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Alex V. Hernandez

Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park reporter

alex@blockclubchi.org

Long-Delayed Ravenswood Metra Station Renovation Now Won’t Be Done Until July

Construction of the western side of the Ravenswood station was completed in 2015. Work on the eastern platform has been delayed multiple times.

Ravenswood

Katherine Anne Confections’ Irving Park Location Opening In May

The Irving Park location will have a vegetable-forward cafe menu and full espresso bar that uses coffee beans from Hermosa-based roaster Factotum Coffee.

Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park

Lincoln Square’s Sandunga Restaurant Changes Saturday Hours, Hires Security To Address Noise Complaints

The restaurant's owner said he's being unfairly targeted — but neighbors said they've long complained about loud noise coming from the restaurant after 10 p.m.

Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park

Three Friends Are Bringing Northern Italian Cuisine To The Former Parkside In North Center

The three longtime chefs and friends planned their menu to highlight Italian fare from Piemonte, Lombardia and Veneto.

Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park

City-Owned Lincoln Square Parking Lot Will Be Sold, Turned Into Affordable Housing

The building across from the Western Avenue Brown Line will include studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.

Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park

Winnemac Park Gets $2 Million From City For Artificial Turf, Drainage To Reduce Baseball Fields Flooding

The money for the long-awaited project comes from tax-increment financing funds. The project must wrap by 2024 to use the funding.

Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park

Sideshow Gelato Bringing Circus Tricks, Magic Shows And Vegan Scoops To Lincoln Square

Sideshow Gelato has been in the works for nearly a year with help from magician Penn Jillette. Owner Jay Bliznick will host a multi-day grand opening starting May 17.

Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park

Wanna Try Haggis? You Can Taste The Scottish Dish At Revolution Brewing’s Beer Release Friday

Haggis is sheep’s organs mixed with onion, oatmeal, suet and spices, stuffed inside sheep's stomach. Revolution is selling it with its new Scotch ale-style beer.

Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Avondale

More Than 500 Belmont Cragin Residents Petition To Block Music Festival At Riis Park: ‘We Just Don’t Feel Heard’

Officials have not approved a permit for The Re:SET festival, but neighbors are worried as promoters sell tickets and advertise the three-day event at Riis Park.

Belmont Cragin, Hermosa

2 Lincoln Square Restaurants Are Operating As Late-Night Clubs With Loud Music, Rowdiness And Fights, Neighbors Say

Neighbors have complained about fireworks in the street, arguments and drunk patrons harassing people. The business owners say they're trying to resolve the issues.

Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park

Belmont Cragin Neighbors Don’t Want Re:SET Music Fest In Riis Park: ‘Listen To Our Voices’

Park District officials previously said organizers of the concert series did not have clearance to stage shows at the Belmont Cragin park. But promoters have continued to advertise and sell tickets, neighbors said.

Belmont Cragin, Hermosa

City Council To Consider $2 Million For Artificial Turf, New Drainage To Help Fix Winnemac Park

The money for the long-awaited project would come from TIF funds. If it is approved, construction would need to wrap by the end of 2024.

Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park

Ruth Cruz Declares Narrow Victory In 30th Ward Runoff To Replace Retiring Ald. Ariel Reboyras

Cruz secured 51.52 percent of the vote to defeat Jessica Gutiérrez and succeed Reboyras, who is retiring from City Council after 20 years.

Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park

The Budlong Hot Chicken Returns With New Owner, Menu — And Plans For 100 More Restaurants

Budlong's locations in Lincoln Square, Lincoln Park, the Loop and Hyde Park will host grand reopening events next week with discounts on food.

Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park

Apartments, Preschool Coming To Former Lincoln Square Bank Building

Eleven apartments at a former US Bank Center on Western Avenue could be available to rent as soon as this summer.

Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park

Ruth Cruz, Jessica Gutiérrez Will Discuss Platforms At 30th Ward Virtual Forum Saturday

Voters will get a chance to learn more about Jessica Gutiérrez and Ruth Cruz just days before the April 4 runoff election.

Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park

Neighbors Criticize Lack Of Affordable Housing In Developer’s Plan For Condos At Former Twisted Hippo Site

The city's Zoning Board of Appeals will have final say on the project, which now features first-floor commercial space in one of the buildings.

Albany Park

Canna Bella Lux Rolling Out Its 1st Pot Products This Summer Thanks To New Partnership

Canna Bella Lux plans to release luxury flowers, edibles and other cannabis products focused on helping people with wellness.

Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park

Old Town School Of Folk Music Pauses Plan To Take Over The Grafton After Another Buyer Swoops In

The school wanted to reopen the neighborhood pub as a restaurant and venue. It's not clear who the buyer is.

Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park

Ruth Cruz, Jessica Gutiérrez In Head-To-Head Bid To Represent Retiring Ald. Ariel Reboyras In 30th Ward

Gutiérrez and Cruz head to the April 4 contest each with key backing from elected officials, including Reboyras and Illinois congressional members.

Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park
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