ROGERS PARK — Archie’s Cafe is being forced to close this summer after Loyola University bought its building with plans to redevelop the site.
In 2018, Roberta Schmatz opened Archie’s Cafe, 1228 W. Loyola Ave., after years of running arts spaces and programs from the storefront. The cafe came to be known as a community hub that hosted local musicians and neighborhood events.
Its future is now in jeopardy, as it will be forced to leave its space after August, when its lease expires, Shmatz said.
Loyola bought the building that houses Archie’s in late December, property records show. The university has agreed to honor all current leases in the building and plans to demolish the structure after tenants vacate, Loyola’s vice president of capital planning told student paper The Loyola Phoenix.
The building also holds Roman Susan art space, Edge Art Gallery and 35 apartments.
Some tenants’ leases expire after Archie’s, so Schmatz is trying to negotiate to stay longer. If they’re not able to stay, Schmatz might reopen Archie’s in a new location, but “it’s all still up in the air,” she said.
“We hope to have a great year, but I don’t know what will happen after this,” Schmatz said. “I’ve been in that space for a long time, even before it was Archie’s, and I love that little tucked-away sunny spot.”
News of the pending displacement comes as Archie’s is set to celebrate its sixth anniversary this weekend, with a party planned for 6 p.m. Saturday featuring live music and a DJ.
There will be photos of the cafe throughout the years and a dropbox where visitors can leave handwritten memories of Archie’s. People can also send their Archie’s photos to be included in the display by emailing them to thearchiescafe@gmail.com
“We’re excited to celebrate what we’ve built and the community that’s come up around it, and just rejoice in that and in each other and this time we’ve had while we wait to see what comes next,” Schmatz said.
Loyola spokesperson Matt McDermott did not confirm plans to demolish the building but said the university will honor all existing leases as it considers future uses for the site.
“The university has purchased many properties in the past decade as we continually evaluate our real estate holdings and strategic opportunities surrounding our campuses,” McDermott said in a statement. “Like all of our real estate holdings, this property will be included in the campus master planning process for our Lake Shore Campus, which is presently underway with input from a variety of stakeholders.”
Schmatz is raising money to help compensate for the unanticipated loss of their space and the dissolving of the business. Neighbors have already raised nearly $4,000 of the fundraiser’s $20,000 goal.
Schmatz first signed the lease for the Loyola Avenue space in 2008. Over the years, she used the storefront to host markets, fashion camps, creative studios, yoga, dance classes, art shows and more.
After about a decade of hosting events, Schmatz built out the storefront “from scratch” to create Archie’s Cafe.
“Building it out took a lot; it was a costly endeavor,” Schmatz said. “It’s very beloved to me, and I think to the neighborhood, too. You walk down this quiet, dark street and it’s a bright spot full of music and lights and people. It’s been an uplifting, energizing contribution to the neighborhood.”
Over the years, Archie’s has collaborated with Loyola in a variety of ways, from hosting events for various student groups to catering university events to sourcing produce grown in Loyola’s Urban Agricultural Department.
The university plays a vital role in the neighborhood, but Shmatz said she isn’t certain demolition of her building is in the best interest of the entire community.
“They say that they’re all about the neighborhood, but it is what it is and I understand how business and development goes,” Schmatz said. “It’s been interesting being so close to the university and watching everybody pass through, grow and then move on. It’s been a lot of fun and it’s been great to be a part of that journey for so many people.”
Roman Susan, the art gallery whose future is also uncertain after the building sale, is asking Loyola to consider its building plans and the impact on the neighborhood.
“We implore Loyola University … to recognize the importance of this place and its inhabitants,” a letter from Roman Susan’s founders to Loyola reads. “It seems Loyola is growing and requires new amenities. The residents of this building also require a place to live and our neighborhood requires cultural spaces to thrive.”
In addition to serving meals and drinks made from fresh ingredients, Archie’s Cafe typically offers live music four nights a week, as well as rotating art shows, creative workshops and monthly markets.
All of these events will continue until Archie’s lease runs out, Schmatz said.
If the end of her lease marks the permanent closure of Archie’s, Schmatz said she is most proud of creating a space where people of all ages could connect.
“Coming to Archie’s is a really genuine experience, and I think it’s hard to find that in this world anymore,” Schmatz said. “It’s just full of people connecting over good food and good drinks. I’m really looking forward to this last summer, with lots of great entertainment and celebration of each other and the good times we’ve spent here on the sunny side of the street.”
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