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The mural at Division and Hoyne asserts, in English, that “housing is still the issue” and promises, in Spanish, that the war over that issue will continue.
I spent some time driving and walking along Division Street in Wicker Park this morning. The scope of neighborhood change over the past 10 to 15 years is impressive. There were, however, cracks in the façade of affluence – vacant storefronts in critical locations, many marginal retailers, busted-out and unsold condo developments, and a wariness among the few people in the sidewalk cafes.
Has this stretch of Wicker Park permanently turned the corner? Does the mural commemorate history or speak to a coming struggle?
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Being a relatively new resident off of Division St on hermitage, I would say that the economic downturn has taken a toll on this strip of Wicker Park, maybe even more than other parts of this sector of the city. However, I would say that activity (closing) and the time frame units go under contract would say that this is still a desirable sector. There are more kids in strollers in the neighborhood now then when i moved here in 07. The area is made up of less flashy, well to do young professionals who are turned off by the materialism of Lincoln Park, River North etc seem to exude. (nothing to take away from those hoods..they are obviously both very beautiful)
It is what SoHo is to NYC.
Not quite SOHO Mlebenso….although the Janiks bkfst sandwich and a Picante burrito are quite tasty
I think the key is crime or agressiveness towards residents just trying to live there. Any comments on this from current owners? Feeling any animosity? Or, does the city mix just seem to get along?