Get Creative At Pop Craft!

We are happy to welcome Pop Craft to Uptown, where you can design handmade arts and crafts and unleash your inner creativity..

The second location of this Wicker Park studio opened three weeks ago at 1109 W Lawrence, right across the street from the Aragon. The studio says, "We Are Passionate About Bringing People Together Through The Joy Of Crafting."

At the Uptown studio, you can learn to tuft rugs and purses, all under the tutelage of an experienced artisan. You can also customize cell phone cases, mirrors, and picture frames by learning Cream Glue DIY.

Workshops are available for solo artists, friends, families, and private parties. You just need to book online and show up for your workshop, where experienced crafters will help you bring your ideas to fruition.

Pop Craft Uptown is open 1pm to 9pm on weekdays, and 11am to 9pm on weekends.

You can book a workshop at its website, popcraftstudio.com. Still want to learn more? Check out its Facebook page and Instagram site as well.

We're happy to have Pop Craft as an addition to our creative community.

Pet Groomery & Spa Coming Soon To 1041 W. Lawrence

1041 W. Lawrence

 A great complement to the upcoming Fauna Veterinary Care will be opening soon at 1041 W. Lawrence, in the Lawrence Lofts Building.

We'd like to welcome "The Bark of the Town" Pet Groomery & Spa, which will soon call the beautifully renovated building at the corner of Lawrence and Kenmore home!

TBOTT currently offers mobile grooming, but will soon also offer spa services for your prized pooch in a new retail space at 1041 W. Lawrence.

For a complete list of services and to make an appointment, visit their website here.

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram, as well for the opening date of their new space.

Amazing Grace(land)

April showers do indeed bring May flowers. Graceland Cemetery and Arboretum is beginning to come into bloom, as seen below.  The cemetery has switched over to summer hours, so there's more time to enjoy a stroll, a drive, or a bike ride through the emerging gorgeousness.

Hours are 8am to 6pm on weekdays, and 9am to 4pm on weekends. You can enter at the main gate (Irving Park and Clark) or the newer Greenwood Gate (Clark between Hutchinson and Cullom).

Eddie Oppong Introduces His Second "Ode to Uptown" Clothing and Sneaker Collection

An Ode To UPTOWN: Second Installment from Eddie Oppong on Vimeo.

Local creator and long-time Uptown resident Eddie Oppong -- a sneaker designer who works with Converse -- has introduced his second "Ode to Uptown" collection of clothing and shoes! 

On the heels (see what we did?) of his first collection in October 2023, which sold out, there's another chance to buy his designs and rep your neighborhood.

You can take a look at the collection here. You can purchase sneakers, shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts here.

(We are happy customers and love our purchases from the first collection.)

Vandross Hair Design Expands Into Uptown With Sheridan & Sunnyside Location

4501 N Sheridan, the latest site of Vandross

The corner of Sheridan & Sunnyside has undergone an amazing transformation and will soon be home to a salon with locations in Bucktown and Lincoln Park. We'd like to welcome Vandross Beauty & Barber coming soon to the new Portrait Apartments at 4501 N. Sheridan!

From the owners:

"Vandross Hair Design is a forward-thinking hair salon comprised of individualistic, self-sufficient stylists, possessing a superior foundation in technical skills, along with a respect for all avenues of inspiration. Susan Sterba, owner and stylist, has created what she’s always longed for; a stimulating, high-end work environment that celebrates independent stylists. Vandross is the summation of these elements, devoted to the fulfillment of a diverse clientele through exceptional services, best-in-class products, and valued relationships."

Opening date is TBD but follow their Facebook page or their Instagram page for more details. You can also call 773-459-5511 for info or to schedule an appointment.

Fallen Officer's Funeral Procession Passes Through Uptown

On Monday afternoon, northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive was closed, including the on- and off-ramps, for the final journey of murdered Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca. After a funeral mass on the South Side, the several-miles-long procession proceeded to Rosehill Cemetery. 

Reader Bill Biederman captured the scene as it passed through Uptown.

State Of Uptown Luncheon On May 14

The Uptown Chamber of Commerce presents the annual State of Uptown Luncheon on Tuesday, May 14th, at Furama restaurant (4936 N Broadway), between noon and 1:30pm.

"The annual State of Uptown luncheon convenes Uptown's business, development and non-profit community to hear from our elected officials. Confirmed speakers for the 2024 State of Uptown include:

• 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez
• 46th Ward Alderwoman Angela Clay
• 47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin
• 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth

Tickets are $25 for Chamber Members ((discount code sent via e-mail - contact Greg Carroll at greg@exploreuptown.org if you need the code) and $30 General Admission. Online ticket sales will close on Monday, May 13th at 5pm. Based on availability, we will be selling tickets for $35 at the door.

 Ticket includes event admission and lunch (vegetarian options will be provided).

Contact Greg Carroll at greg@exploreuptown.org or 773-878-1184 ext. 2 with any questions. 

Get Your Tickets Here."

And Then There Was Fencing, And It Was Good

Construction fencing in the parking lot of upcoming 4553 N. Dover development

We have been following the city permitting process with the upcoming 4553 N Dover development closely. The developers received zoning review approval on April 11, so we knew that demolition of the existing "Happy Wash" building would be imminent. 

Today, we spotted construction fencing in the parking lot that will be placed around the perimeter while demolition is underway.

Although we will miss the vintage building and the terra cotta, we are very happy to see the ugly asphalt parking lot replaced. The asphalt stretches to the sidewalks on Wilson and Dover, soon to be replaced with a residential building with grass and landscaping. 

4555 N. Dover 

You might recall that the first proposal presented to Dover Street Neighbors was an arguably better looking four-story development. However, DSNA was overwhelmingly against the proposal, so the developer backed out. 

The current developer bought the property and, having seen the experience of the prior developer, elected to build under the current zoning. The present as-of-right building avoided any backlash from DSNA, and ironically was able to build bigger under existing zoning at five stories.

As one of our editors wrote in our group chat: "A textbook case of FAFO."

Weigh In On A Zoning Change Request for the Former 7-11 Building at Southport and Clark

Image via Google Streetview

In this week's newsletter, Ald. Clay says:

"Zoning & Development -- 4116 N. Clark

The tenant, Access Contemporary Music, is seeking a zoning change from RS-3 to B3-1 to turn the currently vacant space into another location for ACM. 

The space would house rooms for music lessons for adults and children, as well as a 60-seat performance space. Performances would take place Thursday-Sunday and operations would conclude by 10pm. The applicant also hopes to serve alcoholic beverages at concerts.

20 parking spots would be provided on-site. A zoning change is required for the proposed use. 

More information can be found here. You can provide feedback on this proposal via a survey here. The survey is open for two weeks and will close on Friday, May 3rd at 5pm."

Observant UU readers know that Access Contemporary Music received a $250,000 Community Development Grant from the Chicago Recovery Plan, announced in February. 

Since they have the cash available, and we hate empty storefronts, it seems to us a good move to support the zoning change. Your mileage, as always, may vary.

Kenny Mac's Barber Shop Moves To Broadway; All Revive Wellness Opens On Leland

photo courtesy of Kenny Mac's website

Kenny Mac's, "where barbers and gentlemen meet," has moved from its long-time home on Leland Avenue to 4427 North Broadway (formerly Treasures Hair Studio). 

Kenny Mac's has built a solid reputation in its ten-plus years in Uptown, and we're so glad Kenny and company made the decision to stay in the neighborhood. It's open Tuesday through Saturday for appointments and walk-ins.

As the website says, the shop provides "barber/cosmetology services for haircuts, fades, tapers, shaves and facials where clients can escape the daily stress of life and rejuvenate themselves while enjoying camaraderie with colleagues and friends."

* * * * *

All Revive Wellness moves into Kenny's previous storefront at 1016 West Leland. It comes to Uptown from River North, and is proudly Black- and woman-owned.

According to its website, its services will "help you look, feel and perform your best through a balance of education, science-based treatments, and a holistic approach to general wellness and weight management. Our treatment menu features IV Hydration Therapy, Vitamin Shots, Nutritional Testing, and Supplements. ​We strive to help you optimize your physical health, metabolism, and achieve your weight loss goals."

Welcome to Uptown!

Palestinian Coffee Cafe Coming To Broadway

Looks like another international coffee option is coming to Uptown! Nabala Cafe has received permits to start construction at 4660 North Broadway (corner of Clifton).

On its Instagram page, it says it will feature "Coffee, chai, espresso drinks, sandwiches, pitas, and more!" Opening is set for sometime this spring.

We look forward to getting a java jolt there before too long.

Easter Egg Hunt At St. Mary of the Lake on Sunday

"Join Saint Mary of the Lake Church this Sunday, March 31st for an Easter egg hunt! All are welcome to attend."

"Breakfast House" Coming To Lawrence House

A sign outside the former 3 Squares Diner space at 1020 W. Lawrence

While we were sad to see 3 Squares Diner close in Lawrence House, we have a new restaurant to look forward to!

"Breakfast House" currently has 6 locations around Chicago, including Wrigleyville and Lakeview. They specialize in good ol' diner food like steak and eggs, fried chicken, huevos rancheros and hash. They also serve burgers, chicken sandwiches and salads. Check out the full menu here. 

Rumors of an April 1 opening are swirling, but keep an eye on their Facebook page for a definite opening date.

We are so happy to see another diner fill this beautiful space in such beautifully renovated building. Welcome to Uptown, Breakfast House!