THE LAKE VIEW SAGA only going to be used to settle a bet on what was the date of the first night game at Wrigley Field or what was the name of the bookstore 1985-2005 that stood next to the . Lake View has numerous buildings of

landmark status. Some of the interiors may By the middle of the 1980s, have changed, and other buildings retain their redevelopment was on the rise in various indoor ambiance, but the outside entrance has pockets of Lake View, as they had been in changed its look or name. The ornate older other neighborhoods—such as Lincoln Park— constructions sitting side-by-side with sleek a few years earlier. Three-flats and single new designs is part of the architectural charm homes alike were either being restored to their of Lake View. former glory by forward-thinking “urban As of the 2000 census, the population pioneers” or else being razed to make way for of Lake View was 98,814, making it the condominiums by savvy developers as second largest community in . neighborhoods-within-the-neighborhood such Demographics break down into a population as Wrigleyville and Northalsted tried not so that is 79.5% White, 4.42% African- much to “redefine” themselves as to “reassert” American, 8.72% Hispanic, 5.4% Asian, with themselves. the remaining two percent falling into the “Yuppie”–young urban professional–- category of “Other.” The was a new word in the city vernacular, and as median income per the initial influx of singles flooded Lake View household is $53,811. while families moved to the suburbs, changes The one constant were both subtle and stark. Many newer is the multitude of diverse residents, while loving the abundant shopping, faces, from those who restaurants and nightlife opportunities, had have run successful little idea of Lake View’s rich history. The businesses for twenty- period from 1985-2005 was when those two plus years to Lake Views began to merge together to entrepreneurs who have become the one diverse and vibrant followed the influx of neighborhood that exists today. Vito Guistino, Historian reasonably affluent Where once a street dead-ended into residents into the neighborhood, from sharp- an abutment for the Milwaukee Line railroad minded homeowners who have lived here for tracks, it is now a cul-de-sac lined with more than half a century to young people identical townhouses. And the view from the getting their first taste of “city life” in one of elevated train shows a sky broken by both the most accessible and welcoming spires of churches a century old, along with neighborhoods in the city. towers of rebar and steel that are the shells of million dollar condominiums yet to be finished. Yet, that very dichotomy is also GENTRIFICATION & what helps make Lake View so unique. REVITALIZATION It is now the age of information, and even elderly residents with no need for a home The previous editions of THE LAKE VIEW computer can go to the Levy Senior Center SAGA were missing two key words that are further north on Lawrence and learn to point now synonymous to Lake View’s 3.1 square and click to access any knowledge about Lake mile boundaries: “Yuppie” and View they might need, even if that data was “Gentrification.” Whereas gentrification was

84 a term used in other sections of the city, Old business owners on North Halsted. Jim Town and Lincoln Park being examples, the Ludwig, owner of Roscoe’s, Mick Levine of word yuppie made its appearance in San the Ninety- Francisco long before it came into common Ninth Floor, usage here. and Mickey Yuppie describes a demographic of Hornick people primarily compromising the children and his and grandchildren of the baby boomer vegetarian generation. They are most commonly in their Chicago late twenties and early thirties, although one Diner were can be either younger or older and still fall all there in Chicago City Diner into this statistical label. The word emerged 1985, when in the early 1980s as an iconic echo of earlier “North Halsted” was still considered two labels such as ‘hippies’ and ‘yippies.’ words. Syndicated newspaper columnist Bob Roscoe’s remains at ground zero of Greene is generally credited with having used what is still called ‘Boystown” by many long- the term in one of his human interest columns, time residents. Jim Ludwig bought the without giving credit to the word being coined building on a Good Friday, April 1st, 1987; by Alice Kahn, who wrote a column about previously the location had been a young urban professionals in a 1982 article for convenience store. He is one of the the East Bay Express, a newspaper available individuals who helped shepherd the changes free to several San Francisco communities, to the area, including what has become much like Chicago’s own Windy City Times. perhaps the most iconic symbol of this area of The first known citation in Chicago lore was the city: the rainbow pylons on bronzed in a May 13, 1983, article in the Chicago bases, with one word etched into each: Tribune, written by R. C. Longworth and Northalsted. titled “Chicago: City on the brink.” Gentrification initially spread across NORTHALSTED Lake View in a checkerboard fashion. The word itself is defined as “when dilapidated Most people would say that Wrigley neighborhoods are restored and refurbished in Field, with its attendant restaurants, bars and conjunction with changing demographics and shops is the chief economic engine of Lake the influx of wealthier View, as well as the unofficial “capital.” residents. Starting in the However, a persuasive argument can be made mid-1980s, , that the area which really defines the changing Diversey and Lincoln demographics and spirit of Lake View would Boulevards saw the first, be “Northalsted.” The area long known as slow changes. Soon, “Boystown” has always been centered around Ashland and Belmont Roscoe and Halsted, though now it is simply a would see nickname, such as “gayborhood. While the redevelopment arrive, southern boundary was previously considered and, recently, Southport to be Diversey Parkway––gentrification and a Clark Street, Looking South Avenue has seen the broader mix of residents have blurred some of biggest changes with the traditional boundaries. Today, Northalsted both residential and commercial development is equally home to the young couples with thriving. children who claim part of the attraction is the One of the keys to the new renaissance “Disneyfied” look to some storefronts as it is can be attributed to dedicated and long-time 85 to longtime residents who still refer to it as were investing in properties in increasing “Boystown.” numbers, bringing explosive growth, yet the “An urban Eden,” is how Jim Ludwig area remained pedestrian-friendly, with characterizes Northalsted. Two decades back, sidewalks widened and outdoor patios and the intersection of Roscoe and Halsted was service areas establishing a presence for the somewhat of a ramshackle area—when he nightclubs and restaurants. Antique shops purchased the building that today houses multiplied on Belmont Avenue and stylish Roscoe’s, while historically significant, was storefronts prospered up and down Broadway. dilapidated and had three pages of code Mick violations. The late 1980s was a time to Levine is the develop a vision, an anchor for what was owner of The being increasingly recognized as a “gay- Ninety-Ninth friendly” neighborhood. How, within that Floor, a shoe context, many challenges existed: AIDS- and apparel related stories were in the news every day, and store up the fear of the disease had brought fear and street from Ninety-Ninth Floor uncertainty into an already-depressed Roscoe’s. economy. Across the street is Mickey Hornick’s Ludwig opened Roscoe’s at 3356 vegetarian Chicago Diner. Both opened in North Halsted 1986, at a time when Levine said the area had patterned after a vibrant “bohemian vibe.” The area was so 1970s-style San eclectic that John Waters, director of Francisco HAIRSPRAY and CRYBABY, took to the buildings: clean streets to film there. Levine rattled off the and bright, with names of many of the earliest gay-themed many windows businesses, starting with Little Jim’s, which facing the street. opened in 1975 and was Northalsted’s first In the fall of 1989, gay bar. The owner, Jim Gates was inducted he opened the back into the Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame room as a dance in 2002. Sidetrack, which opened at 3349 hall. In the distant North Halsted in April of 1982, had a new past, it had been a concept for the times, overhead monitors so

Jim Ludwig, Owner of “Roscoe’s” stable for seven patrons could enjoy video projected horses. entertainment while dancing and socializing. As neighborhood began to fulfill the The Orbit Room was located at 3708 North promise of gentrification in the 1980s, Broadway, lending its exteriors to the NBC development—by those targeting both gay and television show CRIME STORY. The art deco straight audiences—began to accelerate in sign above the doors perfectly fit with the earnest. By 1995, most of the dilapidated gritty drama’s 1962 setting. buildings had been resurrected as It was sometime in the 1990s that the area condominium started to make a dramatic shift from being developments, “Boystown”—simply an enclave of gay- and the themed destinations—to “Northalsted”—a character of shopping and entertainment destination that Northalsted appealed to gays, straights and all people in was changing. between. Young people Construction on Belmont 86 A PARADE ABOUT festivities. At the about the same time, another type of celebration was becoming “PRIDE” increasingly popular in Chicago: the street festival. Sort of a combination neighborhood Lake View had long been home to Chicago’s block party and open air bazaar, street version of the Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade, festivals such as the Old Town Art Fair and which highlighted the very active and visible Taste of were drawing gay and lesbian community. The “Pride enormous crowds of not only residents of that Parade,” as it has come to be known, evolved particular neighborhood, but tourists from from a 1970 march on then Civic Center literally all over the world. Plaza, (since rechristened Daley Center Plaza). The logical intersection of these two The parade served as a rallying point for the ideas—the growing intermingling of so-called gay and lesbian community to pull together “gay” and “straight” culture and the popularity with one voice and be noticed as an important of neighborhood street festivals—reached the constituency. Indeed, during his first term in pinnacle of success in Market Days Street office, Mayor Richard M. Daley began Fair. including the gay community in city planning. The idea for the Market Days fair was In 2005, Chicago held its 36th annual Gay and conceptualized in the late 1970s to showcase Lesbian Pride Parade, with more than 250 Halsted and try to put it on the radar. At the floats and groups, along with city, county and time, Halsted was considered the poor step- state politicians including Gov. Rod. R. child of Belmont, Broadway, the “runt of the Blagojevich, Secretary of State Jesse White, litter around Clark and Sheffield. Some and Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka. As residents considered themselves outcasts, had been customary, the parade started off at artists, and, for that time frame, “evil” noon from the intersection of vegetarians. Initially, the fair was run and Belmont Avenue, continuing north to primarily by volunteers. The sidewalk fair Grace Street before turning onto Broadway, was popular from the start, and as it picked up and then traveling south to Diversey Parkway, major sponsorships, it began turning a profit. where it made its final turn, heading east into “Market Days,” as it is now known, which Lincoln Park via Cannon Drive. runs along Northalsted from Belmont to Nearly 400,000 revelers crammed the Addison, has become the largest event of its parade route for the Pride Parade, making it kind in Illinois, and Ludwig calls it “a one of the largest single day events in crowning event in the Midwest” as established Chicago. Lake View emporiums, popular local The parade is always free, and restaurants and neighborhood bars bring their festivities also include parties and picnics wares curbside. An article in Gay Today along the lakefront. Jim Ludwig has said that attributed “beer, water pistols, and the CTA” there was talk of moving the parade to the growth of Market Days from a simple downtown at one point, but Northalsted sidewalk fair to a major destination point for wanted it to remain “theirs.” both gay and straight tourists from all over the As the Pride Parade grew from that world, drawing upwards of 500,000 visitors to initial 1970s march comprised of activists to a sample food and drink as well as groove to giant party with close to half a million people, diverse types of musical acts performing in one interesting demographic fact began to various locations throughout the festival. emerge: each year, more and more individuals from outside the gay and lesbian community were coming to participate in the 87 The runaway popularity of both the Pride specific curbside improvements, a variation of Parade and Market Days was not lost on city the more common flower planters found along planners and politicians, who began to Ashland and Lincoln avenues that meander actively view the demographics of the though other Lake View neighborhoods. Northalsted neighborhood as a crucial The radically distinctive Northalsted component of not only Lake View, but streetscape program, at a cost of $3.2 million Chicago proper, and, working with dollars, comes not from the context of community leaders, began to create special recognizing the character of the area, but programs—often called “Special Service through the planning process that expressly Area” (SSA) designations—tailored brought gays and lesbians to the table as a specifically to the increasingly diverse recognized neighborhood constituency. While population. progressive planners stand concerned by the The culmination effects regarding issues of equity and justice of much of those efforts in a material sense, marginalized groups also took place in the spring seek to gain acceptance and a voice in said of 1998, when the decisions. The Northalsted project illustrated Northalsted Streetscape one path toward that kind of recognition and (SSA#18) was participation. completed; that The Northalsted undertaking tangible visualization celebrated the city’s diversity by recognizing of color, sculpture, and the specific character of the neighborhood, community unification thus encouraging economic development in became a series of over areas where existing merchants have twenty bronze pylons demonstrated a commitment to improvements, Northalsted Pylon that are now as and helping to promote tourism. synonymous with the neighborhood as the Designed by Stefano & Partners, the wrought-iron flag overhang on Division initial design, introduced in late 1997, Street, identifying that area’s Puerto Rican included the widening of sidewalks, new street neighborhood, or the columns and temples in lights, bump-outs on the side streets and, in Greektown further south on Halsted. particular, rainbow-themed gateways and The project was one of 24 modern columns. This last item was subject neighborhood-based identity designs in the to immediate neighborhood opposition. one-billion dollar City Neighborhoods Alive! Some objected to the inclusion of the capital improvement program. The program rainbow theme, which they felt reflected the was designed to celebrate the city’s diversity gay aspect of the community without by recognizing specific characteristics of recognizing others, but most of the opposition neighborhoods, such as the stylized Puerto was to the design itself. It was considered Rican flag over Division Street in Humboldt loud and strident, with members of the North Park, the Greek columns and temples in Halsted Neighbors claiming the pylons Greektown further south on Halsted near the “looked like Disneyland was in your front University of Illinois’ Chicago campus, or the yard.” gateway sculpture of an African-American Ironically, several gay and lesbian businessman in Bronzeville, near 35th and communities were uncomfortable about the Michigan. plan, feeling they did not need their After the pylons were erected, Chicago neighborhood publicized in such a way, afraid became the first American city to formally of a decrease in the ever-rising property recognize the contributions of its’ gay and values. The pylons were redesigned and lesbian businesses and residents through 88 toned down, and a common nickname for the praise for the team and its storied ballpark, as structures today are “rocket ships.” much as any single Cubs fan displaced to the The pylons were dedicated in south side or out of state. Win or lose, rain or November, 1998. Mayor Richard J. Daley shine—Wrigley Field will always be “The told a cheering crowd that the project had Friendly Confines.” been ‘a labor of love,” and said that “(he) “Wrigley Field is the center of a new knew from the beginning this was about dynamic,” Lufrano says from his second story fairness...to the community . I am thanking office in the famous ballpark. “We are always you for what you have done for North Halsted continuing to build on our past Street for many, many years.” tradition...building a new tradition.” Dave Edwards, then-president of “I can’t think of a better place to be in NAMA–the Northalsted Area Merchants the summer,” he says. The numbers seem to Association–and the owner of two bars, agree with him as well. Wrigley Field and the Gentry of Chicago and Gentry on Halsted, Cubs continue to be one of the biggest draws said that the publicity surrounding the pylons– in sports, often regardless of the actual articles had appeared in newspapers from performance of the team in the standings. Boston to San Francisco–was already drawing The years from 1985-2005 saw many more tourists and would likely boost changes in both Wrigley Field and the attendance at Market Days and throughout neighborhood surrounding the ballpark that Northalsted for both gay and straight visitors. bears its name: “Wrigleyville.” The evolution of Northalsted from Possibly the most dramatic event being a rundown corner of Lake View, to first occurred in 1988, with the advent of playing a booming gay mecca and then a melting-pot night baseball finally arriving at Wrigley of diversity reflecting many different cultures Field. For many years, Wrigley Field was the and orientations perhaps symbolizes best the only Major League Baseball stadium without concomitant growth and welcoming of diverse lights, meaning that the Cubs had to play all of groups to all of the neighborhoods of Lake their home games during daylight hours (an View. excuse often given for the team’s struggles). The idea of having night games at LIGHTS ON...CHICAGO Wrigley had been debated as early as 1941 (when the plans were scrapped due to Work NIGHT GAMES AT War II). In one corner were the group that felt WRIGLEY FIELD the Cubs and Wrigley needed to modernize to compete, not only on the field, but also in

advertising and other revenues. Television Mike Lufrano, General Counsel for the revenues, for example, depend largely on Cubs, grew up a few blocks away on Aldine being able to broadcast games during evening Street in Lake View, close but not quite close hours, especially during the playoffs. The enough to catch any homer that went out of other camp was comprised of two groups of the park like you can on Waveland or individuals: One, those who loved Wrigley Sheffield Field for the historical appeal of a park that Avenues. His has gone largely unchanged since opening—a position as an hand operated scoreboard, no “Jumbrotron” employee of the giant TV screen, no recorded rock music, just Cubs the play of the old organ to accompany balls nonwithstanding, and strikes, etc. Wrigley Field remains the he shares nothing Wrigley Field only ballpark in major league baseball with no but the highest 89 permanent advertising on its interior— that ring the streets surrounding the ballpark, a including the legendary ivy-covered outfield number of other business have been able to walls, and two, those neighborhood activists thrive. Wrigleyville is now host to restaurants who felt that having night games at Wrigley that serve food a bit more complicated than a Field would cause too many problems— hot dog—ranging from casual to fine dining. traffic, crime, alcohol-related and noise—for As well, retail has branched out from the the neighborhood. Wrigley Field is also predictable vendors selling baseball unique in that it sits squarely in the middle of memorabilia to encompass all facets of goods, a neighborhood, with apartment buildings and making Wrigleyville a shopping destination, condominium developments literally even on days when the Cubs are not playing. overlooking the ballpark. As those businesses came into the There was a great deal of spirited neighborhood, there was also a tremendous debate, but in the end, the city council influx of new residents, mainly young, post- approved a “limited” number of night games college graduates who found Wrigleyville— per year at Wrigley Field, and the city, the with its high concentration of bars and neighborhood and fans prepared for the first nightlife opportunities, coupled with other night game during the 1988 season. young single—the perfect place to live in the August 8, 1988 (8.8.88) will forever be known city. Developers were quick to recognize and as the evening when the lights were switched capitalize on this trend, first building on at Wrigley for the first-ever night game. apartment units and then condos as the initial While protesters picketed outside, the fans neighborhood residents and demographic gathered in the park let out a great roar when grew from “renters” to “homeowners.” the lights came on, effectively ushering in a One of the more interesting hybrids new era for the famous ballpark. that grew in such an environment involved the Unfortunately, the game itself (against the buildings that circle the outside of Wrigley Philadelphia Phillies) was rained out after 3 ½ Field on both Sheffield and Waveland innings, and so, the first “official” night game Avenues. Where once people had gathered on to be completed at Wrigley Field was the next the rooftops to watch the action over the evening, August 9, 1988, when the Cubs beat bleacher wall and perhaps barbecue, business- the New York Mets 6-4. minded individuals recognized the opportunity In 1989, private boxes were to charge groups for the opportunity to have a constructed on the mezzanine level, which “party on the rooftop” across from the was formerly occupied by the press box and ballpark. The buildings with a view of the broadcasting booths. In turn, the press box field suddenly became a hot commodity and broadcasting booths were relocated to the simply for their roof space. This in turn upper deck directly above and behind home angered the owners of the Cubs, who felt that plate. In 1996, an elevator was added to the the rooftop owners were unfairly “poaching” third base concourse, to assist physically- their product. impaired fans. As the rooftop parties became more However, some of the most important profitable and popular, the situation between changes have occurred outside “the friendly the rooftop owners and the Cubs deteriorated, confines.” with the Cubs eventually threatening to install Because of the fact that Wrigley Field giant screen to block the view of the field is in the middle of a thriving neighborhood, from the buildings across the street. many businesses have long been dependent on Fortunately, the two groups were able to come the traffic that the Cubs’ games generate. to an amicable solution without having to Aside from the numerous and expected bars resort to such drastic measures. 90 As one of the most prominent “citizens” of the Tops, BoystownChicago.com, Roscoe’s neighborhood, the Cubs organization is very Tavern & Café, SPIN Nightclub, Blum cognizant of its role as a community Animal Hospital, Steamworks Men’s Gym & participant—and leader. For example, Sauna, Binny’s Beverage Depot, and Valhalla Lufrano tells of new ways the organization is Wineshop. “making a concentrated effort to get Cub fans Cubs representatives regularly attend from “there to here.” With concerns about meetings of the Lake View Citizens Council, traffic and parking a constant issue, the city, amongst other organizations. Wrigley Field the neighborhood and the Cubs have worked has hosted the LVCC fundraiser for three together on improvements, such as new bike years. It also hosts the bi-annual Wrigleyville paths and extended bus routes. The Chicago “Neighbors Day” allows hundreds of Cubs organization continues to make a neighborhood residents to run the bases and concentrated effort to contribute the area, play catch on the field of the famous ballpark including using funds for neighborhood “in their backyard.” protection. To alleviate street congestion, a 400 capacity car garage was recently erected. Nettlehorst School: A Rebirth Certainly, Wrigley Field is “the draw” for the area as evidenced by the fact that, prior In the 1990s, things were not so good to the 2005 season, 600,000 tickets were sold at Nettlehorst School, an unassuming four- in a single day. Despite only have made the story building located at 3252 North playoffs three times since 1985—in 1989, Broadway: Water damage had caved in the 1998 and, memorably in 2003 when the team roof. The sidewalks were cracked and upper came within five outs of going to the World story windows were broken. While pockets of Series for the first time since 1945—the Cubs Lake View like Northalsted and Wrigleyville continue to have a tremendous fan base. were booming just blocks away, the school However, the Cubs are also committed had fallen into disrepair. to give back to Lake View, and the entire city. Located in East Lake View, the Cubs Care—a registered trademark—raised Nettlehorst School is a Chicago Public School $8,000,000 in 1991, supporting organizations (CPS) cluster magnet school, and is home to such as the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of an International Fine and Performing Arts site. Chicago., the Chicago Abused Women’s Nettlehorst is also Coalition, and Children’s Memorial Hospital. one of the first CPS Other support was targeted to Sertoma Speech and still values the and Hearing Center, La Rabida Children’s partnership Hospital, Night Ministry, Tuesday’s Child, between home and Windows of Opportunity, Athletes Against school. Each Drugs, and Counseling Center of Lake View. Tuesday, the public On Friday, May 13th, 2005, a benefit and parents new to for the Lake View Citizens’ Council was the neighborhood hailed as “An Evening At Wrigley Field.” are encouraged to Auction items included photos from a Cubs take a walking tour vs. Marlins game, a two week yoga package at of the school and Om on the Range Yoga Studio, a Retro Sweet meet with the Basket from Suckers Candy Company, a tune principal, Dr. up at Johnny Sprockets, and drinks and coffee Dr. Susan Kurland Susan Kurland. for a year at Caribou Coffee.

Event sponsors included the

Archdiocesan Gay & Lesbian Outreach, Hi- 91 The tour begins in the library, promptly at named a “CPS Rising Star School.” 9:00. Story hour has just ended. The tour, In 2004, Nettlehorst experienced a ten which encompasses every room of the percent increase in both math and reading school’s three floors, is handled proficiently scores, ranking by Jacqueline Edelberg. An introductory the school in video is shown to couples and women with the top 20 CPS empty strollers and already tired toddlers schools for draped over their shoulders. The shelf next to gains. The the VHS player carries diverse titles such as school has CHILDREN OF THE GREAT formed strong DEPRESSION, 12 RIFFS ON THE POWER ties with OF MUSIC, and THE BEAR SNORES ON. DePaul, Nettlehorst School Mural A plaque on the door identifies the Northwestern, Loyola an Erickson, and room as the Deanna Selzer Library, and partnered with Jane’s Place at Nettlerhorst. makeshift butterflies are stuck to the windows, The attendance area runs from with butterfly masks placed nicely across Diversey, Clark, and Halsted to Belmont, empty tables, making one thing of a tiny reaching from the Lake Shore Drive to cotillion. Handsouts at the library counter Racine, and Cornelia to the North. Articles on include a booklet: GREAT KIDS READ AT the school ran in the Reader in 2003 and the THE CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY. BE A Chicago Sun-Times on April 3rd, 2005. The DESIGNATED READER! Supported by CPS has been mentioned on CNN, 60 Mayor Daley, the Chicago Public Libraries, Minutes, and National Public Radio. Kraft Great Kids, and Kidstart, a log is Jane’s Place offers diverse classes such provided for the date and the time allotted as Belly Dancing For Adults and Young reading (fill in the blank) story, book, or any Adventurers Summer Camp. These signs are other printed material. One man said his niece stapled to various bulletin boards throughout would read his comics and learn words in the school as the walking tour begins. In context with the visual images. Another January of 2001, the school received an award pamphlet offers the names of authors for Outstanding Service in Recreation. As pertaining each age group, from Molly Bang adults walk through the halls, toddlers push for Toddlers through Hans Christian Andersen tow trucks between tables, perhaps and A. A. Milne for Read Aloud For All Ages. envisioning a future with the Department of As a magnet cluster school, Nettlehorst Streets and Sanitation. One thing a visitor must accept thirty percent of its students from notices immediately is how clean the school is with one and one-half mile radius. and how willing each student is to pick up the Registration for the school takes place in errant gum wrapper or loose paper. person, and children who have turned three on In 2002, the infrastructure of the or before the first of September can be school was found to be under par and it took enrolled in the early childhood program. The seven months to get the school in its current school first opened in 1892. shape. Nettlehorst now has a lab where Because of the damage to the roof and students have hourly access to wireless other various factors, the school was one of computers. five Lake View CPS that were on a list of Edelberg talks about the “textbook potential closures. Through the Nettlehorst diversity” at the school. Twenty-seven Parents’ Co-op, a volunteer organization, the different languages are used at Nettlehorst, board won significant funding totaling over and 28 students are assigned to a classroom. $360,000, and earned the distinction of being She tells of a French Farmers Market which 92 “gussied up the front of the playground.” The protection against discrimination in housing, open kitchen has space enough for a display of employment, public accommodations, and strollers. The now-closed Flashy Trash store credit to gays, lesbians, and persons with donated a mural which hangs near the disabilities, an ordinance to assist victims of cafeteria. David Cisco also provided murals hate crimes, and a 1997 ordinance Hansen for the school; his most recognizable work is introduced to extend health-care benefits to at the Belmont el platform. the domestic partners of gay and lesbian city The three floors of the school are employees designated and decorated to the tone of Earth, Hansen was also an active proponent Sky, and Sun. Past wall murals of dolphins of environmentalist measures, including splashing playfully, youngsters walk by, recycling programs and the extension of willing to show the adults the paper mache Chicago’s moratorium against the creation of anteaters they had just made. new landfills. Since his retirement from the Caitlin Dorsey is a third grade teacher city council, he has also continued to serve as who won an award for excellence in 2004, and Democratic committeeman from the 44th the children with their art creatures had rushed Ward. from her room. It is apparent that each Thomas M. Tunney was born on student adores their teachers and Dr. Kurland. August 22nd, 1955, and since 2003 he has In fact, students, parents and faculty all served with distinction as the first openly gay acknowledge the tremendous positive alderman of the Chicago City Council, and influence Dr. Kurland has had on Nettlehorst. was formerly a member of the Democratic Nettlehorst School is a true example of Party. Tunney was born and raised in the Irish a neighborhood pulling together and making a southwest side of Chicago. Upon graduating difference. from Brother Rice High School, he attended the University of Illinois where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in restaurant management. ALDERMAN BERNIE Also having hopes of following in his parents’ HANSEN PASSES THE footsteps in the hospitality industry, he received a Master’s Degree in hotel TORCH TO CURRENT administration from Cornell University in ALDERMAN TOM TUNNEY New York state. Upon returning from college, Tunney

settled into the Lake View neighborhood and Bernie Hansen was a longtime worked in his family’s restaurants. Upon Chicago Democratic alderman, serving from hearing that Ann Sather was retiring and 1983 until 2002, when he retired as alderman closing her iconic restaurant on Belmont of the 44th Ward. Avenue in 1981, Tunney offered to purchase Hansen was appointed to the Council her business. He gained full ownership of the when the incumbent alderman, Charlie Weber, Ann Sather Restaurant and expanded it into a unexpectedly resigned. In 1987, he defeated successful chain of enterprises. Dr. Ron Sable, a liberal gay activist, by a slim When not downtown at City Hall, margin, winning with only 52% of the vote. Tunney assists his constituents from his Sable ran against Hansen again in 1991, but he offices at 1057 West Belmont. Directly across lost badly, 65% to 35%. the street, as if a direct statement towards Hansen sponsored or co-sponsored Lake View itself, stands a half-block long several human rights ordinances, including the thrift shop called SOMETHING OLD, Human Rights Ordinance expanding SOMETHING NEW.

93 Tunney says that one of his priorities is with the coming of the more affluent funding the Special Service Areas (SSAs). townhouse and condo owners and the middle Monies are spent towards small commercial class suddenly having to struggle. and residential areas, providing added security Through this, he in the forms of wider sidewalks and brighter has tried to maintain lighting. The operating maintenance for each diversity, strength AND SSA is approximately $100,000 per year. affordability, The alderman says that the mentioning Section 8 “streetscapes” bolster the area and “act as a housing such as the Del catalyst for new commercial development.” A Ray, the Hotel Abbott, current project surrounds Belmont, Ashland, and low-rent housing at and Byron, once the areas busiest intersection. 722 West Diversey. For example, Belmont received new light Additionally, structures between Sheffield and Halsted. Tunney joined several Tunney says that the neighborhood is prestigious circles and still perceived as a safe area, and “its’ vitality became chairman of the Abbot Hotel is funneled by entertainment.” The word Illinois Restaurant “hospitality” comes up often in any Association. He founded and led the Lake conversation one has with Tunney, even if one View Center Business Association and White were to encounter him at the nearby Caribou Crane Wellness Center. As a result of his Coffee shop. In addition to entertainment success as a businessman, Tunney was venues and restaurants, hospitals, are “major inducted into the Gay and Lesbian Hall of employers,” according to Tunney, particularly Fame in 1995. St. Joseph’s and Advocate Illinois Masonic. He opened his restaurants to grassroots While in office, Tunney has been and non-profit organizations as town halls, solidly committed to the community and has serving as free meeting places. He committed long term strategies. Six public schools himself to helping AIDS and HIV victims improved their overall student performance through programs he created, which were later greatly—the highest ratio of schools per adopted by Illinois Masonic Hospital. neighborhood in the city. Chicago politicians also offered One of the recent successes, according Tunney positions in city governance: he to Tunney, was of “families with children became chairman of the small business staying in the neighborhood, not moving on subcommittee of the Chicago Economic after a year or two.” Development Committee. Mayor Richard M. Tunney also doesn’t want the seniors Daley appointed Tunney to the Mayor’s to be forgotten, to provide a “senior lifestyle Parking Task Force. that precludes older couples deciding to retire Tunney has faced some criticism over to the suburbs.” There are many offerings, his handling of the Chicago Cubs’ demands including computer classes, for retired people for more night games and expansion of at the Ruth Ahriman Center in the 4000 block Wrigley Field. Residents are concerned over of North Sheridan and the Levy Center further how these issues will affect traffic and safety north on Lawrence Avenue. He has lived in in the neighborhood. While the concerns are the ward for over two decades and said that valid, it should be noted that Wrigley Field the big change, to him, occurred around 1995, brings in much of Lake View’s revenue whenever the Cubs are playing home games.

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As might be German parish. The theatre’s name is defined expected, Tunney is as “a literary or scientific association for the an avid Cubs fan and promotion of learning.” The building contains can be often be found a gymnasium, food pantry, two 80-seat studio in his ward office, theatres, as well as a 50-seat studio theatre. seated in front of a The mintage is actually two theatres in one, framed Cubs jersey implementing 454 main floor seats for smaller with the name needs, and adding 530 balcony seats, larger Tunney and the productions can be seen by nearly a thousand number 44 (for “44th people. The Athenaeum is managed by SCT Ward) emblazoned Productions, which also is a member of the on the back. Tom Tunney League of Chicago Theatres, the Chicago Dance Coalition, South Lakeview LAKE VIEW’S VIBRANT Neighborhoods, and the League of Historic American Theatres. Currently, Fred Solari is THEATRE COMMUNITY the general manager, with Clyde P. Foster acting as theatre manager. Chicago has long been known as a great “Theatre town.” In the 1980s through the . middle of the first decade of the 21st century, Designed by the late Chicago continued to build upon its Walt Topel, founder of reputation—not only with “top tier” Swell Pictures, the Briar productions from organizations like Second Street Theatre is located City and Steppenwolf, but also the vast at 3133 N. Halsted. The “independent” theatre scene, from improv theatre’s layout can comedy to experimental productions to such change in terms of “late night” fare as “The Brady Bunch—the seating patrons to Musical” and “Cannibal Cheerleaders on converting to film and Crack.” The diversity of the theatre scene television productions. mirrors the diversity of the neighborhoods that Among the first comprise Lake View. In turn, the individual productions were David distinctiveness of the many theatres in Lake Mamet’s THE SHAWL Briar Street Theatre View also reflect that diversity. and THE SPANISH PRISONER, and future pre-Broadway Athenaeum Theatre. engagements of Neal Simon’s LAUGHTER Built in 1911 just ON THE 23rd FLOOR, Herb Gardner’s I’M south of St. NOT RAPPAPORT, and the Pulitzer-Prize- Alphonse Church, winning DRIVING MISS DAISY. The at 2936 No. theatre is a proscenium, i.e., it has a wall that Southport, the separates the stage from the main auditorium, Athenaeum was and seats 625. Since the autumn of 1997, the conceived as a Briar Street Theatre has been transformed by neighborhood its resident performance ensemble BLUE playhouse and also MAN GROUP. The theatre has 625 seats on served the need as the main floor and boasts a 52-seat balcony, an opera house for German Plaque, St. Alphonse Church and was built in the early 1900s as a carriage the area’s largely house. The original 95 second floor actually hangs from the ceiling located right off the Belmont Red & Brown by means of massive turnbuckles–oblong line elevated stops, at 3145 No. Sheffield, in metal couplings that swivel at one end–that the central Lake View neighborhood. can still be seen. Designed by architect John E.O. Pridmore, it opened in 1912 as the Victoria Theatre. The . lobby floor and staircases are still Italian Founded in the 1970s, by artistic director marble, with the interior still showcasing most , the Organic was housed at of its original ornate wall sculptures. The Vic both 2851 No. Halsted Street and 3319 No. currently can seat 1400 people, and in recent Clark Street. Notable productions included years has evolved into a “performance venue” WARP by Stuart Gordon and Bury St. with an emphasis on live music and comedy Edmund, ’s SEXUAL tours. Notable international acts David PERVERSITY IN CHICAGO and Terry Bowie, The Band, Tears For Fears, and Mary Curtis Fox’s COPS, starring Dennis Franz and Chapin Carpenter have shared the stage with Joe Mantegna. In 1996, Organic Theater such Chicago favorites as Liz Phair, Wilco, Company merged with Touchstone Theatre and Poi Dog Pondering. under the leadership of the latter’s artistic director Ina Marlowe. Gordon had previously Del Close and IO left Chicago for Hollywood to make his cult One of the most interesting chapters in Lake classic science-fiction film THE RE- View Theatre history concerns that of Del ANIMATOR, based on H.P. Lovecraft’s Close. Perhaps best known for leaving his novella, “The Strange Case of Charles Dexter skull to the in the Loop Ward.” after passing away in 1999 (presumably for productions of Hamlet), Del Close was much Steppenwolf Theatre Company. beloved in the Lake View Theatre District. Of course, no mention of He was member of the , the institutions would be complete without precursor of Second City. In 1970, Close set Steppenwolf. Founded in 1974 by actors Gary up a free, open-to-all workshop at the Sinise, Terry Kinney, and Jeff Perry, by 1980, Kingston Mines Company store, the café that the theatre had taken up residence as a 134- was attached to the Theatre Company of the seat venue at the Jane Addams Hull House same name on Lincoln Avenue. Currently, Center on North Broadway—where Second Children’s Memorial Medical Center stands in City had its origins. For a time Steppenwolf that historic spot. Soon a hand-picked group was also located at 2851 N. Halsted. Since from the workshop, including Betty Thomas, 1991, their current complex is just outside Dan Ziski, and Jonathan Arabanel, began the Lake View’s boundaries, at 1650 N. Lincoln. Chicago Extension Improv Company at the This does not diminish its importance to the Body Politic, further down Halsted. Close history of Lake View Theatres, as developed a long-standing professional Steppenwolf had and continues to have a partnership with Charna Halpern and tremendous influence upon the theatre ImprovOlympic, or the “IO”, as a comedy community in Chicago. Careers launched training center across the street from Wrigley through Steppenwolf include Sinise, John Field, at 3541 N. Clark. Malkovich, John Mahoney, William Petersen, and Laurie Metcalf.

The Vic Theatre. Proclaiming itself “the best theatre in Chicago” in its advertisements, The Vic is 96 WARD 47 and ALDERMAN Sunday hours at Chicago Libraries. He played a part in the new fire station at Damen and GENE SCHULTER Grace, police and court facilities at Belmont and Western, a new field house at Chase Park, A large portion of Lake View is under and substantial improvements at Welles Park the auspices of Gene Schulter, whose 47th and Paul Revere Park. Ward office is located at 4237 North Lincoln He is married to the former Rosemary Avenue. Schulter joined the Chicago City Biebel, and they have two children, Philip and Council in 1975 at the age of 26, making him Monica. one of the youngest aldermen to ever serve in office. The boundaries of the 47th Ward run LAKE VIEW SSA#27 from Foster to Cornelia and from the Chicago River to Clark Street, with a few small pockets Special Service Areas (SSAs) abound north of Lake View, and he is in charge of 51 throughout every part of Lake View. One Precincts. example of a Special Services Area is known Born on November 14th, 1947, he as “Lake View #27.” This SSA includes these attended, along with four other siblings, John boundaries: On Belmont, from Paulina to Audubon School in Lake View. He graduated Racine: on Lincoln, from Addison to George; from Lake View High School in 1966, then along Ashland, from Addison to Diversey, and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree from on Southport, from Byron to Belmont. Loyola University in 1970. As improvements are being made on His career with City Council has had the Brown Line elevated tracks, so too, are him as Chairman of various committees, similar meliorations along Lincoln Avenue. including License and Consumer Protection, The Fullerton el stop is within a block of Beautification and Recreation, the Committee Lincoln Avenue, the Red Lion English Pub on Cable Television, Historic Landmark and the Biograph Theater (soon to be the new Preservation, and has been a member on venue for Victory Gardens). committees for Budget and Government Facade improvement projects Relations, Finance, Rules and Ethics, Traffic established by the SSA during the spring of Control and Safety, Zoning, and Parks and 2005 helped businesses and residents all over Recreation. the service area improve the looks of their Schulter is a Board Member for the buildings. Facade projects include Suvan’s Levy Senior Citizens Center Advisory Board Café & Bakeshop at 3351 North Lincoln, (the city’s first senior citizens center), Strega Nona at 3747 North Southport, and Greening of Ravenswood Committee, D’Agostino’s Pizza & Pub at 3151 North Common Food Pantry, St. Benedict’s High Addison. Cartridge World opened a second School Advisory Council, and the printer cartridge refill store at 3259 North Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club Community Ashland Avenue, and owner Chris Gallagher Leadership Council. was offered SSA funds to improve signage In 1993, he was recognized by the over his store. His revenues have since Chicago Tribune for his leadership in reducing increased by 25% each month since his new the number of license fee categories to 200 look took notice. from 500 by adjusting the fees to more accurately reflect the city’s cost of inspection and certification. Schulter helped found the Selzer Regional Library, and helped re-establish 97 STREETSCAPE Enterprise Development was a “major player” in the years between 1995 and 2005, and Southport has “grown leaps and bounds.” Georgina Middleton has lived near “New families are willing to help the Dakin and Sheridan for several decades, elderly,” he said, noting that he and his wife working at the Illinois Psychiatric Institute Rose are the oldest family on his block. through much of her life, and said that in her “Younger guys will shovel snow on the block neighborhood, by 1987 there was a “hell of a filled with single bungalows and two-flats,” lot of new buildings put up.” There are some not giving in to the older residents, saying that historic two- and three-flats, but she misses they want to do the shoveling themselves. the old Festival Theater, which is now a In Lake View, both the longtime “Supermercado.” She said it is an “attractive residents and the newer additions to the area for young people.” Her favorite part of neighborhood seem to be integrating quite the neighborhood is Wunder and Graceland well. cemeteries. For many years, there has been “PLAY BALL!” AT anticipation for the Lincoln-Belmont-Ashland Streetscape project to be awarded funding. HAMLIN PARK The first phase of the project received funding in the autumn of 2004. The construction of In West Lakeview—just North of the portion was awarded 3.8 million dollars. Damen Avenue—lies one of the most Construction began along Ashland Avenue on beautiful properties in the Chicago Park November of 2004. The first phase of the District’s portfolio: Hamlin Park. Hamlin project is on Lincoln Avenue north of Park proper consists of not only the “park” Belmont Avenue, Belmont Avenue west of itself, a rolling green expanse among single Lincoln and Ashland Avenue north of family homes and condos, but also tennis Belmont. courts, a playground, a dog run and the Chester Majerowic has lived near Hamlin Park Field house. The Hamlin Park Ashland and School Street for nearly fifty Field house is available to residents for events years, and he is pleased with the current trend as disparate as basketball leagues, boxing of building townhouses, along with other instruction, dog-training classes and meetings business developments, such as the Bank of of a local dance troupe. America Building, that have been built at the But, undoubtedly, what Hamlin Park is three-way intersection of Ashland, Belmont most well known for are the four baseball and Lincoln. The site had been vacant since diamonds that dominate the Southeast corner the early 1990s. The Tower Lofts were of the property. Those fields are home to little constructed on the site of the old Weiboldt’s league teams, park district intramural softball store. leagues and countless pickup games and Yet, with all the development and impromptu sessions of simple “catch.” beautification, Chester misses “the old five So, it was a concern that the state of and dime stores,” naming S. S. Kresge’s, the ball fields was deteriorating because of the Woolworth’s, and the smaller family-owned increase in use by this rapidly gentrifying grocery stores. But he still is pleased that neighborhood. Residents and community areas like Lincoln and Melrose are being activists sprang into action, creating the rehabbed, and where a Citizens State Bank “Hamlin Park Baseball Association.” once stood is now the newest library in the

Chicago Public Library system.

According to Mr. Majerowic, 98 Through an innovative combination of private Association donations, selling items such as “Walk of WLVN West Lakeview Neighbors Fame” bricks and participation of major supporters like Cubs Care, the HPBA was able The LVCC is a non-profit civic to bring about the renovation of the baseball organization begun in 1952, with a grassroots fields. membership. “Our main goal is to push Indeed, there was a ceremony to re- people to stay in the neighborhood,” says dedicate the baseball fields that was attended David Winner, who was elected President of by former Cub greats Ernie Banks, Ryne LVCC in 2005, “I view Lake View as a Sandberg, Ron Santo and Billy Williams. neighborhood within a city.” One way people Alderman Ted Matlak, who was instrumental will continue to stay is the conversion of in helping the renovation succeed, also rental units to make way for condos and participated in the dedication ceremony. Once townhouses. again, community involvement—a strong “LVCC bridges the gap between one recurring theme in Lake View—represented organization and other neighborhood groups,” by groups such as the Hamlin Park Neighbors Winner said. “We make people aware of the and Hamlin Park Baseball Association—were various branches and try for reformation able to make a positive difference in the against anything negative.” Recent public neighborhood. forums have been on the growing concerns of credit card theft, graffiti, and the registration THE LAKE VIEW of known sex offenders. The Council has played a role in CITIZENS’ COUNCIL supporting property tax reforms, developing the Jarvis bird sanctuary, helping create the “Twelve Neighborhoods. One voice. Neighborhood Protection Plan, coordinating Get involved.” Is the motto of the Lake View the Thanksgiving Food Drive to assist Citizens Council, which exists to pull together Lakeview Pantry, and raising funds for our resources and residents for neighborhood ongoing operations, including the LVCC improvement. Summer Fest (formerly known as the “Clark The LVCC is located at 867 West Street Fair”, and “A Night at Wrigley Field.”) Buckingham Place and there are a dozen Over the years, major branches blocked out between the lakefront of accomplishments include the support of the North Branch of the Chicago River and property tax Diversey Parkway to Irving Park Road. These through TRAC, include: the Tax Reform Action Coalition, BHN Belmont Harbor Neighbors partnering with CLVN Central Lake View Neighbors City Hall for the ELVN East Lake View Neighbors passage of a HPN Hamlin Park Neighbors Neighborhood HN Hawthorne Neighbors Safety Ordinance, SPN Shell Park Neighbors redevelopment of SELVN South East Lake View community play Neighbors lots and increased SLN South Lakeview Neighbors “green space”, i.e., TN Triangle Neighbors tress planted along Roscoe Street, Facing West Association boulevards and the WDNA West DePaul Neighbors building of new neighborhood parks, the 99 newest one built is at 815-817 West Roscoe. “Knife & Gun Club.” There is also a Lake View Garden Such gallows humor nonwithstanding, Walk and branch-sponsored events such as the it came to the attention of Ms. O’Neill and her Northalsted Halloween Parade, Southport neighbors that a “house ill repute” was Children’s Festival and ELVN’s Oktoberfest. operating at the corner of the 3900 block of Successful efforts were made to get North Sheridan. According to Ms. O’Neill, it city commitment for a new 23rd District Police wasn’t just limited to prostitution, it was also Station, renovation of pedestrian and bike drug activity, centered around first PCP, and paths, and facilitated the LeMoyne School then cocaine. campus park. The neighbors worked together, with ELVN and the police to try and get the crime- provoking house closed for good. PRESIDENTS OF LVCC Different members of ELVN made 1985-2005 over forty appearances in court, and finally, the criminals were put out of business, thanks

to the efforts of the community working 1985-1986 Mr. Paul J. Kendall together. 1986-1988 Mr. Wayne A. Krauss But, for Ms. O’Neill, there were plenty 1988-1990 Mr. Herbert G. Lowinger of examples of how wonderful the 1990-1992 Mr. Michael O’Connor neighborhood is as well. In the 1980s, for 1992-1994 Ms. Lorraine Hoffman example, there were caroling parties at 1994-1996 Mr. Gary Gray Christmas, and ELVN meetings were held in 1996-1998 Mr. Peter J. Donoghue different members’ apartments. The area was 1998-2000 Ms. Diann Marsalek like a small town, echoing how Jim Ludwig 2000-2002 Mr. Gregg Kiriazes and David Winner likened Lake View as a 2002-2005 Mr. James Ludwig whole to a city within a city. 2005- Mr. David Winner

Jean O’Neill and ELVN A TRUE GEM ON HENDERSON STREET Sometimes people doubt the power of individuals or small, grassroots community “We were called the dead end kids on groups to get things done, especially in a city Otto Street,” Dorothy McMahon said, as big as Chicago. referring to the street’s original name. Jean O’Neill and ELVN would have to Henderson is a cul-de-sac off Southport, at disagree. one time stopped by the berm leading up to Ms. O’Neill spoke of her long the Milwaukee Railroad tracks. Dorothy has relationship with the East Lake View been living in her three-flat since 1922. The Neighbors, having lived in the area of Dakin only Otto Street on the 2005 City Atlas is a and Sheridan since 1971, she says the Dakin sliver of land that connects O’Hare Airport to Street Block Parties were “”the stuff of Chicago, and the railroad has long since gone. legend. She laughingly talks of the Beautiful townhouses are now at the edge of demographic changes, the long gone “Bucket Henderson, two buildings over from of Blood” bar, and the various gangs spouting Dorothy’s well-kept white home, the wrought- names like “the Latin Eagles.” She worked as iron fence in front always kept unlatched. a night nurse at the Cook County Hospital, in Dorothy McMahon knows the old the Trauma Unit. In that Trauma Unit, Saturday night was unofficially known as the 100 Lake View, before the townhouses and lofts. Dorothy met her husband Mac when She has lived in this house since 1922, when they were in the same drafting class in high she was just shy of turning two years old. school. He went on to become a WWII Alderman Bernie Hansen renamed the street underwater demolitions expert, only Dorothy “Honorory Dorothy McMahon Circle” in her used the phrase “son of a gun” to describe his name, for her contributions to the expertise at the job. She started working for neighborhood as it changed over the years. If Illinois Bell as a switchboard operator, retiring Lake View was a giant department store, with in 1984. Her husband ran M. C. McMahon Wrigley Field being one of the separate Plumbing after the end of the war, and he sections, Dorothy would be the official passed away in 1995. greeter. While Mac was stationed in Norfolk, The brown street sign came loose and Virginia, Dorothy moved into the house with fell off a few years ago, but at least it wasn’t her parents, living upstairs. Now, it is her stolen, like those named after Nelson Algren daughter Becky and son-in-law Vic’s place. (since given back its original name, Evergreen Roger Ebert attended their wedding and Vic is Street) or Pope John Paul II Drive in Brighton a musician with The Infamous, which play Park, near Five Holy Martyrs. Lake View venues like the Metro and the Vic. “This neighborhood has gotten so big Dorothy learned Spanish at the Bell it doesn’t fits its’ own clothes,” she smiled and Foreign Language School to better her job winked, as if letting someone in on a secret. skills; every promotion she received meant She sits surrounded by photo albums, the another quarter per hour. Her newest hobby is current copy of the Booster newspaper, and working on a new Dell computer, provided by proudly showed off a recent gift, a massive the Levy Senior Center on Lawrence Avenue. hardcover, THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF She leaves off the interview with CHICAGO. Shelves are adorned with another memory, going back to the days of the generations of faces and she wears a gray railroad and coal trains. “We’d climb on top sweatshirt that reads Somebody Special Calls of the coal cars and toss as many pieces of Me Grandma. coal down to Otto Street, so our parents could She also likes to use phrases like “you heat the furnace during the winter. But if you bet your boots” more than a few times, missed getting off the train before it gained pointing a finger to prove some obscure fact speed, you couldn’t get off until you got to the about Lake View, be it past or present, train yard on Sunnyside, and that, well, that weighing the pros against the cons. Whereas was a long walk home.” there is heavy street traffic and cabs running Dorothy McMahon is a living example all night on Belmont or Southport, this also of Lake View history. Sometimes people means that less of a police presence is needed. forget that there are easier ways to cull “No crooks, no stolen cars, no break-ins,” she information than by going to the Internet or explained. looking something up in a book. Born in American Hospital (now Thorek Hospital), her mother “had to take a Summary streetcar from Oak Street so that [Dorothy] could be delivered.” The building on Lake View is, and continues to be, a Henderson had belonged to her parents and neighborhood of astonishing diversity and was built in 1895. She recalled her days at culture. The years from 1985-2005 only Osgood Public School on Kenmore, then served to cement Lake View as not only one laments long gone businesses such as of Chicago’s “up and coming” neighborhoods, Cushman Brothers’ bakeries and Andy’s but in fact, one that had really “arrived.” Candy. 101 From the Hamlin Park Field House to the it is a strong infrastructure of committed cheering throngs located inside the boisterous citizens (represented by various local Wrigley Field, Lake View has become a neighborhood groups, as well as the LVCC), destination not only for residents from within and local political participants (aldermen) who the city and from the suburbs, but, indeed, are actively as passionately committed to their from the whole world. In many ways, Lake constituents. Such individuals and groups View’s growth and prosperity in the last 20 serve to keep revitalization projects on track. years has mirrored that of the city of Chicago. As well, good corporate citizens—such For many years, Chicago was thought as the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field—help of more along the lines of “Hog Butcher to the out not only in being World” than as a world-class, cosmopolitan economic drivers, city. However, with careful planning, the but also by being lakefront and the downtown areas have seen a willing to join the revitalization that has seeped into the discussion and surrounding neighborhoods. participate fully at Similarly, Lake View, which is often the grassroots level described by residents as “a city within the in making the city,” with its myriad bars, restaurants, neighborhood better theatres and nightlife and more enjoyable opportunities has not only for everybody. made the successful When larger transition to a Diplomat Hotel organizations take neighborhood destination an active interest in of choice (Which is one of the well-being of the neighborhood, it is more the first steps in than just a good business decision. gentrification), but has The large and growing number of also managed to adapt to small businesses, restaurants, theatres and retain those visitors and other entertainment destinations keep the

Man-Jo-Vin’s restaurant turn them into residents. neighborhood alive and humming with the Other emerging energy of a trendy and exciting place, which neighborhoods in the city—River West, encourages more visitors, more development Roscoe Village, Wicker Park, Logan Square, and an influx of more residents. Andersonville—all seem to have followed Finally, the very diverse mix of Lake View’s template of creating an citizens—young, old, atmosphere welcoming and celebrating gay, straight, black, diversity, and then taking those people who white, Hispanic, etc. come into the neighborhood—whether it be to etc.—that is able to shop, eat or for the nightlife—and have them work together to make fall in love with the neighborhood so much Lake View a great that be become—and stay—residents. place to visit, work Going forward, Lake View still must and live is probably struggle with issues that come with the greatest asset. The explosive—and sustained—growth. Issues— balance of long-term such as parking, traffic, poorer residents being residents who have a Yoshi, Owner of “Yoshi’s” forced out of the neighborhood because of strong knowledge of rising property values—are all symptomatic of the neighborhood, and the enthusiastic neighborhoods working to adapt to change. newcomers, who have their own ideas to add What Lake View does have going for to the discussion and all the folks in between 102 make Lake View one of the most interesting and vibrant neighborhoods in the city of Chicago. What the next twenty years has in store for Lake View in unknown, but based on past indicators, the future looks very promising.

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