How rough have the past couple of years been for real estate developers? Alan Candea pulls off his knit cap. “I’m bald, and I’m only 34.” After a two-year spell that Candea says “was Death Valley,” he and his brother Armand, who formed Candea Development in 2006, are exhibiting renewed confidence in Chicago’s condo...
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For 80 years, the Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club, 2501 W. Irving Park Rd., has been “the place where everybody plays” (“everybody” including girls since 1991). From athletics to after-school tutoring, the club provides programming that supports a child’s physical, emotional, cultural and intellectual development. Now NBGC is asking the community to return the...
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Here’s a fun time-suck for your afternoon, courtesy of the Chicago Historical Society: a searchable document listing the history behind the naming of Chicago’s streets, avenues and boulevards, from Abbott to Zion. Half the city’s residents will be disappointed to know they live on a block memorializing some long-dead real estate developer, or his...
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Casimir Pulaski, we salute you for your contributions to the American Revolution. But you do wreak havoc with parents’ schedules on your annual holiday in March, leaving them scrambling to figure out what to do with the kiddies on this random day off school. Enter a modern-day cavalry, Lillstreet Art Center, which steps...
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It’s no secret that Centro restaurant, 3819 N. Ashland Ave., hasn’t exactly been popular with neighbors since opening in May 2011. Residents, complaining of loud noise, large crowds spilling out onto surrounding streets late at night and an increase in crime, even went so far as to petition to shut the joint down. A...
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On your mark, get set, register for the Chicago Park District’s spring session, 9 a.m. sharp, Feb. 21. Oh wait, first you have to create a new account. The Park District has designed a new registration website that, long-term, promises all kinds of benefits like instant confirmation and the ability to purchase lap swim...
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The following was released by the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce. February 17, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brad Ball Office: (773) 525-3609 Northcenter, Chicago — The formation of a new economic development player on Chicago’s northwest side has recently come under attack. On Tuesday, Northcenter resident, business owner and former Northcenter Chamber of Commerce President...
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Cupcakes have inexplicably failed to gain a foothold in Lincoln Square, but the fro-yo trend will not be denied. First the “Coming Soon” sign, then “Help Wanted,” and now Ali Ozturk is ready to hang “Open” on Yogurt Square, his self-serve frozen yogurt venture at Lincoln and Leland. If he can work out the...
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Granted, aside from the recent onslaught of Biggert and Dold ads, it hasn’t been a particularly exciting primary season in this neck of the woods. Which might explain why voter registration is at its lowest since the Board of Elections started keeping track back in 1942; more than 400,000 eligible Chicagoans are sitting on...
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The Area Three Detective Division issued the following community alert for the 1st, 18th, 19th, 20th and 24th Districts: Offenders are gaining entrance to residences, during the hours of 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. The offenders use a ruse to enter by telling the elderly victim that they work for the water department and need...
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Cubs pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Arizona on February 18. Gardeners report February 20 at Matty K’s Hardware, 4874 N. Lincoln Ave., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Hosting its First Annual Gardener’s Hot Stove League Meeting, Matty K’s will offer guest speakers and demonstrations aimed at all levels of gardeners, from expert to complete...
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OK, now that we’ve got your attention…. While a bit more risque than your typical neighborhood event, on Tuesday, Feb. 14, the Northcenter Neighborhood Association‘s ArtHouse group will present em.body.peace, an exhibit of figurative drawings and paintings (ie, nudes), the sale of which will raise money for a Ceasefire mural. Held at 4021 N....
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Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music continues its 55-day-long celebration of its 55th Anniversary with five world premieres specifically commissioned by the School to celebrate its rich history, diverse community and recent expansion project, taking place at the Lincoln Square campus in late February and early March. Commissioned artists include percussionist-educator Raul Fernández...
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Who are we kidding–we’re not about to turn down a gift of free chocolate. But there are plenty of other ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, for couples and singles alike, that go beyond hearts and flowers. The Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St., is presenting a one-night only cabaret, For Lovers Only (And...
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In 2008, after spending his days volunteering at Common Pantry, Chicago’s oldest continuously-operating food pantry, Scott Best would return home to proudly share with his girlfriend (now wife) how many people he had helped that day. “She would say, ‘You realize it would be better if zero people came,’” recalls Best, named the pantry’s...
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