A Parklet for Andersonville

As part of a greater eco-Andersonville initiative to improve pedestrian accessibility and bike infrastructure throughout Andersonville, the Andersonville Development Corporation (ADC) has partnered with the Chicago Department of Transporation (CDOT) and local business owners to build one of Chicago's very first "Parklets".  Utilizing native plants, public seating and bike parking we will create a green urban retreat in one of the densest commercial districts outside of the loop.

Plans for the first parklet will include the on-street space at the t-intersection of Clark Street and Farragut. We are currently in the process of working with Matt Nardella, AIA, LEEP AP, at Moss Design to develop designs for this space. While we are confidently composing all of the technical requirements of completing this project, including obtaining support from local aldermen, we do need assistance from the community to help fund raise for the parklet program. Please consider viewing our Kickstarter page to learn more about the parklet and support the cause.

It's Official - Midsommarfest Friday Night Kick-Off Party

We are very excited to announce that this year’s 47^th annual Midsommarfest street festival will kick off on Friday evening, June 8^th with a special performance by 16 Candles! This opening night celebration will take place on Clark Street between Balmoral and Catalpa Avenues beginning at 5:00 pm, and will also feature food from some of your favorite local restaurants and of course cold beer and sangria.

Besides being a first for our beloved neighborhood festival, this Friday night event will also benefit the Andersonville Development Corporation and their work to create a more sustainable business district – socially, economically and environmentally. Through their community focused mission, ADC manages business attraction and retention, small business technical assistance, market research and eco-Andersonville events and activities.

We look forward to kicking off the summer in Andersonville a day early this year, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate our great neighborhood with you!

Ya Ya's Grand Opening

Ya Ya's Antiques is very pleased to announce their new location at 5517 N Clark (picture from Racked Chicago). Owners Paul Beitler and Miguel Royo are especially excited to introduce themselves to their new neighbors here in Andersonville. Below is a letter from Paul and Miguel:

Hi Everyone!

We're very excited to announce the Grand Opening of Ya Ya's Antiques in Andersonville on Sunday, April 1st from 11-5. This is a dream come true for my partner Miguel and I, we've been looking for the right space in our neighborhood on Clark for 3 years. We've finally found it with similar shops nearby that include design, antique and thrift, great restaurants and tons of shopping. We've been selling on eBay since 1998, our site is Chippedncracked a pun on old antique china, and we have been selling antiques for over 20 years. Our hours will be 11-7 Mon through Sat, 11-5 on Sun, the address is 5517 N Clark St, Chicago IL, and the phone is 773.431.1916. We have a wide variety of antiques to include gorgeous furniture, china, glass, crystal, art and a huge selection of vintage costume jewelry displayed in 1,800 square feet. Come find a treasure, we have lots of decorative items priced fairly. We cordially invite our friends and future friends for a visit.

Best Regards, Paul & Miguel

Recent Business Ramblings

The news never stops in Andersonville. Here are some of the latest updates about what is happening in and around the the neighborhood:

Openings

• Jerry's Sandwiches has plans to have the space at 5419 N Clark open this Spring
• The Bongo Room filed for a business license at 5022 N Clark
• YAYA Antiques will take over the former Andersonville Bikes space
• Ombra is welcoming guest for its Grand Opening at 5310 N Clark
• Forever Yogurt has plans to expand into the former Paper Trail space
  

Closings

• Equinox will consolidate to their Boystown location this season
• Fast Frames is taking a similar route and moving inventory to Lakeview

Updates

• The now vacant commercial storefront at 5001 N Clark is getting some much needed improvements as ownership shuts down to do rehab work before re-introducing to the rental market

Bongo Room Finds Space in Andersonville

On February 8th owners of the Bongo Room filed a business license with the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection for a Retail Food Establishment license at 5022 N Clark. The location, long vacant after previous speculations that the presently closed Kith & Kin would open a new concept, will now attract the breakfast and lunch time crowds that rave about smothered pancakes and french toast towers. In addition to serving area residents the most important meal of the day, the Bongo Room is bound to attract fans from all over the North Side.

Open during day-time hours (typically not later than 2pm), Bongo Room caters to early birds, late-brunchers and families alike. The new location will be the third in the Bongo Room's successful string of restaurants. Check out images and menus from the other two locations to get a taste of what is coming soon to Andersonville: Bongo Room website.