Wicker Park’s Boo-Palooza Festival Canceled Due To Short Staffing, Communication Issues, Organizers Say
The annual event is a major source of funding for Wicker Park programs and garden upkeep.
Single-Family Homes Coming To Vacant City-Owned Lots In North Lawndale
The initiative is part of a city partnership with Lawndale community groups to expand affordable homeownership options in the neighborhood. Each home will sell for about $250,000.
Chicago Fire Training Center Approved By City Council Despite Complaints From Housing Activists
The Chicago Housing Authority vowed to turn the property into housing for former ABLA Homes residents, but it'll likely become a training facility for the pro soccer team instead.
City Council Delays Vote On Controversial Push To Expand Private Lot Booting
Private lot booting is legal in some wards, but some aldermen want it permitted citywide. Critics call the practice predatory while defenders say it's better than getting towed.
Chicago Fire Training Facility Rejected By Zoning Committee — But Alders Will Reconsider Plan Wednesday
The Fire seeks to build the practice facility on the vacant site of the former ABLA Homes. The Chicago Housing Authority vowed to redevelop the property with improved affordable housing in 2007, but it never happened.
Bucktown’s Ehrler Park Playground Getting An Upgrade After Neighbors Help Raise Money For Overhaul
The project will include new playground equipment and infrastructure repairs. Neighbors hope to eventually raise funds to install a turf field and landscaping improvements.
Do-Over Diner In Ukrainian Village Closing 2 Months After Replacing Jeff & Judes Deli
The restaurant will close Sept. 30. It served burgers, chicken sandwiches and a range of breakfast items during its brief tenure.
Private Lot Booting Could Soon Be Legal In All Of Chicago As Controversial Ordinance Clears Huge Hurdle, Heads To City Council
Booting is legal on a ward-by-ward basis, but the City Council will vote on an ordinance to permit it citywide. Critics call the practice predatory while defenders say it's better than the alternative: getting towed.
Veteran Chefs Opening Pompette, A Cafe And Wine Bar, In Former Izakaya Mita Space In Bucktown
Pompette will feature breakfast and lunch service and shareable dinner plates paired with "Old World" natural wines. Owners aim to open in early October.
Ald. Villegas Opens Ukrainian Village Ward Office — Even Though He Doesn’t Represent The Area Now
Ald. Gilbert Villegas is getting a jump on the new ward map, which would put the office into his ward in nine months if he wins reelection. But one neighboring alderman says it's confusing for neighbors.
After Launching ‘Save Local’ Series During Pandemic, West Town Photographer Is Following Up With Business Owners 2 Years Later
"I wanted to see the happy ending. ... I wanted to see how people fared and how the community supported them," Candice Cusic said.
Ald. Brian Hopkins Seeking Reelection — But Not Ruling Out ‘Last-Minute Pivot’ To Join Crowded Mayor’s Race
Hopkins has been a consistent Lori Lightfoot critic and said his motivation behind contemplating a run against her is based on "dissatisfaction with her leadership and her performance."
Volumes Bookcafe Reopens In New Wicker Park Location This Week After Neighbors, Volunteers Band Together To Help
Volumes temporarily closed in March 2021 before finding a new location a block south on Milwaukee Avenue. "I have nothing but unconditional love for this community," the co-owner said.
‘The Janes’ Posters Vandalized Ahead Of Bucktown Doc Screening On Women Who Helped Thousands Get Abortions
The HBO film tells the story of the Chicago-based group that helped thousands get abortions before Roe v. Wade. Neighbors have organized a screening Tuesday at Holstein Park.
Chitiva Brings Hemp-Based Products, THC-Infused Ice Cream And More To Cafe-Style Lounge In Wicker Park
The cafe features THC products derived from hemp plants, making it federally legal, the owner said.
Seoul Taco Expands To Wicker Park, Bringing Korean-Mexican Street Food To Milwaukee Avenue
Chef David Choi started the restaurant as a food truck in St. Louis more than a decade ago before growing to include four Chicago-area locations.
Roberto Clemente High School Getting Library Upgrade After Winning Renovation Contest
Exact details of the renovation are still being determined, but could "include paint, a mural, flooring, lighting, new shelving and books, and technology," librarian Andie Townhouse said.
Chase Bank Plans To Open In Former Tavern Site On Prime Wicker Park Corner
Chase is working on plans to bring a new branch to the Milwaukee/North/Damen intersection, a spokesperson said. Late-night bar Tavern closed in the building in 2017.
Renegade Craft Fair Returns To Wicker Park’s Division Street This Weekend
The fair launched as a one-day festival in 2003 in Wicker Park. It's expanded to host events in other Chicago neighborhoods and across the United States.
How Well Do You Know Chicago History? Test Your Knowledge At Hideout Trivia
The fall series features a different theme related to Chicago history each month. It's hosted in partnership with the Newberry Library and Chicago History Museum.
