Journal www.devcorpnorth.org FALL 2003 A hoppin’ summer New Web site provides latest at DevCorp North business, neighborhood news By Kimberly Bares Executive Director As I write this column, children all over DevCorp North completely redesigned We spotlight our members in the the country are returning to school and being its Web site (www.devcorpnorth.org) this Business Directory. If you’re not a member, asked to tell what they did on their summer summer to make it THE place to go for the join now to secure your spot in our business vacations. latest information on business and neighbor- database. We at DevCorp North have not taken a hood happenings in Rogers Park. We will keep you posted on DevCorp vacation this summer, but this issue is our bit When we decided to redesign our site, North’s Chamber of Commerce activities of "show and tell" for all the projects and pro- we wanted one that reflects Rogers Park -- and what we’re doing to spur Economic grams we have completed or embarked upon urban, edgy, newsy, hip. We wanted to give Development in our neighborhood. Plus, this summer: Rogers Park a Web site that’s to the point, you can look to our Web site for useful • the TIF Task Force for the proposed Devon- clean and easy to use. We hope we’ve suc- Links. Sheridan Tax Increment Financing District, ceeded! We hope you find our new Web site • the Morse-Clark-Glenwood Special Service The What’s Now section is geared to exciting and useful. Please be sure to use the Area, provide you with information on a timely Contact page to email us with ideas or com- • the Farmers Markets and Market Festivals, basis. We’ll be using Web log technology to ments. • community walks held in the North of bring you up-to-date information on busi- A special thanks goes to the folks at Howard community area, ness news, neighborhood notes and upcom- Internet Life Services for their help in design- • business and artists’ events at two new busi- ing events. ing and implementing the new Web site. nesses: the Morseland and Sweet Occasions, • the installation of artwork by Rogers Park artists along Howard Street, • three façade rebate Inside: projects, Devon-Sheridan • a new Rogers Park community guide, TIF • the first-ever Loy- Page 5 ola students guide to neighborhood restaurants, entertainment, recreation and cul- ture! Phew – that’s quite a list! We said farewell to Kevin Richards, the Howard Street Special Service Area (SSA) Manager as he took on his dream of traveling to Spain, and warmly welcomed his replace- ment, Joanna Barnhart. Joanna has her Master’s degree in Urban Planning from UCLA and an undergrad degree in African American Studies from Georgia State. She grew up in Portland, OR and moved to Chicago just before joining DevCorp North. She has already been out on the street meet- ing the current business owners and designing a new brochure that details the programs and services of the Howard Street Special Service Area. continued on page 12 1448 W. howard st., chicago, il 60626-1427 phone 773.508.5885 fax 773.508.9488 www.devcorpnorth.org New maintenance department adds more services, equipment to Howard SSA New equipment and personnel changes over the last few months members, and Howard SSA commissioners for their tireless efforts, are resulting in greater efficiencies and improved maintenance for the without which the aforementioned improvements would not have been Howard Street Special Service Area. possible. DevCorp North recently acquired a diesel powered sidewalk sweeper to assist with the daily street cleaning needs of the communi- For more information, visit us at our Web site: ty. We also purchased a commercial utility tractor with a 300 pound http://www.devcorpnorth.org/economic_development/howard.html digitally controlled salt spreader to be pulled behind the tractor for the most efficient snow removal services ever. DevCorp North also successfully negotiated a new contract with the Illinois Dept. of Human Services for an increase in our street clean- ing staff from 4 to 10 employees in preparation for an expanded serv- ice area when the proposed Clark, Morse, Glenwood Special Service Area comes online. A new daily landscaping and graffiti program under way includes painting and scraping of city light poles, removal of illegally posted billings and storm drain cleaning to prevent curb flooding in summer and excessive ice (over) in winter. DevCorp North is now renting a separate maintenance facility and garage on the 6800 block of North Clark Street to store all the recent- ly acquired power equipment. This facility is the new base of opera- tions for the maintenance department. It takes a team effort to deliver effective SSA services. Thanks to all the staff members, community volunteers, DevCorp North Board 2 FALL 2003 devcorp north journal Strike up the band! Bandshell design aims to brighten north end of Loyola Park Rogers Park architect Mark A. Miller path to a beach boardwalk. The boardwalk, Mark A Miller, Architects/Builders, to con- has designed a bandshell for Loyola Park in which could host farmers markets and street- struction and design is inspired by Miller’s an effort to enhance the fieldhouse and make type festivals, will lead visitors to the band- knowledge of Zen and eastern philosophies, it a destination for neighborhood residents shell across from the bleachers on the north which he gained through studying Shotokan and those of surrounding communities. end of the Loyola Park fieldhouse. Here, Karate-Do, Aikido and Yoga. Miller’s design is a small, urban-scale Miller designed a wind sculpture that not In addition to his architectural work, solution to bring people into Rogers Park. only shades the seating areas, but also undu- Mark is busy with projects that he designs to The park would be transformed into a per- lates like the waves of the lake. It overlooks foster and develop community pride in formance space for movies, music and festi- a bandshell stage that moves out of the base- Rogers Park. vals that would celebrate the richness of cul- ball diamond and is stored when not in use. Currently, efforts are under way to turn ture and art already existing in the commu- Miller, who was born in Rogers Park, the bandshell design into a reality. For more nity. has established an architectural practice information, call (773) 764-3569. The design begins at the Morse station located at 7235 N. Sheridan Rd., near his El tracks with wind sculptures that mark the current Rogers Park home. The approach of FALL 2003 devcorp north journal 3 Top 10 Reasons to Jarvis Square Visit the Rogers Park Flea Market Farmers Market A taste of old Maxwell Street will sweeten the corners of Jarvis and Greenview on Sat. Sept. 20, when the first annual Jarvis Square The Rogers Park Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 10 Flea Market debuts. a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 18. All summer the markets have been Local residents and businesses are planning to cram the area providing a wide array of produce, products, entertainment, services east of the Jarvis "el" stop with everything from Apples to Zithers. and most importantly FUN! Here are the top 10 reasons why you Mark your calendars for this one day event, scheduled to run from 8 should come by and visit. a.m. till dusk, rain or shine. 1. Experienced farmers have committed their time to the mar- An eclectic mix of things to see and do is planned. So come join kets and offer fresh fruits and vegetables the way you remember the fun! Call (773) 761-0220 for more information, or if you would them – from the farm! Come choose from an assortment of seasonal like to "sell your stuff." items including fresh-picked squash, corn, tomatoes, peaches, dairy- This event is brought to you by the Jarvis Area Businesses, fresh cheeses, flowers, honey, jams, and much, much more! Sherwin Chase and Jargowood Block Clubs and 49th Ward 2. See the various specialty services and products that Rogers Alderman Joe Moore. The event is sponsored by DevCorp North, Park has to offer. The Farmers Markets are not limited to produce! Family Matters, Rogers Park Community Council and Rotary Club Members of the community also come to display arts, crafts, flowers, of Chicago – Rogers Park. soaps, massage therapy, and community information. For more information, visit us at our Web site: 3. Most farmers take WIC and Farmers http://www.devcorpnorth.org/categories/whatsnowinrogerspark/ Market Food and Nutrition coupons for New location for market: families and seniors. We work hard to make On Ashland Avenue, these events both inclusive and convenient just south of Howard Street for all residents. For information, contact Vernell Jones at WIC: 773 338-7334. 4. Don’t forget the World Music Festival on Sept. 20! We are rapidly booking performers and vendors from around the globe. The festival is sure to be jam-packed with entertainment, community health resources, ethnic foods, rhythms and crafts. This year as part of the World Music Festival, The Wisdom Bridge Arts Project is spon- soring Teller de Campos a Flamenco Dance troupe from Spain. Also on the main stage the renown Chicago Jazzmata Band playing Indian Raga Based Jazz along with Mariachi Tequila with sounds of Mexico and The House of Daniel Choir with uplifting soulful spirituals and songs. Other acts include the Girls Choir from the Boznian Herzegovinian American Community Center and the Khmer Dance Troupe from the Cambodian Association of Illinois. 5. BE VERY AFRAID of the upcoming All Hallows Eve Festival on Oct.