Dental office coming to Broadway

Thanks to reader Derrick Anderson (with the ECC) who sends us the following photos & info. It appears the space formerly occupied by Yoga Now at 5852 N Broadway will not sit vacant for long, as permits to convert the space into a dentist office have appeared on the storefront.

Progress on green home in Andersonville

In April, we posted about an interesting home being renovated at 5354 N. Paulina. Those responsible for the project are hoping to achieve LEED certification. I recently took a ride by Paulina and Balmoral to get a look at the site. The home really appears to be coming along!

More Lighthouses!

This time on Bryn Mawr....on the north side of the street in front of Lakefront Group Realty and Bridgeview Bank.

Gardens near the lakefront

I often pass this group of gardens just east of the Park Tower at 5415 N Sheridan Rd. Each garden is boxed off, and has a name tag attached to it. They started off in the spring as just boxes with dirt in them, but now they're nicely grown out. The area is very peaceful, and it seems that people take a lot of pride in the gardens. After doing some digging online, it appears that the project was coordinated between Alderman Smith's office and the Chicago Park District, and certain residents were assigned the gardens via a lottery. You can read more about it here.

Cafe Adriatic - patio open

As mentioned in a previous post in June, Cafe Adriatic opened in the former Gully's space at 5575 N Clark. It appears now that their patio is open, and it looks great - check it out below. Has any dined here yet? Let us know!

Help school students & teachers

State Senator Heather Steans, State Representative Harry Osterman, Alderman Mary Ann Smith, and St. Ita's Church are partnering once again to collect school supplies for low-income children in the neighborhood. The third annual "Sponsor-a-student" is a partnership with Care for Real - Edgewater's food and clothing pantry, and other local non-profits to provide school supplies for children in Rogers Park, Edgewater, and Uptown.

Students need a wide variety of supplies, which differs at each school. Donors will sign up to sponsor a student and will receive the student's grade, age, gender, and the school supply list for that particular student. The bags, on average cost $75, but less expensive lists are available as well. The drive ends on August 19.

To participate or for more information, e-mail jen@heathersteans.com or call 773-769-1717.

In addition, don't forget our local teachers! Visit our teacher wish list at http://www.senatorsteans.com/teacherwishlist/ to help teachers start the year with the supplies they need. Dry erase markers, copier paper, pens, and pencils are in high demand at your local school!

Problems at Cochran Park?

A reader emailed us with the following report today....

I visit Cochran Park (Bryn Mawr & Magnolia) with my 2 year-old son almost every weekday between 4 and 6 p.m. In the last month I and the other "regulars" at the park have noticed a disturbing new trend at the park. Almost every day there are young adults (teens and early 20s) hanging around inside the park (and they're not accompanying children). On two days last week a group of 4-6 young men hung out on one of the benches for more than an hour. They were all wearing white t-shirts, black pants/shorts and White Sox caps (not sure if that means anything, but I noticed it). They were smoking and swearing the whole time. A few days ago I was there for just an hour, but during that time there was a teen couple making out on one bench, another teen girl sitting on a swing texting, a 20+ year old tuff looking guy sitting on a bench smoking, and three teen boys throwing fast balls at each other in the middle of the playlot. After nearly hitting me, my son and other children I had to ask the boys twice to stop throwing the ball and leave as they were too old to be in the park. Yesterday a group of five teen boys and two girls took over the park and played basketball right in the middle. Two dads went over and asked them to leave, then one tried to throw their ball out of the park. This was met with a shower of profanity and a "We own this park bitch!" They finally left when he got out his phone and called the cops. Today I noticed that someone burned "FAG" into the plastic turf under the swing-set.

As you can imagine, this new development is of great concern to all of the parents who frequent the park. Cochran has always been a safe, nice place for our kids to play, however it now appears to be a new hang-out for young adults, and possibly gang members. Because of all this activity many parents have stopped coming to Cochran Park. In addition, since a mom was mugged in front of the park on Winthrop and Berwyn a few weeks ago, that park is now off limits for a lot of the neighborhood parents. This leave us with few park options in our neighborhood.

I wrote to MAS's office a few days ago, but haven't heard back. I would encourage other parents to a. call the police when they see suspicious activity, and b. write to MAS's office. Any other ideas about what can be done about this?

Tonight: Movie at Berger Park

Thanks to a Facebook follower for pointing out that tonight Double Indemnity will be showing at Berger Park (Sheridan / Granville). The movie starts at 8:30PM.

Gaztro Wagon gets wheels

According to this Chicago Tribune article, Matt Maroni has received his wish - a permit from the City of Chicago to sell his naan-wiches streetside. Maroni picked up his permit on Monday, and will launch the food truck on Friday outside Millenium Park on Randolph. He also plans to park above Columbus Drive downtown, in Lakeview, Lincoln Park and on Saturday at the Green City Market. Can't keep it straight? You can also follow his movements on Twitter: wherezthewagon.

"Vincent" coming to Andersonville

The owners of HB Home Bistro are set to open a restaurant called Vincent in the former La Tache space at 1475 W. Balmoral. The spot will feature "New American Cuisine" with a "definite Amsterdam twist." Expect to see several varieties of mussels on the menu along with with fresh fish and shellfish. Vincent is expected to open in early September.

Photo from HB Home Bistro website.

"Playboy" Penthouse

(Photo courtesy of Anne Rossley Real Estate)

Prudential Rubloff Realtor Anne Rossley is featuring this penthouse at Beach Point Tower (5801 N Sheridan) in an article on her website. According to the article, the unit was modified by Playboy Magazine so that they could utilize its private rooftop terrace overlooking Lake Michigan for photo shoots. Read more about this unit here. If you check out her website you'll also notice she recently profiled a beautiful Lakewood/Balmoral home as well.

Street sweeping suspended

From the 48th Ward Office (via EBNA):
Due to the need for additional street sweeping equipment for the storm ravaged areas of the city’s south side, sweeping will be suspended on Wednesday and Thursday for section 6 (south of Foster, east of Broadway) and on Friday for one side of the streets of section 7 (EBNA area).

The sweepers will return on Monday to continue with the originally posted schedule (second side of section 7).

Tonight: EBNA block club meeting

The EBNA block club, which consists of residents living east of Sheridan, north of Foster, south of Bryn Mawr and east of Broadway, meets each 4th Tuesday of the month. The meetings are held at the Edgewater Presbyterian Church (Kenmore & Bryn Mawr) at 7PM.

Bootcamp Express

There's a new gym in Andersonville. Bootcamp Express recently opened up in the space formerly occupied by Joel Hall Dance Studio(1515 W Berwyn). According to their website, Bootcamp express offers daily workouts with a personal trainer - without the hefty membership and personal trainer fees. Welcome to the neighborhood!

iPhone Theft at gunpoint

From the Edgewater North Neighbors:
Our 21 year old daughter was robbed at gunpoint this evening (Wed. July 21st) at about 7:40 pm on Rosemont between Lakewood and Magnolia. The guy was a dark skinned African American, large -- approximately 6 ft+, in his early twenties or younger, short "buss" cut hair, wearing blue polo shirt. He was arrogant enough to just point a gun at her belly, demand her iPhone and then walk away slowly down the street with lots of people all around. The police responded almost immediately and they are vigilantly trying to find this guy. I understand that this is one of three such robberies in our neighborhood very recently. The police think the guy must live in the neighborhood based on these facts. So please keep your eyes open for anyone who fits this description who is acting strangely. Take note of all of his clothing and features (down to the shoes) and where he goes -- then call the police right away. Also, please alert your children, friends and neighbors NOT to walk around on the phone oblivious to their surroundings. We have to catch this guy and not let him terrorize our community.

Woman abandons 9 cats

Do you know the identity of this woman? She abandoned 9 cats on the Tree House porch. If you recognize her please email Tree House at dave@treehouseanimals.org or call 773.784.5488 x226.

Woman leaves children at the beach

From Fox News Chicago:

Mother Charged After She Allegedly Left Kids Alone at Edgewater Beach

Sun-Times Media Wire

Chicago - Ebony Addison, 24, was charged after allegedly leaving her four children aged 3 to 9 alone at an Edgewater neighborhood beach on the North Side for nearly three hours Friday while she paid bills, police said.

The mother was charged with four misdemeanor counts of endangering the health and life of a child, according to police.

Officers responded to 900 W. Ardmore Ave. to a beach house where a lifeguard told them she saw the children on the beach from noon to 2:52 p.m., according to a police report. The children, two boys and two girls, are 9, 8, 6 and 3.

Eat Me! @ Hamburger Mary's

Join us as we ask "How is food political?" and seek answers through a series of sliced, diced, filleted, fried, processed, reconstituted and regurgitated satire and comedy courtesy of our own organically grown Writers Bullpen and naturally raised Actors of Evil.
Its an evening of sketch comedy, dance and music in the heart of Andersonville at Mary's Attic.

Proceeds from the show benefit Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble Kids Project teaching Chicago's children good nutrition for a lifetime of healthy eating.
Featuring! Music from Nathaniel Matthew and the Hepsounds

7:30 PM Tuesdays, July 27th, August 3rd and 10th
Mary's Attic above Hamburger Mary's 5400 N Clark Street
The Show Begins at 7:30PM

$15 General Admission (includes 1 drink of choice)
$10 Teetotalers and Under 21
CASH ONLY at the door

New Poll: Block Clubs

In our latest poll, we ask our readers: are you an active member of your block club? Block clubs are groups of community members who meet regularly to work together to improve the quality of living within their neighborhood.

Check out this prior post with info on block clubs. Use the links to find a block club, and their contact info.

Andersonville Summer Sidewalk Sale, July 30th - August 1st

The sidewalks of Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood will be lined with a splendid array of specialty gifts, clothing and more from your favorite Andersonville stores during the annual Andersonville Sidewalk Sale. By combining its Swedish roots and small-village charm with some of the city’s newest and hippest stores and restaurants, a day in Andersonville is a great summer getaway.

Check out Andersonville.org for more details!

Protect Sheridan Road

I just came across this (what seems) new blog entitled: Protect Sheridan Road. The blog is geared toward limiting future high rise development along Sheridan road in the city.

Lost Dog

UPDATE 7/26/2010 - POI was returned safely to her parents today!!!

Incident at Bryn Mawr & Winthrop

A reader inquires:
Last night (Saturday) at 10:30 there were several police SUVs and an ambulance at the corner of Bryn Mawr and Winthrop. Winthrop was blocked and someone had been taken into the ambulance. Any info? Given the recent increase in muggings in the neighborhood, I'm wondering if there was another incident.

Storm damage

Due to this utility pole being knocked over, power is out at the Clarovista building, and the Aldi store is closed.

This car was the recipient of a fallen branch on Catalpa, just west of Broadway.

More attacks in the neighborhood

Thanks to the Edgewater North Neighbors block club for sharing:

There have been a string of recent attacks in the neighborhood in the past few months, 2 incidents this week over on Magnolia which are detailed below. There were 2 other robbery incidents over on Rosemont (1300 block between Magnolia & Wayne), one with a gun, on July 9th between 4-6pm. Corroborating info can be found on http://chicago.everyblockcom/. Please support the Edgewater North Neighbors meetings where this has been a topic of conversation - notes are below. Please spread the word to be aware and stay safe.


Edgewater North Neighbors Meeting notes:
* There's been a marked notice of graffiti lately; a call to 311 or the CAPS office will get someone on it to get it removed.
* If you see any suspicious activity don't hesitate to call 911. They're taking the robberies and attacks very seriously in this district.
* Keep purses and bags closed and close to your self.
* Be hypervigilant walking down the street; i.e. don't blare your ipod, or keep your nose buried in your phones apps.
* There's undercover police patrolling the neighborhood, in cars and bikes.
* In describing a suspicious person, take special note of things like facial characteristics, jewlery, tatoos, and pants and shoes (the rationale being that it's fairly easy to change shirt, take it off, or it's already non-descript by being all white).
* yet another armed robbery was called in Wednesday night just after he got off work at 10 p.m., at 6259 W. Magnolia.
* Wednesday, July 21, a young woman who lives in the building next door to us (6200 block of N Magnolia) was attacked at her door. She was seen being dragged by the arm toward the street, along the sidewalk that leads into her building. The assailant (a young African American male) was seen stomping on her. A neighbor dialed 911 and screamed that he leave her alone He ran.
The cops were there in a flash, five or six squads, and they spread out as soon as they got a description of the attacker (not much--how tall, white t-shirt and dark pants, maybe something white on his head) and the description of her purse (pink, large), which was what he'd been after, and she'd resisted letting him take it. She was overheard telling the cops--she'd just gotten off work and thought maybe this guy was following her, thought she'd seen him at least once before, and she had a large amount of cash in her purse! She was bruised and traumatized but ok; an ambulance came and the paramedics checked her out. Please spread the word. This was a very scary attack.

For non-urgent needs to reach the district 24 CAPS office (like broken street lights or graffiti) : caps024@chicagopolice.org or 312-744-6321 (staffed 8am-4pm).

Coming soon: Text alerts for street sweeping

According to this article from WGN News, the City of Chicago is test piloting a text message alert system which will warn residents of street sweeping times and dates. The system is being tested in the 1st Ward this August.

Anonymous narcotics hotline?

Call 1-800-CRACK44. Really. You'll be connected to one of the various reporting hotlines the Chicago Police offer. For more information, stop by CLEARpath.

Chicago Reader visits Edgewater restaurants

Edgewater is full of great places to eat, and the Chicago Reader recently visited and reviewed eight local eateries. The article entitled Recommended Edgewater Restaurants reviews Bananas Foster Cafe, Ethiopian Diamond, Huaraches Doña Chio, Indie Cafe, La Fonda Latino Grill, Lalibela, Ras Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant, and Uncommon Ground.

Lost Cat

From Craigslist:

My cat is a medium sized, male black and brown tabby and white. He was last seen on the 5300 block of North Paulina in Chicago on July 14th. He is an indoor cat, and very, very shy. He has an Avid microchip, #067-789-515, registered to Tree House Animal Foundation. There is a reward for his safe return or info leading to it. Please call 773 895 8866 or 312 914 2758 if you have seen him.

Daley to dedicate Edgewater park improvements

Mayor Daley to Dedicate Broman Playlot, Osterman Beach House on Saturday, July 24

Mayor Daley will be spending this Saturday morning, July 24, in our neighborhood when he dedicates two new Park District facilities. At 10:45 he will dedicate the newly-expanded Bromann Playlot at Broadway and Balmoral. Then, at 11:30 a.m., he'll dedicate the new beach house at Osterman Beach, Lake Shore Drive at Hollywood.

Alderman Mary Ann Smith, Park District Superintendent Tim Mitchell and the residents who worked so hard on planning the facilities will also be participating in the event. The entire community is invited to attend.

The two projects were paid for with a combination of aldermanic discretionary and Park District funds. The total cost was in excess of $2.5 million.
*from Alderman Mary Ann Smith's eNewsletter

"Those Were The Days Radio Players" at EHS on Saturday

From Betty Mayian, Corresponding Sec., Edgewater Historical Society....

Saturday, July 31, 2010, 2pm-3pm at 5358 N. Ashland Ave.

For our many friends who enjoy old time radio, we are again welcoming the "Those Were The Days Radio Players", who will perform an hour of comedy from Radio's Golden Age.

We will have an Our Miss Brooks episode about the high school clean-up campaign, followed by the screwball husband and wife Easy Aces comedy where Jane's mother comes to visit and the maid goes on strike.

We are open every Saturday from noon-4pm, Sunday from 1pm-5pm, and upon request. The program is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

The Power of the BUZZ

We're pleased to report that in our most recent poll, 74% of responders say they have visited a business because they read about it on the Buzz. We plan to continue to announce new businesses as we hear them (thanks to the many readers who provide us with tips), and review businesses that we personally visit. However, if you are an Edgewater business owner and want us to help spread the word, let us know! In addition, if you are a resident and have a postive or negative experience with a business that you would like to share with your neighbors let us know that as well.

Increased CPD patrols on Winthrop

Thanks to EBNA President Killian Walsh and CAPS representative Jamie for bringing increased police presence to Winthrop Avenue. In the recent weeks a mother was robbed in broad daylight while pushing her child in a stroller on the 5300 block of North Winthrop. In addition, there were condo break ins, also in broad daylight, on both the 5300 and 5200 blocks of North Winthrop. CAPS rep Jamie requested additional police patrols and received a commitment from the 20th Police District that beat 2023 will increase their patrols in the area.

Koval Distillery Tours

Koval Distillery, located at 5121 N Ravenswood, will begin hosting tours of their facility this month. The tour starts with a tour of the distillery and their distilling process and continues with a walk to In Fine Spirits for tastes of Koval's liquors, vodka and brady. Tours are $10, and will be held July 31 and August 3, 14, 22 & 28. Reservations can be made on the Koval website.

Thursdays - Improv Show

98.6 Improv Group at The Call
One of Chicago's finest improvisation groups presents an ever-changing always new variety showcases Thursday's at The Call. Tickets: $5 which includes 1 well cocktail, house wine, Miller Lite, soda, juice or bottled water. July 22, 29, August 5 and 12 (Thursday's) 7pm - 8:30pm

Sister Act?

A reader emailed us to confirm that M Henry is indeed moving into the former Standee's location on Granville with a sister restaurant named "Henrietta." In addition, we found this Yelp discussion indicating the same. According the the Yelp poster, this location (unlike M Henry) will also serve lunch and dinner.

Target on Broadway

While Edgewater currently has it's own Target on Peterson (east of Western Avenue) - many residents will be happy to know there is also a new Target opening on Broadway just north of Montross Avenue on the Wilson Yards site. The mayor, along with controversial Uptown Alderman Helen Shiller, today held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new store. You can read all about it here on the Lake Effect News website. The store opens to the public tomorrow at 8AM, and is holding its 'grand opening' Sunday July 25th.

Thieves on the doorstep?

Yesterday, a reader emailed us the report below. Does anyone have any thoughts on what the motive for this type of theft could be? Please let us know in the comments.

We have had the brass kick plates on the front doors of two different residential properties stolen in the past few weeks. We feel that this crime, although minor, is ongoing in the community and needs to be shared so as to alert others. I am sure we are not the only ones. We are in the process of reporting it to the police. We have a neighbor who called the missing kick plates to our attention, asking us if we had noticed that ours was missing. They had noticed the loss of theirs. One of buildings is a three flat, the other is a six flat. Surveying the neighboring buildings ourselves, we noticed others that are missing. We live in the 5600 North, 1400 West area of the neighborhood.

Car Window Smashings

From the BARGE block club:
Hi, I was just out walking my dog (12:30 on Thursday) and I saw another van with their drivers window smashed out....just like the other two. It was parked at 1300 Rosedale. The second one was at 1270 Early, also a van, and the first one,a car, which was like 10 days ago was in front of 1274 Ardmore. ALL THREE HAD OUT OF STATE LICENSE PLATES! Please warn everyone in BARGE and the surrounding committees.

As always, if you see anything or anyone suspicious CALL 911.

Short Sale Central?

Catalpa Gardens is in the press, yet again. This time it is YoChicago with a writeup about the large amounts of short-sale listings in the building. The developer is also still trying to market original units for sale. Read all about it here.

Street Brawl

From a Facebook follower:
Any news about the gang fight on Hollywood and Winthrop? There must have been close to 40 kids and only 5 police officers. I was afraid for the officers. Some of the kids were ready to fight the officers.

And another...

Lighthouse sighting on Broadway in front of Patio Beef! On two sides are photos of prominent Chicagoans, i.e. Harold Washington, Barack Obama, Walter Payton, Michael Jordan, etc. I like it's "street art" style!

Thanks to Diana for sharing!

Lighthouses

We came across more lighthouses in the neighborhood which are part of the Edgewater Community Council's 50th Anniversary Celebration:

This lighthouse sits on the side patio of Andie's restaurant.

This lighthouse sits outside of the Edgewater Historical Society and features historical photos.

Sun Times profiles Edgewater Medical Center

Check out this article from the Chicago Sun Times entitled Abandoned Edgewater Hospital is a sick site. The owner of the site has a $64.2M judgement against him along with criminal charges, but it is believed he has fled to Canada. Current zoning for the site is for single family homes, however some residents have said the area desperately needs a park.

What is it?

A reader inquires:

I live on Kenmore just north of Berwyn and every day I walk by this strange looking building right on the corner of Winthrop and Berwyn, just west of Ollie’s. It’s a big red door with “John Koch” written on it, no windows, and no other signs. Most of the time a gate is closed in front of the door but I also seen times when it’s open. Any idea what this establishment might be? I just walk by it every day and it drives me crazy to know what that is all about.

Our belief is that most of the red doors in the "Ollie's Building" are apartments. Not sure about this corner space though. Anyone with info please share in the comments.

Handgun Poll Results

19% of respondents stated they do plan to purchase a handgun now that the Supreme Court has overturned the City of Chicago's ban. 9% are still pondering the option while 70% do not plan to purchase a weapon.

Today: SoFo Garden Walk