with fewer salads -- I don't think anywhere else in WP is actually all vegan. Right now, they're only in SoCal: three in OC, two on the westside, and two in Coachella.

Prasino is from the west suburbs, also a quick-casual eco-friendly concept.

LG Development Group Breaks Ground on New Retail Development in Bucktown (http://www.realcorner.com/profiles/blogs/lg-development-group-breaks?xg_source=activity)

Chicago-based LG Development Group has broken ground on 9,200-square-feet of retail space at 1480 N. Milwaukee, in Chicago’s Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhood. The development offers up to four retail storefronts measuring from 1,445 to 3,765 square feet.

According to Marc Lifshin, partner in LG Development, this is a prime location because of the high visibility and strong foot traffic along Milwaukee Avenue. The retail development is at the corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Honore Street, one block from the North/Damen/Milwaukee intersection, CTA blue line stop, and along the #56 Milwaukee Ave. bus route.

Awesome bit of redevelopment in a great location! Good riddance to that old Burger King. Really happy with the quality of LG's recent developments - those rowhouses on Lakewood are going to look great! I'm glad they decided to keep a bit of a setback along Honore to offer some outdoor space; I'm thinking that restaurant is going to be a hot-spot. Now if only someone would come along to properly restore and inhabit the beautiful building across Honore which featured prominently in High Fidelity, I would be Wicker Park heaven....:)

Now that's an interesting choice to replace a Burger King. Besides Veggie Bite -- which has a similar comfort food menu, albeit with fewer salads -- I don't think anywhere else in WP is actually all vegan. Right now, they're only in SoCal: three in OC, two on the westside, and two in Coachella.

Prasino is from the west suburbs, also a quick-casual eco-friendly concept.

There's a Prasino in Lagrange...largely organic...heavy on the Gunthorp Farms meats...fantastic brunch menu...very good seasonal food and a good drink menu. Should be a good addition to that location.

^is it just me or does your post count keep shrinking?

Payless will return to the new Hairpin Lofts along with Edward Jones
Carhartt is going to open a store at 1518 N Milwaukee, according to the Sun-times (http://www.suntimes.com/business/roeder/4569275-452/jeanne-gangs-deal-to-build-environmental-research-center-wilts.html)

^is it just me or does your post count keep shrinking?

could be you're thinking of my count from SSP...i haven't posted much on SSC

It looks like work had begun on the 1611 N Damen project. So happy to see that parking lot go.

It looks like work had begun on the 1611 N Damen project. So happy to see that parking lot go.

^ You must be referring to this project, great news!

1611 N Damen
http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/6093/xy6e9d21294d284b37bbb37.jpg

^ Well, I had some free time to look into it and it turns out that the project will only consist of single story storefronts--no parking above:

http://images.loopnet.com/xnet/mainsite/attachments/viewImage.aspx?FileGuid=A0A409DC-AF2E-4E43-A533-3149A00C883A&Extension=jpg&Width=631&Height=421

Source1 (http://chicago.everyblock.com/building-permits/mar03-permit-issued-new-construction-3843108/)

Source2 (http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/16455781/1611-1617-North-Damen-Avenue-Chicago-IL/)

Looks like you're right. I have mixed feelings about this. It seems like that lot could use at least three stories, and there's certainly demand for housing near there. On the other hand, I'm always happy to get rid of parking in a neighborhood like this.

Still, I'm surprised that the garage wasn't mandated in the development by whomever was using the lot before. Was it a bank? Pure speculation, but I bet that a bank closed and with it, the mandate/financing for the parking.

Is there some kind of law against building fake/unoccupied floors if its not able to be utilized in a certain amount? Yes, getting rid of a parking lot is a good thing, but it irks me when it's only replaced with a 1 floor structure. The second floor doesn't have to be fully furbished or anything...

^ An ugly parking lot near an L stop is disappearing, and being replaced by active storefronts that will be flush with the street.

In these times, that's good enough for me...

^ An ugly parking lot near an L stop is disappearing, and being replaced by active storefronts that will be flush with the street.

In these times, that's good enough for me...

on one hand agree; on the other, seems like in such a worthy location 1 story retail might be worth a little second guessing.

The new CVS (http://www.oururbantimes.com/business-news/new-cvs-pharmacy-opens-old-wicker-park-bank) at Division and Ashland is an amazing example of adaptive re-use. Proof you don't need to tear down a historic building because you need fifteen parking spots. I typically get my prescriptions filled at the Walgreen's on Chicago, but I'm going to switch to this CVS. I'd like to email Walgreen's and tell them why I'm switching. a) you should too if this is something you care about and b) does anyone have the best contact information to do so? I could only find a pretty generic contact form on the website.

Edit: of course, to be fair, the Walgreens on Chicago has no parking and the CVS on Ashland has a lot in the back. I guess this in more about adaptive re-use and conforming high standards than about parking.

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20110426/CRED03/110429907/bucktown-landmark-gets-panels-ok-for-retail-zoning

Bucktown landmark gets panel's OK for retail zoning
By: Eddie Baeb April 26, 2011

The new owner of the landmark Midwest Bank building in Bucktown is seeking a zoning change to allow retail shops there.

A venture of trader Don Wilson, which took over the building at 1601 N. Milwaukee Ave. last June through a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, won preliminary approval Tuesday from the city's zoning committee for the change. The matter now goes to the entire City Council for a vote next month.
----

I read a rumor that Walgreens is looking to open a store here, which would fit with the request to allow a large "W" sign. But of course they already have a store just a few blocks away, which was supposed to be redeveloped until Walgreens bought the store. :dunno:

Any word as to whats going in at Division and Ashland where the pizza hut was?
And does anyone know the status of the Caribou Coffee on Damen?

^
http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2011/02/16/new-plan-floated-for-ashland-and-division.php

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20110803/CRED03/110809954/bucktowns-six-corners-sees-burst-of-development

Bucktown's six corners sees burst of development
By: Ryan Ori August 03, 2011

Bucktown's busiest intersection may be getting a whole lot busier.

A local group is vying to transform the neighborhood's tallest building, the 12-story Northwest Tower at 1600 N. Milwaukee Ave., into a boutique hotel. Across the street, the former Midwest Bank property is being redeveloped into retail space anchored by a Walgreens and a Caribou Coffee shop.
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/7470/ar110809954.jpg

^^ The boutique hotel in this area is a fantastic idea. Hope they succeed (don't see how they wouldn't).