When is Uptown going to really regain its buzz? Yes, we know it’s starting to get more expensive around there but really, with the lake so close by and institutions like the Aragon Ballroom, the neighborhood’s jazz history in its heyday and amazing bits of architecture here and there, it’s pretty underrated and quiet.
Uptown’s getting a new development called Rainbo Village – yes, it does sound like a retirement home for the good folk of Boystown, but it’s actually a community of mid-rises and Kinetic Lofts, a new-construction “loft” development. The site (4800-block of North Clark Street) was once home to a speakeasy, then it was a concert venue, then Rainbo Roller Rink, so the newcomers have got a lot to live up to.
Maybe this influx of people will help the area. The Aragon is also getting a new neighbor – the Theater District Lofts (another imitation loft project) is moving in across the road.
Uptown will rival downtown when Wicker Park becomes the next Lincoln Park.
I first heard both those claims in 1979. Some things take a little longer than others. Especially things that are inherently incredible.
If the Uptown Theatre ever returns to its glory days, that idea may seem a bit more credible.
Even with Kinetic Lofts, though, it’ll be tough to match the energy of the old roller rink.
I’ve heard that a condo tower is going up on the Uptown Bank parking lot (see http://mmneighbors.com/page3.html). Losing the surface parking lots and concentrating more development around the El stops would definitely be a good first step for the neighborhood.
Development around the el stops definitely seems to be the trend in Uptown. The Wilson stop may be the cool place to hang out in just a few more years.
I finally sold my car after years of fighting for parking spots that turn out to be street-cleaning zones anyway, so the idea of reducing the number of parking lots seems absurd, but if it means we encourage more el-riders and bikers in the neighborhood i’m all for it.