The Tribune Paints a Grim Picture Regarding Weiss Hospital

In case you missed it, the Chicago Tribune came out with a detailed investigative report this weekend regarding the financial malfeasance underlying the 2025 closure of Weiss Hospital and the 2026 closure of West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park. 

According to the article, the 2022 purchase of the hospitals from Pipeline Health was approved by the State of Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board without sufficient investigation. While the leader of the new healthcare consortium (Dr. Manoj Prasad and investor Reddy Rathnaker Patlola) presented themselves to local and state leaders as experienced in healthcare, including healthcare turnarounds, they had little actual experience. 

Under the arrangement, Patlola’s firm bought the properties and leased them to Prasad’s operating firm, Resilience Healthcare. The two investors (Prasad and Patlola) are currently in litigation over the closures and other financial matters, and the article notes that Prasad admitted in a recent deposition that the partners did not perform serious due diligence or review reliable financials until after seeking approval from the State.

The article notes that since the State approved the deal in 2022, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has handed out millions in loans and grants, including newer loans in 2025 despite Resilience missing 12 straight repayments, failing to repay any principal, and owing nearly $60 million in delinquent taxes and penalties.

The Tribune reporters also note that although state rules require recipients to be placed on a "Stop Payment List" if they fail to submit annual third-party audits, the Illinois Department of Public Health continued funding the hospitals for two fiscal years before halting payments in November 2025.

There's much more in the article about financial and oversight issues, including allegations of potential misappropriated funds by Prasad. Prasad blames failed attempts to to switch to a new electronic medical record (EMR) system for causing funding deficits, and the lack of a plan to ensure proper billing has hamstrung efforts to reopen the hospitals. 

With respect to the hospitals themselves, the reporters show what we already knew: that the hospitals were unclean and lacked proper ventilation and supplies.

Overall, a great piece of investigative reporting and all credit is due to the reporters at the Tribune. 

Former Chicken Slinger Coop'ed Up Due to PPP Fraud

In a topic near and dear to our hearts, another COVID fraudster is finally answering for his crimes.

Seems like only yesterday that Jared Leonard was going to open a Budlong Chicken 'superstore' of sorts at 1329 W. Wilson (now home to Terrace). 

Those plans evaporated when Leonard abandoned the Wilson project and moved to Colorado to open a Denver outpost of Budlong alongside a new concept (Au Feu). 

Then COVID hit. Instead of working to survive and reset, Leonard decided to take full advantage of the COVID crisis by making up fake business losses and submitting false information to the government to obtain PPP loans. 

Thankfully, sometimes justice prevails and crooks get caught and have to do hard time.

Via CWB Chicago, Leonard will be doing 30 months of federal jail time for his crimes.

Here's hoping the bell will toll for any and all local (alleged) fraudsters as well! (if guilty...)

Bus "Shelters" No More

For multiple months we have received complaints regarding the homeless takeovers at several Uptown bus stops. The majority of the complaints have focused on the heavily used bus stop and bus shelter across from Aldi and Target, at the corner of Sunnyside and Broadway.

Reader AK sent the following photos to illustrate the situation. 

There is a nearly identical takeover at Wilson and Sheridan that has been the subject of other reader complaints.

Rainy days like yesterday, today, and this weekend present a particular problem. People who would otherwise use the shelters for their intended purpose are forced to stand out in the rain, many with purchases from Aldi and Target. Also, people who may need to sit down due to physical limitations can't sit down because the benches are inaccessible.

Readers have written to say they have received no real answer from Alderwoman Clay's office on the issue even though her office is nearly across the street. One reader reported she was told there was "nothing" that could be done, in part due to pushback from local homeless advocates who protested the removal of the bench inside the shelter. 

We know DFSS has tried to deal with the situation, but with open drug use and a "party" atmosphere with a rotating cast of characters, the squatting has to come to an end. 

If these individuals are resistant to moving, even after good faith outreach, then there need to be consequences for continuing to occupy public spaces in ways that prevent others from using them, starting with removing them. 

Like the viaducts, compassion for people experiencing homelessness has to be balanced with the public's right to use public spaces for their intended purpose.

Residential Proposal For 4531 N. Clark Revealed

4531 N. Clark proposal from Platinum Homes (360 Design Studio)

A demolition permit in May tipped us off that something was happening, but Ald. Clay's mostly dormant development page was just updated with a pleasant surprise - a proposal from Platinum Homes (the developer of the recently completed 4713 N. Clark).  

The site spans two one story buildings (4525 -4531 N. Clark) that have been for sale on and off for over five years. Only one of the buildings is in use. 

Platinum Homes is proposing 9 for-sale condo units all of which would be 3 bedroom. 

The building would have two retail storefronts as well as 10 parking spaces. 13 spaces for bicycles are planned as well. 

Interesting to note that the existing zoning allows for 8 units and a building of the same height, but the proposed zoning change (from C1-2 to C1-3) would allow for one more unit, more parking spaces and more floor area. Because this building would be under 10 units, the city's affordable requirements ordinance (ARO) does not apply and the ward office cannot require them of the developer. 

Ald. Clay's office is planning an online community meeting to discuss the proposal at 6 PM on August 27. Clark Street Neighbors Association is the local block club for this proposal. 

Current view of 4531 N. Clark

In our opinion, this is a great addition to Clark. Added density, amazing proximity to transit, and the plan for 3 bedroom condos, rather than apartments, will appeal to families searching for larger units.

The Clark Street boom continues!

Chicago Pickle About to Be More Dill-ightful

Chicago Pickle has quietly become a north side institution and an Uptown favorite...for those who know it's here. Considering the delightful NY bodega sandwiches on offer, the restaurant in the tiny strip mall spot Chicago Pickle occupies in Uptown hasn't gotten enough attention. 

That's about to change, thankfully, as Chicago Pickle is moving to a much bigger and more prominent new location in the former Agami at 4712 N. Broadway.

Renderings Courtesy Chicago Pickle Eatery / M. Atieh

Owner Mohamed Atieh has been in expansion mode since opening Chicago Pickle in Avondale in late 2022, opening the Uptown location (currently 4515 N. Sheridan) in 2024. A new location in Wicker Park just opened, and the original Avondale location will reopen after a fire, currently on track for the end of 2026.

If you've enjoyed the current Uptown location, the owners tell us to expect more of the same: delicious sandwiches, an expanded market offering boutique food items, and a lot more seating. Similar to the new Wicker Park location, the owner plans a full dessert program including crepes, decadent waffles, gelato and coffee called "Luca's Cafe & Dessert Bar."

Along with multi-time award winner Birreria Zaragoza, Carmen's, Mamo's Burger, In-On Thai, Nabala Cafe, Queen Yemeni Cafe, and the upcoming Molino Los Hermanos at 4660 N. Broadway from the owner of Michelin-starred Carino, Chicago Pickle will add another great quick food option. We envision people going to shows at the Aragon and Riviera and patrons of the uber-popular Chicago Eagle will find it super convenient.

So many good options in a previously quiet corridor! Expect an early fall opening. 

Kiko's Pizza Coming to 5009 N. Clark

The northern part of Uptown hasn't had a neighborhood pizza option since Pie Hole closed in 2014, and the recent closure of Fat Chris' Pizza eliminated another option on the Andersonville-Uptown border. A little further north, Calo, Great Lake, Pizza Lobo and Primo provide local variety, but the northern Uptown-Andersonville area has only Jet's. 

The current "pizza desert" will change soon, as rumors of a new pizza place from the owner of Kanin have transitioned into reality.

Kiko's Pizza / Instagram

Per Instagram and building permits filed with the city, Kiko's Pizza will open in the spot formerly occupied by Hot 'G' Dog at 5009 N. Clark. 

[Eds: we were sad when Hot 'G' Dog closed during the pandemic. The owners were former chefs at Hot Doug's and did a great job continuing the Hot Doug's sausage tradition.]

Now, Kiko's owner Francis Almeda will bring pizza to the renovated space, likely with a few Filipino twists similar to his Pilsen pizza spot Novel Pizza. 

Instagram videos show Kiko's will focus on tavern style pizza. While food testing for the menu appears to have progressed to "ready to open" status, permits and construction are lagging behind. 

With Kiko's coming to a strip that soon will be home to the new Humboldt Haus concept at 5046 N. Clark, northern Uptown / "South of Foster Andersonville" residents will have some great new options (and more to come).

Expect an opening in fall.

Mosaic Love At Lawrence Station

A beautiful new mosaic unveiled at the Lawrence station
by Tom Torluemke entitled "Theater of Life" (reader submitted)

A reader sent us a photo of a recently installed mosaic at the Lawrence L station. Reader JL tells us that it "speaks to the essence of what makes Uptown great." We tend to agree! 

Our thanks to artist Tom Torluemke for the beautiful addition to Uptown and check it out the next time you are at the station!!

Residential Conversion at Irving Park & Marine Drive Is Alive, Begins Permit Process

A huge housing project we have been watching with great interest is finally moving forward. 

The historic former Immaculata High School at Irving Park & Marine Drive

You may recall plans for the former Immaculata High School buildings were announced way back in January of 2020. Plans called for a residential conversion, along with a midrise senior housing component on a surface parking lot .

The proposal went before Ald. Cappleman's 46th Ward Zoning & Development Committee (oh, how we miss a transparent development process!) as well as Buena Park Neighbors and was eventually approved by Ald. Cappleman. 

Shortly thereafter, COVID hit and the site was eventually used as migrant housing. 

"B Talent" on X spotted 2 new building permit applications filed yesterday for two buildings: the main building running along Irving Park and the Convent Building, at the corner of Marine and Bittersweet Place. The project has two addresses on file: 4000 N. Marine Drive and 615 W. Bittersweet Place. 

According to permits, a total of 196 units are planned in the conversion as part of phase 1, which is down from the original 245 units proposed. 

Phase 2 would include the 22 story tower.

The project's official website can be viewed at "Immaculata Living."

We are excited for more housing and adaptive reuse of this beautiful landmarked building.

Friends of Bezazian Book Donation Drive August 8 - September 19

The Friends of Bezazian Library Book sale, a beloved neighborhood tradition is returning, and it makes a big different in one of Chicago's most active public libraries! Friends of Bezazian, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is looking for donations for the sale. Drop offs are welcome at the library circulation desk starting August 8. We accept gently used books, CDs, and DVDs. We cannot accept textbooks, VHS, LPs and 45s, out of date travel guides, and ancient reference materials. 

The Friends of Bezazian Book Sale will take place September 19–20, 2026, 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, with even better deals the more you buy.

'Presotea' Coming Soon to 5000 N. Sheridan

5000 N. Sheridan (Google)

 A storefront that was remodeled years back and has sat empty since will finally see a tenant!

We now know that Presotea plans to open in the space and is now hiring for managers and baristas according to a sign posted in the window. 

Presotea is a well-known bubble tea franchise that started in Taiwan and has since expanded across the US with 2 locations slated to open in Chicago, one in Wicker Park and one in Uptown at 5000 N. Sheridan.

Check out their website here and if you are interested in applying, you can learn more here.

Live the Ducking Dream

5041 N. Broadway (Google Maps)

In another example of the significant reshaping of the Argyle Street district over the last few years, work will begin soon to convert the office space over Sun Wah BBQ to apartments.

So, if you love Sun Wah's famous duck (and we all do) and want to live in a place that offers you quick access to Sun Wah, tons of great food places on Argyle, and the Red Line a few steps away, you're in luck!

Expect leasing to begin in 2027.

Sheridan and Lakeside Beautification at CircEsteem

 

News this week that the City of Chicago issued a grant for beautification in front of CircEsteem (4730 N. Sheridan). Per plans shared with us, CircEsteem plans to create a community plaza in front of the building with seating, landscaping and hardscape improvements. 

Proposed Improvements (CDOT/CircEsteem)

Ongoing Construction (UU)

Per CircEsteem's email to us: 

The new streetscape project, developed in partnership with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), will transform the space outside the building into a more welcoming gathering place for the neighborhood. Planned improvements include expanded pedestrian space, landscaping, seating, bike racks, and an open plaza designed to encourage community connection and creativity.

As part of the planning process, CircEsteem youth helped shape the design by reviewing concepts, voting on their favorite options, and providing feedback to the design team, ensuring the project reflects the voices of the young people who use the space every day.

"We are excited to continue the beautification and restoration of our historic site, now home to CircEsteem, Chicago's youth circus," said Executive Director Dian Squire. "We can't wait until the streetscape is complete so that we can highlight our building and continue to welcome our community through our doors."

 Thanks to CircEsteem and CDOT for making our neighborhood a little more beautiful!

"Baby Gym" Headed to Uptown...er, "Andersonville"

Uptown, if you were waiting to get your little ones on the track to being the next Simone Biles, you're in luck!

4806 N. Clark

NY import Baby Gym has graphics up advertising their new "Andersonville" location at 4806 N. Clark. Of course, that's 100% Uptown and a teeny tiny bit into the fictional "South of Foster Andersonville," but we wouldn't want to scare Chicago's parents with an "Uptown" location, would we? 

This is the space formerly occupied by the art school, StudioUs, which moved to 1144 W. Wilson right off the Red Line.

Baby Gym offers "children's gymnastics" and offers a "professional approach to amateur sports." The website looks like the space will be geared to smaller kids and will have a lot of padded floors and walls to tumble around on while kids learn gymnastics fundamentals.

Should be a great use of the space. Welcome!