Major Changes to Clark - Demo of 4740 N. Clark Incoming, Residential Building(s) to Follow

Aerial view of the 4740 N. Clark property (@aproperties)

For many years now, the Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (a.ka. "C4") has operated inside the building complex at 4740 N. Clark. (Eds: The C4 website is no longer active) The three buildings in the complex are owned by a separate not-for-profit, the Edgewater Uptown Building Corporation, which is based out of the C4 administrative office on Belle Plaine. 

As best as we can tell, all three Clark Street buildings have been operating tax-free for a minimum of 30 years.

C4 has had funding issues for many years, and the building was previously for sale. A developer proposed townhomes for the lot, but C4 found new funding, the sale never closed and C4 continued operations.

After a funding crisis in 2020, C4 tried to sell their location at 5710 N. Broadway. With reports of new financial troubles in late 2025, followed by a foreclosure filing on their Broadway location in March 2026, it has been clear for a while now that C4 was on life support. It appears all operations on Clark Street ceased some time in 2025, and a flyer taped to the door in February lists the Trilogy location at 1400 W. Greenleaf as an alternate location for services.

We assumed C4 was looking for a financial lifeline, and we weren't surprised when the large parcel was put on the market again in January. But nearly as soon as the listing appeared, it was marked as pending, suggesting a sale had happened.

Within the last week, we noted the current owner of record (the Edgewater Uptown Building Corporation) applied for a demo permit for the property, and it appears the entire parcel (3 buildings and the parking lot, spanning 4732-4754 N. Clark) will be demolished as part of a sale to a developer.

The sale price appears to be $3.75 million, or approximately $114 per square foot. 

Although the sale is not yet public, documents filed with the State suggest the buyer is Raftery Construction, a developer with experience with condos, townhomes and single family homes. Raftery recently completed the very attractive and historically sensitive project at 4500-4504 N. Clark and is familiar with Uptown. 

We don't know Raftery's plans but current zoning would allow for 3-4 stories by right if they go in the direction of condos. 

If the developer requests an upzone from 47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin, the city's affordable requirement would kick in and affordable units would be required on-site or an in lieu payment to the low income housing trust fund.

Although we are sorry to see a needed mental health services provider close in the neighborhood, we are hopeful the funding will assist C4 in continuing to serve Chicago. We are also happy to see this valuable land next to Chase Park repurposed for more housing, which will add needed units and finally add this land to Uptown's tax base after many years of operating tax free.

The Clark Street development boom continues!

Wilson Yard Target Getting a $15M+ Refresh

The remodel is now underway in sections (UU)

After opening in July 2010, the Wilson Yard Target has served Uptown well. The store was ready for a refresh, however, and after spotting a slew of building permit approvals for the location at 4466 N. Broadway, we are now seeing that work in process.

The permit mentions over $15,000,000 in upgrades, so this isn't just a new paint job. Expect to see construction crews installing new floors, finishes, refrigerated coolers, a new online pickup area, exterior facade updates and new exterior and interior signage.

The work will be done in sections, so get ready to be patient!  Word on the street is things will be wrapped up by September.

What to expect after the remodel (Target)

Halal Food from NYC is 'Halalicious'

 

Ever since "Firebird Piri Piri" closed, we have been wondering what's going on behind the paper in the restaurant space in the Magnolia-Wilson mall at 4546 N. Magnolia.  Firebird replaced "Foodie's Hub" and, despite being pretty good, only lasted a year.

New ownership has entered the picture and construction on "Halalicious" is ongoing. 

Originally titled "Halal Food NYC" in the working stages, Halalicious recently received its license and passed city inspection. 

From the business:

"Halalicious brings the bold flavors and fast-paced energy of New York street food right to your neighborhood. Inspired by the iconic halal carts of NYC, we serve up fresh, high-quality halal dishes—from juicy grilled meats and signature over-rice platters to flavorful sandwiches and sides. Every meal is made with care, combining authentic taste with that classic New York style. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a full meal, Halalicious delivers big flavor, great service, and a true NYC-inspired experience"

Expect an opening soon. No info yet on hours and no menu (so far).

Halalicious is at 4546 N. Magnolia

Might Be Nice to Save this Lovely Old Building

According to a demo permit applied for yesterday, the lovely early 1900s-era greystone at 4841 N. Kenmore is about to be demolished with no clear idea of what is to replace it. 

Exterior Photo Courtesy of Busby Group Listing for 4841 Kenmore

The building, the interior of which can be seen here, appears to be in good shape. This was a HUD building in the 80s and then transferred to the current owner just over 25 years ago in October 2000. 

Interior Photo Courtesy of Busby Group Listing for 4841 Kenmore

Interestingly, the real estate listing linked above is still active and says "coming soon," yet the permit reads "wreck and remove a 2 story masonry multi-unit residence." We suspect a sale has happened but the details aren't public yet. 

We are pro-development here at UU Central, but we also believe the beautiful buildings of of Uptown's past are worth preserving. 

We've been doing this 19 years now and are still upset over losses of homes on Beacon, Magnolia and Malden, beautiful buildings on Lawrence, Wilson and Sheridan and the soon to be lost Holiday Club building. All of us think adaptive reuse and rehab of buildings like this is the way to go. 

We are hoping that cooler heads prevail and this building survives to see another day.

4551 N. Dover Granted Zoning Variance, Construction Ahead

4553 N. Dover with 4551 visible on right (Axios Architects)

For most development in Chicago, red tape makes building a building difficult and things tend to start and stop as various clearances and approvals are obtained. 

In Uptown, we have a good example of the developmental approval process slowing things down. We have all been watching the former Happy Wash lot with great interest after the building was demolished and foundation work began, but as many readers noted, work seemingly ground to a halt.

We now know part of the delay was due to a variance request for the stand-alone building that is part of the project at 4551 N. Dover. The development received a slew of variance approvals back in 2023 but this did not include the setback variance that the building at 4551 N. Dover required. 

We are happy to report the Zoning Board of Appeals met on April 17 and the project was granted the last variance required, one that will ensure the 4551 Dover building has a matching 20.62' setback to the building directly to the south. 

So, very good news. We expect work will resume very soon.

Current view of 4551-53 N. Dover (Google)

NBA Superstar Makes Second Big Uptown Purchase

4501 N. Sheridan

Greek NBA superstar and Milwaukee Buck Giannis Antetokounmpo likes Uptown. He likes Uptown a lot. 

How do we know? He (through his real estate investment corporation 'Ante') has now bought two separate Uptown buildings in two months.

Harmony Apartments, 4513 N. Clark (Loopnet)

First, Antetokounmpo purchased the 56 unit Harmony Apartments, located at 4513 N. Clark, for $21,000,000 in late January. (Longtime readers will recall residents of Dover and local development scolds, including failed aldermanic candidate Marianne Lalonde, opposed the Harmony project vociferously, citing disruption to the neighborhood and blocked views).

At the end of March, Antetokounmpo added to his investment in Uptown, purchasing the Portrait Apartments at 948 W. Sunnyside for $21,000,000. (Readers will recall the opposition to this development, which replaced a nearly abandoned strip mall, came from many quarters, including our current Alderwoman).

So in total, Antetokounmpo has invested a lot - $42,000,000 - in Uptown this year.

Why Uptown? We like what the principals said in discussing the buildings:

"The buyer was drawn to the quality of the asset and the deal reflects strong demand for new-construction, mixed use properties in urban submarkets"

"We saw a neighborhood with real momentum and genuine need for high quality housing and activated street level retail."

Like Giannis, we like Uptown a lot too! There's been a real lull since Alderman Cappleman left office in 2023. Let's get some more new market-rate construction going!

Cake 4 Kids Event At Haymarket Books On April 12

 

Molino Los Hermanos Officially Breaks Cover

Although we've been quiet about it at the owners’ request, we've known since the corporation was formed in November that Norman Fenton, chef/owner of the Michelin starred Cariño, was opening a new restaurant called Molino Los Hermanos at the corner of Leland and Broadway. 

Molino Los Hermanos Logo Courtesy Instagram

Information has leaked out over the last month on Twitter and Reddit, and this morning, Louisa Chu of the Tribune officially shared the news with the world.

The new restaurant, which will span the two spaces formerly occupied by Spoil Me Salon, will have a restaurant and a market under the same roof. The space will feature a 24-seat counter (in a nod to both Cariño and the late Uptown Snack Shop that occupied the space) as well as a six seat booth and other seating (34 total).

4668 N. Broadway

Current State of Construction 

Mr. Fenton is a specialist in Mexican cuisine and he envisions Molino Los Hermanos as a casual and affordable alternative to Cariño. Cariño was 2025's new restaurant of the year in Chicago and recently received its first Michelin star.

In an expansion of Cariño's now famous late night "taco omakase" program, expect tacos to be the feature at the restaurant, although a range of other items will be on the menu, including ceviches, enmoladas, tostadas, quesadillas and more. Frozen margarita slushies will also be available.

Taco at Carino - Courtesy Carino

The market side will sell a range of items from homemade salsas to Mexican beer, but the the market's calling card will be homemade tortillas, which will be made on site using a custom press from Mexico and sold to the public as well as to area restaurants. Expect some exotic offerings, including truffle tortillas, to be on the menu.

Since Cariño is a very expensive restaurant, it's exciting that Molino Los Hermanos will make Mr. Fenton's excellent cooking more accessible to everyone.

Expect a late summer opening.  Restaurant and market hours will start at 11:00 a.m.

Puerto Rican Star Moving to Broadway, to Evolve into First in the Nation Supper Club

Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, established restaurants were reeling and struggling to stay afloat, but in the crazy times of 2020-2021, many entrepreneurs were ready to seize an opportunity. 

One of those entrepreneurs was Eric Roldan, who hand built a Puerto Rican restaurant out of love, a ghost kitchen, and then a brick and mortar location, the much beloved Uptown restaurant Marina's Bistro and Rum Bar. 

Critical and financial success led to bigger dreams. Eric shared his vision for a new concept in offline discussions over the last six months, and on Friday he finally let the world know what he was kind enough to share privately: Marina's is evolving into a Puerto Rican supper club. 

We’re proud to officially share that Marina’s Bistro & Rum Bar is evolving into Marina’s Supper Club — the first Puerto Rican supper club in the nation.

What began as a ghost kitchen by Chef Eric Roldan has grown into a beloved Uptown destination, and now into something even greater — a one-of-a-kind dining and cultural experience rooted in Puerto Rican heritage.

Located at 4804 N Broadway, next to the historic Green Mill, Marina’s Supper Club will bring together elevated Puerto Rican cuisine, live music rooted in Puerto Rican rhythms, and a signature rum-forward cocktail program — all within a refined supper club atmosphere.

This next chapter is about more than expansion.

It’s about culture, community, and creating a space that celebrates where we come from.

Opening late summer 2026.

The new Marina's Supper Club will be located at 4804 N. Broadway, where it will join the multi-time Michelin award winning Birreria Zaragoza, Carmela's, and Krispy Krunchy Chicken / Mamo's Burgers as restaurant tenants of the still for sale "Green Mill Gardens" building. 

Per Eric, the reimagined Marina's will feature a classic supper club vibe, "refined dining, curated live music rooted in Puerto Rican rhythms, vibrant rum cockails, and a full bar experience."

Longtime residents will be familiar with the new space, which was formerly Crew Bar & Grill. Crew was very successful in its 13 year run on Broadway, persevering through a transfer in ownership before shutting down in 2017 to make way for a planned jazz/blues club sibling to the Green Mill, Club Della Robbia. After a contractor (allegedly) stole money and failed to complete the buildout, Della Robbia never opened, paving the way for the new Marina's experience. 

If you haven't been able to sample Marina's cuisine, you have limited time to do so before operations shift and focus on the new location. The food is great! Eric is aiming for opening in late summer 2026. 

Trader Joe's Confirmed for Montrose and Clarendon

Logo Courtesy Trader Joe's Website

After years of discussion, a round of speculation in the fall. and months waiting for confirmation, we are pleased to officially confirm that Chicago's newest Trader Joe's is coming to Uptown.

We noted a building permit was issued this morning confirming the buildout was for Trader Joe's. The newest location will be located at 804 W. Montrose in the 811 Uptown building.

The space was originally designed for a Treasure Island location, but the demise of Treasure Island left the space empty. Suburban produce market Peter Rubi had a short run in the space, and Canadian vegan grocer XMarket had two different concepts in the space before closing in 2025.

We have long touted the location as a perfect fit for Trader Joe's and encouraged readers to share the location with Trader Joe's corporate. Trader Joe's looked at a space in Andersonville but abandoned those plans in 2023.

The proximity to DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Lincoln Park and the lakefront bike path, and the dense Lakeview, Uptown, Andersonville and Edgewater communities makes this a great location for expansion.

Given that the 'bones' of a market are already in place, we would expect an opening by summer.

4652 N. Magnolia To Be Razed

4652 N. Magnolia (Google)

A single family home on the 4600 block of Magnolia is about to meet the wrecking ball.

A demolition permit has been filed for the home at 4652 N. Magnolia. The building sold for $740,000 in December. 

The parcel is zoned RT-4, which would allow for a multi-unit building, but what is planned for the lot is unknown at this time. 

We are sad to see another old home in Sheridan Park get demolished. If we have to lose it, we look forward to the added density. 

Uptown Art Walk Call For Artists Now Open

 For more info visit The Uptown Art Walk website!

Chain Chain Chain

Just a little outside of our service area, some interesting new additions coming to the strip mall at Broadway and Berwyn, just north of Foster. You know we love our malls (note: sarcasm).

Flyer From the CRE Listing  

We previously told you about the Panda Express coming to this mall, but we now know from the marketing flyer that a Qdoba, Mattress Firm, and Midwest Express Clinic are coming as well. 

Renovation has been ongoing at the mall for close to two years now, and the Panda Express news was the first indication we had of new tenants. Leasing has been ongoing, and the four new tenants will join Burlington with three additional spaces left to lease.

With Chipotle directly across the street, it will be easy for our readers to do a one to one comparison with Qdoba while trying out some mattresses at the Mattress Firm. Enjoy!