CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS - LINCOLN PARK, LOOP, RAVENSWOOD, PORTAGE PARK, EVANSTON
LINCOLN PARK
We commuters know the importance of the CTA here in Chicago and how well it gets us from Point A to Point B in a timely manner. A couple years ago, the Chicago Transit Authority started the Brown Line expansion project to accommodate the need for longer platforms, new stairways and renovated stations.
An amazing benefit to this is the opportunity for businesses and individuals to now purchase properties currently owned by the CTA. Yes, the CTA has put a "For Sale" sign on its real estate portfolio in the city and suburbs.
Of particular interest are two multi-story brick buildings on West Armitage near the Brown Line stop in Lincoln Park.
To read more about this decision, click here. To view all the properties for sale, click here.
LOOP
On Tuesday, Starbucks introduced it's latest coffee - instant coffee I should say.
In an effort to bring back it's customer base, Starbucks introduced Via to both Chicago and Seattle. During the morning commute, workers were treated to free samples and a fleet of 15 "Ready Brew" vehicles also hit the streets handing out this latest blend.
Via will be sold in both a Columbian and Italian Roast blend. It is sold in both three pack and 12-pack varieties, can be purchased online and will go well in iced drinks for the coming summer months.
Best thing about Via, it costs about $1 per cup. Cheers to Starbucks! To read more about this latest addition, click here.
RAVENSWOOD
For all you economic watchers, Borders changes on Michigan Avenue have proven to be an economic blessing for our local Chicago neighborhood merchants.
If you scoot up north to Ravenswood Used Books you'll find that the economy is helping this indie bookseller thrive. According to Ravenswood Used Books owner, Jim Mall, "This Christmas, I enjoyed a stronger sales season than in years past. February [sic] has been kind of up and down, but overall, I
think it's been above average."
Mall is among many bookstores associated with the American Booksellers Association IndieBound program. To read more about how these indie booksellers continue to thrive, click here.
PORTAGE PARK
Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley won the seat vacated by Rahm Emanuel earlier this term when Emanuel joined the President's team as chief of staff.
With over 20 politicians vying for this position, Quigley was one of the major players competing for U.S. Representative position for the 5th District.
Part of the strategy for the candidates was to work their way through the Bungalow Belt, which includes Portage Park, Jefferson Park, Norwood Park and other far northwest communities.
To read more about the race, click here.
EVANSTON
The new Central Street fire station had an open house this past weekend to the approval of Nash Goss and his buddy Boaz (both 4 years old). When getting their tour, both boys asked where the pole was stating that Station No. 2 on Madison is their favorite because of the pole. Not to be outdone by Station No. 2, the boys were shown the pole in quick fashion.
At a cost of $4.7 million the new fire station is the first LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building in Evanston.
Fire Chief Alan Berkowsky said that to make sure the demolished old station did not end up in a land fill, the demolition crews sorted through the debris to ensure they put "every single piece of
wood in one pile, every single piece of metal in another pile and they
made sure it got recycled. It was very, very impressive."
To read more about this energy efficient station, click here.
CATHY MALLERS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
