Plans Revealed For New Cedar Street Development at 4725 N. Clifton

4725 N. Clifton (Hirsch MPG)

The parking lot just north of the historic Uptown Broadway Building and east of The Teller House will finally be filled after being empty since at least the early 1980s. 

We have been aware of the proposal since 2022 when it was first submitted under former Alderman Cappleman. The building has continued to percolate over the last 3 years, and is now being built "by right," likely to avoid going through development-phobic Alderwoman Clay's office or the city. 

Urbanize Chicago broke the news publicly after Cedar Street's plans were presented to the city's Permit Review Committee. Plans call for a 5 story building with retail and 40 units of residential. 

While the remainder of the lot is unfilled at this point, we expect additional buildings to fill the remainder of the lot eventually. Previously, a large garage and a 3 smaller buildings occupied the space running along the tracks on Clifton from Broadway to Lawrence, both of which demoed in the early 1980s for the current parking lot. 

Buildings that filled the lot along Clifton back in the 1930s (CTA)

Another view from the late 1970s (Jonie Snake Flickr)

We hope this trend continues northward and all of the surface lots in the area are filled with housing!

Uptown's Largest Vacant Lakefront Lot to Become...Sarah's Circle

Sarah's on Sunnyside, Clarendon & Sunnyside (Perkins & Will)

From Clarendon Park resident and reader JF, news that Sarah's Circle is planning to acquire at least a portion of the empty lot located between Agatite and Sunnyside on Clarendon, located across from the Clarendon Park fieldhouse. 

This will be the 4th Sarah's Circle building in Uptown, and the first since the organization opened its "Sarah's on Lakeside" a bit over 2 years ago.

According to plans filed with the city, Sarah's Circle is planning "Sarah's on Sunnyside" on the northernmost part of the vacant lot owned by the Missionary Sisters of The Sacred Heart at 4432-58 N. Clarendon. 

The proposed building will have 54 supportive housing units for single women along with office space for Sarah's Circle and community space for residents.  The building will look virtually the same as the recently opened Sarah's on Lakeside building, but will be taller at 7 stories.

Site plan showing Sarah's on Sunnyside and 2 other possible additions to the vacant lot (city of Chicago)

The vacant lot is large and the plans mentions a potential future 11 story development directly to the south. No word on whether this would be an addition to the Sarah's on Sunnyside or completely separate. The southernmost part of the lot also has space for another "potential development" not in the project scope.

Per reader JF's email to us: 

"While I personally hate the empty parking lot and my partner and I support what Sarah's Circle does, I can't believe that they are building such a tiny building here in a prime lakefront spot. Was there no other developer available or interested in the lot? We desperately need density and housing and this is not the best way to use a lot like this. And why is every Sarah's Circle building in Uptown?"

That's a good question. There is no doubt this is a prime piece of real estate and, given there were proposals for this lot in the past that were much taller and a combination of market rate and affordable, we would have loved to see something taller, denser and more architecturally significant. 

This is already on the agenda for the city's plan commission, so it's unclear whether local block clubs or residents have had a say in the matter. Also no information has been provided on how the project is being funded. 

Although this has been percolating since October, so far nothing mentioned on Ald. Clay's website about the proposed development. We're sure people might disagree with this use of the lot, so hopefully there will be a public meeting!

The Lot and Proposed Site

Judgment Free Zone Incoming to 909 W. Montrose

UPDATE 1/12/26: 

Since we ran this story, the webpage for the Montrose location (which was "coming soon" and had several subpages, including a class schedule page) is no longer active. We are not certain if the original link was posted prematurely or if Planet Fitness has changed its plans. We will update when we can.

Interesting news (first tipped in 2023, now confirmed) that Planet Fitness is opening a location at 909 W. Montrose in the former Uptown Fitness space.

As longtime readers recall, Uptown Fitness replaced World Gym at the location. 

Uptown Fitness' departure in 2020 was blamed on COVID lockdowns and many patrons were left in the lurch by the former owner. The space has been vacant ever since. 

Image Courtesy Planet Fitness Page for 909 W. Montrose

The opening appears imminent, as the location is now live on the Planet Fitness website. 

The news is welcome and credit is due to tipster JD, who first told us a new fitness provider was looking at the space in late 2023, as well as reader JH, who told us a Planet Fitness location was coming in September 2024. 

The huge chain, whose slogan is the misspelled "Judgement Free Zone," offers long hours (often 24 hours on weekdays), plenty of purple colored workout equipment, and a live "Crowd Meter" to tell you how crowded things are before you leave your house. 

This new location will be a welcome addition to the area and will compete for members with LA Fitness on Lawrence. 

Humboldt Haus 2(?) Nears Completion at 5046 N. Clark

We have been watching the property at 5046 N. Clark since it was sold in 2024. 

5046 N. Clark - Google Street View

Renovations began on the long-dormant retail space earlier this spring, and we knew from local chatter to expect a new cafe concept of some sort. 

It appears renovation work is nearing an end, so we can disclose the new concept appears to be a version of Humboldt Park's amazing sandwich specialist / liquor store Humboldt Haus. 

Humboldt Haus Logo - Courtesy Humboldt Haus Webpage

Plenty of beautiful sandwich photos here on Instagram, a menu here (Toast link) and Google reviews here.

Name remains TBD (the working name is "Humboldt Haus 2") but the plan is for sammiches. 

We don't have more info at this point, including whether liquor will be featured at this location. 

We are excited for another new business in this growing stretch of entertainment and food options in "North Uptown," or "South of Foster Andersonville" if you prefer. "HH2" joins the recently re-opened Marty's, an expanding Chicago Magic Lounge, Meeting House, Sofo Tap and more.

Ed. Note for anyone watching these properties: readers have witnessed construction activity at 5044 N. Clark but that building is not part of this project. Per 5044's owner, the building was used as a staging area for construction on Marty's and will be available for rent soon.  

Model Railroad Open House At Clarendon Park Community Center

Train enthusiasts should check out the model railroad open house at the beautifully renovated Clarendon Park Community Center!

The open house is December 13, noon until 4PM. More details on the open house and the Garfield-Clarendon Model Railroad Club can be found on their website.

Restaurants Restaurants Restaurants!

Last night saw the removal of paper from the windows at the upcoming Las Pinatas on Wilson (1313 W. Wilson) along with testing of their snazzy new sign.

Las Pinatas and next door neighbor Piacere Mio both recently crossed several important licensing hurdles and we expect both to be open shortly. No official date for either but Piacere Mio now has a Google Maps page and is on OpenTable. EDIT: per the comments, Las Pinatas is opening on Thursday, November 20th!

Not to be outdone, we are waiting for yet another restaurant to join Uptown's rich variety of options:

"Calle de Sabores" will replace Selam Kitchen (R.I.P.) at 4543 N. Broadway. From their Facebook page expect an all-day menu focused on Colombian cuisine and specializing in Paisa bowls. 

Courtesy Calle de Sabores Facebook

Lots to look forward to!

"Technique Cycling" to Open at 1323 W. Wilson

We have been watching the space at 1323 W. Wilson (formerly home to many things, including "BJ's Food & Electronics" many years ago and more recently The Abode and Terrace's Studio space) since the For Lease sign went down a couple of weeks ago.

Technique Cycling 1323 W. Wilson

New signage from this weekend identifies the space as the soon to be home of "Technique Cycling," which (via Reddit) will be a specialized bike service (repair and build) shop.

The sign says "Opening Soon" and the business owner ("anarchocyclist" on Reddit) says to look for an opening next month. We saw equipment already inside this weekend, so they are making progress. 

No website or Facebook presence so far that we can see.

Another nice step forward for a block that has needed more open businesses and pedestrian traffic for a while. Technique Cycling will join the upcoming Piacere Mio at 1307 W. Wilson and the to be named new Mexican restaurant at 1313 W. Wilson.

Crosswalk Signals At Broadway & Buena Needs Repaired

Intersection of Broadway & Buena (Google)

A frustrated reader writes in:

"Hi Uptown Update team,

I’m reaching out to flag an ongoing safety issue that’s been ignored for nearly a year. The pedestrian crosswalk signals at Broadway and Buena have been out since September 2024. That’s a full year without walk signs at a major intersection near several elementary schools, a fairly large church, senior housing, and a Chicago Public Library branch; an area where kids, older adults, and people with mobility aids cross every day. It’s dangerous.

I’ve submitted multiple 311 requests, which have been closed almost immediately with no follow-up. I’ve also contacted our alderwoman, Angela Clay, and her office has followed up with CDOT. There are still no repairs, no updates, and no answers. Out of frustration, I even filed a complaint with the Office of the Inspector General. 

At this point, it seems clear that Alderwoman's office, CDOT, and the City have dropped the ball. This shouldn’t be normal. We shouldn’t have to chase down basic safety infrastructure for nearly a year with no action. It’s a public hazard, and the City’s lack of urgency and transparency is unacceptable."

UU Eds: We agree! Hopefully getting a few more eyes on the situation will bring about a quick resolution.

"I Feel Like It's Liberation Day"

Exciting news from the inbox from Reader SR about Piacere Mio and a SECOND NEW RESTAURANT coming to Wilson:

Hey UU. I was snooping around at the new Italian place on Wilson today when one of the owners came out. His name was Francisco and he's one of two partners. He invited me in and gave me a short tour.  I got the attached photos. He says they've been working on the place since January but things have been slow with permitting, construction and now inspections. They are hoping to open in 4 to 8 weeks depending on when the City signs off.

Also, the owner told me that the old Kalish space is going to be a sit down Mexican restaurant! The owner is Francisco's friend. They are working on minor construction now and they may be open even before Piacere Mio.

So great news. You know how I feel, so I did ask if you-know-who was involved in either restaurant and Francisco said no. I feel like it's liberation day with no more Andy Kalish concepts in these spots! Hallelujah!

 

Courtesy Reader SR

So, after years of different restaurants on this strip, Uptown residents will get two new sit down options, and one that can replace Fiesta Mexicana.

Piacere Mio will be at 1307 W. Wilson and the new Mexican restaurant will be at 1313 W. Wilson.

Krispy Krunchy Saga Finally Ends...at Fiesta Mexicana

Way back in the old days of fall 2012, we were promised a Krispy Krunchy Chicken at the corner of Broadway and Clifton, in the space at 4662 N. Broadway now occupied by the Michelin-starred Carino and formerly 42 grams and Brass Heart.

After a partial buildout was completed, the franchise owner rug pulled the concept, denying Uptowners Krispy Krunchy Chicken and substituting the merely crispy crunchy chicken of Chester's. 

Chester's was unfortunately a short-lived restaurant, lasting a mere 5 months before shutting its doors in the fall of 2013.

Good things followed, however, with the conversion of the space at 4662 N. Broadway to fine dining in early 2014. 42 grams opened in January 2014 and wowed the city's culinary scene for a brief moment before closing abruptly in 2018 amongst allegations of spousal abuse by the restaurant's star chef, Jake Bickelhaupt. 

Brass Heart followed in the spring of 2018 and after a short closure and rebrand, Carino followed in December 2023. Carino is an amazing restaurant and we are so lucky to have it, but this post is ultimately about....chicken.

We were extremely sad when Uptown stalwart Fiesta Mexicana closed at 4806 N. Broadway in October 2024, and the space has been sitting empty ever since looking for a new restaurant.

We spotted things happening in the space a couple of weeks ago when paper went up in the windows. Tipsters shared a new bright yellow paint job on Tuesday.

Courtesy Reader GR

Another valued reader / tipster found new signage this morning (put up sometime yesterday evening) showing that the space will soon be home to..... Krispy Krunchy Chicken!

Courtesy Reader RJM

So, if you have been waiting 13 years for Uptown to finally have it's own Krispy Krunchy Chicken, the wait is over. 

The chain is in gas stations and laundromats in Chicago, but this is a standalone store. Although this location isn't listed yet, expect an opening by early 2026. The menu, which focuses on "Cajun" fried chicken, is here.

Sad that this won't be another sit-down, but we'll take another business on the strip. 

Friends of Bezazian Book Sale Saturday, September 13

Next weekend, a beloved neighborhood tradition returns, and it’s making a big difference in one of Chicago’s most active public libraries. 

The Friends of Bezazian Book Sale will take place September 13–14, 2025, at the Bezazian Branch Library (1226 W. Ainslie Street). Shoppers can find amazing deals on gently used books, CDs, and DVDs—most items priced at just $1 or $2. Even better? Every dollar raised supports the Bezazian Branch’s programming, facilities, and services.

This year’s proceeds will help fund new materials identified by library staff to serve the evolving needs of Uptown’s diverse community. In past years, this grassroots fundraiser has paid for everything from play kitchens and sensory cubes to sewing machines and podcasting equipment.

Did you know?

*Bezazian Library is one of Chicago’s busiest branches, despite its off-the-beaten-path location, ranking among the city’s top 15 by circulation in 2024

*Run by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by neighborhood volunteers

*Includes a donation drive (August 1–Sept 7) that diverts thousands of items from landfills

*Provides additional support for a beloved public institution that is free to all

Sale Hours:

Saturday, Sept. 13: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 14: 1–3:30 p.m. (bulk discounts available!)

Donation Info:

Donation drop-offs currently accepted at the circulation desk

Accepted: gently used books, CDs, DVDs

Special drop-off day for tax receipts: Sept. 7 (1–3)

A Gentle Reminder

 

From the Amazing Things We See on the Interwebs file. Curt Evans is on point with this take.

The editors got together and felt a helpful reminder was in order. 

Whatever the current administration does in Chicago this week, do NOT give them helpful video or soundbites. That's what they want, so don't play along. 

Uptown is one of the few safe spaces in the country for the growing LGBTQIA+ community, so continue to LOVE and SUPPORT each other while we get through this TOGETHER. 

Mayor Johnson Helps His Cronies: Appoints Helen Shiller To Lead Seat On Powerful Zoning Board

Former 46th ward Ald. Shiller

Keeping up with former Ald. Helen Shiller:

Machine politics lives, and Mayor Johnson makes sure to reward his supporters! 

As you may recall, he appointed Shiller to the Zoning Board of Appeals in 2024. 

Johnson appointed more people from the Shiller  universe to the school board in late 2024. 

Now, despite actions that emailers tell us led to an ethics complaint from a neighborhood organization in Streeterville (SOAR) (Ed. Note: We have not seen the ethics complaint and cannot confirm), Johnson has removed the widely respected current chair of the ZBA in favor of Shiller, who would take the lead seat.

From Crain's via Isabel's Morning Briefing: 

"The decision has rankled other members of the ZBA, according to sources familiar with the situation, and a former chair told Crain’s the appointment risks the board’s independence. The current chair, Brian Sanchez, a partner at Sanchez Daniels & Hoffman, was expecting to be renominated by Johnson, but is instead being pushed out altogether. He was informed he would not be reappointed by Shiller in a phone call this week, according to the same sources."

A Reddit discussion of the appointment has more, including the following summary from a Redditor (Crain's is paywalled): 

Summary: Mayor Brandon Johnson is moving to replace Zoning Board of Appeals Chair Brian Sanchez with former Ald. Helen Shiller, a longtime Uptown representative, prompting backlash from critics who fear it could undermine the board’s independence. Sanchez, credited with making the board more efficient and transparent, was unexpectedly ousted. Former ZBA chair Ald. Timmy Knudsen warns that ex-alderpersons’ political ties and dealmaking skills could compromise impartiality. Johnson is also weighing appointing politically connected Teamsters lobbyist Pasquale Gianni to the board). 

The more things change, the more they stay the same.