Multiple readers have asked us what is going on with the unique building on the northeast corner of Ridge & Glenwood (pictured above) which at one point was an auto body shop. The local block club informed us that the building was supposed to become a sculpture gallery, but as with many developments during these economic times there has not been much activity/progress as of late. We're curious if anyone knows anything further?? 
Your source for news, events, and information about Chicago's Edgewater & Andersonville neighborhoods
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
5757 N Ridge
Multiple readers have asked us what is going on with the unique building on the northeast corner of Ridge & Glenwood (pictured above) which at one point was an auto body shop. The local block club informed us that the building was supposed to become a sculpture gallery, but as with many developments during these economic times there has not been much activity/progress as of late. We're curious if anyone knows anything further?? 
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
17 comments:
I adore that building.I hope it does become a sculpture gallery, it's perfect for it.
I head it was a competition with Nookies to see who could be under construction longer.
It's an eyesore along with the properties across the street from it and it's been that way for years.
The building may be suitable for a gallery, but the location certainly isn't. It's not a commercial corridor and despite Mary Ann's best intentions, I hold little optimism for its future as an "arts" district.
Even if traffic calming measures like non-rush hour street parking are implemented, the vast majority of uses for the properties along Ridge from Broadway to Clark is multi-family residential, NOT commercial.
kind of makes you wonder why they chose to build that kind of building here in the first place...so pleased to see you today No Different, you and your cheerful opinion of a neighborhood you choose not to live in anymore.
It's a beautiful building! If I had the money I'd turn that place into a badass bar/lounge.
I wonder what it was originally. The architecture makes it look like an old theater or something.
It was previously an auto body shop, and at one point a transmission shop.
if only parking is available. i'd turn this into a hookah lounge
Yeah, a bar/lounge would be cool or some kindof gallery.
As a gallery you would have very high exposure to the passing cars.
For a bar/lounge or even coffee shop, with large windows, plenty to look at.
Atleast the facade and corner were done before the bottom fell out, but now that the economy has stabilized something cool should go there.
From what I've heard:
The building was originally a silent movie theatre.
The original permit posted is from several years ago and an extension is not posted. All significant work to the exterior has been stalled for almost two years now. The owner was trying to push the alderman for parking and to be able to have valet service. The owner needs parking to either sell the property or acquire loans to finish the gallery.
What I would like to know is who paid for the corner sidewalk bump out. I know MAS talked about bump outs as a safety measure, but I don't know how that makes crossing Ridge any safer. I do see how it would benefit the owner of 5757 Ridge, making it more attractive to a potential buyer. If the city foot the bill, how much did it cost tax payers? If the owner paid for it, how can you spend all of that money (including paying for stone pavers which added two weeks in labor and who knows how much more in costs then that of a traditional concrete sidewalk) when you can't afford to buy windows for your building?
Notice the great Moorish architecture. It is an old nickelodeon and is quite large inside. With floor to ceiling windows it would be a great gallery or restaurant or combo of the two. Or, what about returning it to a theater for local performing arts groups. I hope that it and the fire station don't continue to languish.
Also, MAS's office did pay for the bump out which actually reduces parking for whatever eventually goes in there. I hope Harry O can get it completed.
@Badresa - thanks, and I'm sorry you feel you have to live that way.
It was a auto showroom originally, not a movie theater as some have speculated.
The building was originally an auto showroom, not a movie theater as some have speculated.
That has always been an eye-catching building, even when it was empty. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it becomes a some kind of bar. I will quickly make it my favorite spot, if only because it's a block from my apartment.
Post a Comment