Wicker Park Bucktown Pipeline: We Aimed for Short 'N Sweet and Got This

This week we're going to skip the blabbering, and dive straight into the meat, like the fact clothing designer C. Dahlstedt will be opening his first boutique tomorrow (9/22) on Division St., per this Racked story by Jared Hatch. In other hot news, rib lovers should be aware of the Fourth Annual Rib-a-Que, slated for Sat. Oct. 1st at Division Street's Moonshine.

Philin Phlash - hard at work at Pipeline 'HQ'

We just wanted to give you advance notice because the Rib-a-Que event, featured in the Sept. 28, 2010 pipeline, signifies when The Pipeline began working with Philin Phlash, photographer. It was around one year ago that the pipeline's editorial focus widened as a result of Phlash's input and our work load doubled. Just kidding (sort of).

The Raincoats perform to a packed and enthusiastic crowd at Double Door this past Monday/ Photo by CeCe Carroll who was there!

What did the pipeline look like before Phlash added his unique voice? It doesn't matter. It's better now, with Phlash's insights, as well as CeCe's. Check out CeCe's adventure at The Raincoats show this past Monday night at the Double Door!

As we approach another weekend, it's time to give the lowdown on the stuff we know about, like Circus in the Park at Holstein Park (Sat performances are at 2, 5PM; Sunday at 1 and 4PM, get your tickets here), YarnCon at Pulaski Park fieldhouse (Sat. 11-6PM, read more in this Yarn Carn blog), as well as the Hideout's Block Party (get tickets/times), Saturday's Settlers of Catan preliminary tournament at Cat & Mouse Game Store, Building Block Toys 15th Anniversary Boogie with Giveaways, and more.

A "Fat Willy's Power Lunch" with Inside Publications' Ron and Sheila got our creative juices flowing!
But we'll stop now, because it's endless most days, the amount of stuff we could feature. If you play your cards correctly, you could be busy every day of the week and never stop to linger in the same place twice... which brings us to our next project: the Printed Holiday Magazine-Sized Newspaper Insert Highlighting Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Logan Square, slated to hit streets by "Black Friday."

Read details on the Magazine-Sized (7" x 9.5") Holiday Insert, with four different ad sizes,

HERE.

We thought these ladies looked familiar when we encountered them at the Vintage Bazaar at Congress this past Sunday. One of the girls said "iCream" and our memory was sparked, yes, we gave them directions to Heaven Gallery back in March and photographed the fashionistas at iCream!

Well, that's all we've got. At least in this section. Apologies to the many people we snapped photos of at this past weekend's Vintage Bazaar and maybe even interviewed. It was a busy weekend in pictures.

If you like today's SHORT pipeline, let us know and we'll do more of this just-the-facts stuff, leaving the longer missives for the pipeline website or blog.

Thank you for reading!

Your Pipeline Team

RETAIL SPACES is sponsored by Eva Bergant @properties Realtor.

A third floor, 2-bed, 2-bath condo unit, with garage in this pictured building at 2201 W. Wabansia sold for $339,900 this past week/photo by Alisa Hauser

Now that we've discussed home inspections and "attorney review," it is time to highlight the third and perhaps most important contingency: your mortgage.

A key component to a successful transaction, the mortgage contingency provides that you, the buyer, will obtain a mortgage for a set amount, including a set down payment, rate and duration, all to be established by a particular date.

Moving on, it was a lighter than usual week in real estate in Wicker Park and Bucktown. There were no detached single family home closings. Four attached condos found happy new buyers, though! Read more details on these four condos, as well as mortgage contingencies, HERE.

Eva Bergant is a Bucktown resident and local Realtor with a community driven style. In addition to being president of the Bucktown Community Organization (BCO), Eva has long served as chair of the Bucktown Garden Walk.

Do you have a real estate topic that you'd like explored in a future column? You can reach Eva by email, or 312-543-6819.

Linkypoos is Sponsored by
Cat & Mouse Game Store
2212 W. Armitage
p: 773-384-4454,
Tues. 10AM-10PM, Wed. 10AM-8PM, Thurs.-Sat 10AM-7PM, Sun. 11AM-5PM

This Saturday, Sept. 24, from 1-5PM, we're hosting the first in a series of Settlers of Catan tournaments and you're invited! Just like last year, six preliminary tournaments will determine who's participating in the final round. Last year, winner Levi Baer advanced to the final round at the nationals, and ended up placing an impressive second. Whether you're a casual player who's in it for the fun or a serious contender going for the gold, Cat & Mouse is the place to be for Catan fans! Details about the tournament series can be found here.

Nandika Gervais- Got a link to share? Send it to Nandika!

Neighbor Nick G. reported on Everyblock that there was a break-in "on the 2000 block of Evergreen" on the afternoon of Sep 19. The brazen burglars used a crow bar to pry open the front door of an apartment building and then stole a television from the first floor apartment. Will P added that a building "in the 2100 block of Division had a similar break-in last just last week." Learn more about the crimes and read what other neighbors had to say.

According to this NBC Chicago article, Vice President Biden was at the Bucktown home of Rajiv Fernando, CEO of Chopper Trading, for a fundraiser dinner. So, if traffic was hell on Tuesday evening, that's why.

This recent article by Kathy Mordini for the Examiner focuses on the Tree House Humane Society's unfortunately busy summer. The no-kill shelter on Ashland has been taking in many more cats than usual, which they say is due mostly to the bad economy. The shelter's emergency funds are being strained by a variety of all-too-real factors. Read about how you can help here.

In absence of not having a photo to accompany this blurb, we're sharing this poster! Click on it to enlarge it

After decades of parking-at-your-own-risk under the 'L tracks, the city decided to start enforcing the no parking/no trespassing restrictions but only after Central Parking Systems agreed to make the area a paid-for parking zone. Apparently, Alderman Joe Moreno signed off on it months ago, but due to what 1st Ward Press Secretary Matt Bailey calls "totally poor communication" between Moreno's office and Central Parking Systems, some residents were not given enough warning and subsequently had their cars towed. According to this article on Expired Meter, there will be 40 spaces available under the 'L tracks, which will cost $75 a month and will now start in Oct 1. Anyone who had their car towed was offered a refund and some of those people signed up for the parking program. Read more links HERE.

Community News is Sponsored by Jackson Junge Gallery & Framing
1389 N. Milw. p: 773-227-7900
Monday-Sat 11AM-8PM; Sun. Noon-5PM

Around 5PM this past Sunday, a cyclist at Leavitt/Milwaukee collided with a car, as it attempted to turn left onto oncoming traffic, per this story.

A little bit of rain and drizzle did not keep cyclists in the first annual Like Bike ride off of the streets/ photo by Alisa Hauser

Earlier that same day, also Sunday, The Pipeline attempted to participate in the First Annual Like Bike Ride, organized by Our Urban Times, but a set of wheels was not on our side. Learn more about the event here.

Wicker Park's park will now hopefully be safer, or at least deter vandals and illegal activities, thanks to the addition of two security cameras, paid for by First Ward Ald. 'Proco' Joe Moreno, and Chicago Park district, per this Sept. 13 story, which was recently expanded upon by the Red Eye's Ruthie Kott, who went in-depth on some of the problems and less than desirable visitors, dubbed "selectively homeless" by Ald. Moreno. Read more by Kott here.

Thinking of ideas for Halloween costumes? Keep thinking! The annual Boo-Palooza is being planned for Sat. Oct. 29, 10AM-3PM in Wicker Park. The planning committee is

soliciting donations for prizes for various games and activities. Tables will be available for sponsors to decorate in a Halloween theme to promote their businesses. Sponsorship deadline to be included in printed materials is Sept. 28. Email Doug Wood to participate!

Though summer seems a long way off, a Bucktown resident and reader would like to get the plans set in motion for a possible Block Party, in the event any of Cynthia's neighbors residing on Wabansia, between Leavitt, and Western, about a four block stretch, would be interested in collaborating on a party. Per Cynthia, "If anyone is interested in forming an exploratory/planning committee to figure out how to close down a few blocks on Wabansia (between Western and Leavitt) in 2012 to have a fun summer block party with your neighbors, email me."

It's ALMOST fall (the Autumn Equinox occurs this Friday, Sept. 23, per Wikipedia), and almost time for sweaters, pumpkins, and apple pie, coming to Holstein Park on Oct. 16! Read all about Bucktown Apple Pie Contest Registration Details and Sponsorship Opportunities HERE. Check out the latest Holstein Park news too.

Elaine Coorens of Our Urban Times turned a spotlight on the new orange walls murals.

Read the latest SSA/Chamber news (Sept. 21) HERE.

"Qi," by Eve Jensen, one of 53 artists participating in "Elemental Flux" at Jackson Junge

Perhaps there's no better way to kick off the "Artful Networks"- themed 16th Annual Chicago Artists Month than to get busy networking with and welcoming as many artists as you can into your gallery space. For Pipeline community news sponsor Jackson Junge Gallery, the magic number was an impressive 53 Chicago artists, all of whom will be contributing works to "Elemental Flux," a special exhibit opening Sat. Oct. 1st featuring a myriad of pieces inspired by the universal elements of earth, wind, fire, and water.

Read more.

The Boring Store: Anything But Boring!

By Philin Phlash

This story is Made Possible by Jule's Pet Shop, 2214 N. Milw., gearing up for its Biggest Reptile Sale yet!

The sale, which will also serve as Jule's End-of-Summer Clearance Sale, is Coming Sat-Sun, Oct. 1-2, 9AM-6PM.

Photo of a Photo by Philin Phlash, unfortunately trapped on our desktop computer, which does not have Internet access so we cannot upload this and many other Phlash photos. Boku sadness indeed! better luck for 'Net soon!

The Boring Store in Wicker Park is not boring, no matter what the sign says. I walked in and had a hard time leaving; they had to push me out the door as my son, Marty, kept showing me all this cool stuff.

826 CHI is a tutoring center that is located inside and behind the Boring Store, you would not believe it unless you saw it: kids of all ages doing homework side-by-side and getting help in any subject they may need help in. Wow, how lucky these kids are, if I had had this kind of thing [when I was young], I would have been a better student.

Marty will be going here, so he will be smarter and better than his dad. I will be bringing more boring photos from the Boring Store as I step into this great world of learning beyond the door to boring.- Philin Phlash

When One Idea Gets Shot Down, Music Rears Its Awesomeness: CeCe on The Raincoats

CeCe Carroll

In a random series of very fortunate events, I was walking down Milwaukee Ave. feeling defeated. I was brainstorming ideas for my next fashion column and getting shot down by just about everyone I wanted to talk to about boots and fall fashion. Who doesn't wanna brag about why their store needs to be checked out?! Apparently, a few local shops, to my dismay. And then, there it was, beckoning to me: A flier for The Raincoats! It dawned on me that I should ditch the fashion and focus on music this week.

I love the local venues. The intimate setting of Subterranean. The not too small, not too packed Double Door. When I can see all of my favorite bands in a quaint, breathable space instead of a packed arena, I'm blissfully happy. Read on.

About CeCe: A former magazine journalism student and current retail shop gal, CeCe, who sums up the six things she could never live without, presumably in order of importance, as "coffee, cigarettes, breakfast, whiskey, and air, of coarse," explores the 'hood with fresh, wide open eyes, covering a variety of topics that interest her and hopefully you, too. Got something for CeCe to check out? Send her an email.

DA Bears: Overheard,
a new column comprised of Facebook updates/ responses by Chad W. Mark, Bears Fan.

Photo by Philin Phlash

Thoughts on today's (9/18) Bears game: The offensive line should be ashamed of themselves....can't blame Cuter for showing frustration ...Marcus Webb and Kellen Davis make me nervous....Forte is a beast...Major Wright needs to stay on the bench...Darren Sproles is killer....Brees proves he's in the top 3 QB's in NFL.....Saints have the sexiest cheerleaders in the NFL.. Read this column on our website every Monday! Agreed with Chad? Don't agree? Have something to say, too? Join the conversation!

Tidbits/Spaces

T/S is jointly sponsored by Tobaccoville, Wicker Park's Newest (and Cheapest) Smoke Shop, 1439 N. Milw., The UPS Store #3173, 1658 N. Milw., offering $5 off Next Day Air and $3 off Ground Shipping with mention of 'pipeline,' and Gran Discover Clothing, 2044 N. Milw., Your Neighborhood Source for Dickie's under $15. It's like Farm and Fleet, but in the city. Family-run and operated.

Did you miss last week's Spaces? Read it here.

Though not a new Space, per se, we thoroughly enjoyed a Gaper's Block thread about odd wedding stories and recollections. Truly fun; read "Cracked Wedding Bells."

In last week's spaces we made a mistake, which we'd like to correct. Hollywood Cleaners is NOT closed; read about our mistake, which we're blaming on a combination of our overactive imagination and LinkedIn, here. In honor of our mistake, Hollywood is offering $5 of $30 worth of dry cleaning, and 25% off Halloween costume cleaning!

Olga, left, and Inna
New Einsteins Academy, an independently owned eco-friendly childcare and pre-school, 1858 N. Damen, is gearing up to open soon, "hopefully before November," pending a few final inspections-- or rather waiting on inspectors to visit, which seems to be the drill for many new businesses understandably eager to open. In the meantime, the preschool, run by Inna and Olga (who met a few years back when Olga was a preschool teacher for Inna's child) would like to get the word out on its weekly Saturday open Houses, from 11AM-3PM. The school, per Olga, will offer catered organic meals by Gourmet Gorilla.

Future home of Daddy Cool's, at Talman and Milwaukee, which will serve up gourmet hot dog and handcut fries into the wee hours

Rich and Chibe of AT&T have the scoop on Chromeo tickets!

Also gearing up to open later this season is Daddy Cool's, a new gourmet hot dog joint just a mustard squirt (or half block south) away from the Congress Theater. With late night hours, and food that sounds delicious from the way it was described by a man named Joe who gave us the lowdown, we're excited to eat at Daddy Cool's soon!

And finally, the new AT&T Wireless store is now open at 1617 N Damen. Per manager Richard, there will be a special Chromeo Ticket Giveaway sponsored by AT&T, so pop by and ask him about it if you like Chromeo.

Got a space we should explore, or a space you are curious about? Let us know.

THE WEEK AHEAD is Sponsored by Lubinski Furniture & Movers

Did you know... Oct. 1st is one of the the Biggest Moving Days of the Year!

Are you on the move?

No job is too big or too small for the professional and reliable team at Lubinski Movers. Call 773-276-2835; ask for the ''pipeline special.'

Thurs. Sept. 22
3-8PM: Polish Triangle Marketplace (Polish Triangle, Ashland/Div/Milw)
5-8PM: C. Dahlstedt Boutique Grand Opening (2028 W. Division)

Fri. Sept. 23

5-7PM: Performance: Out-of-Site (Polish Triangle)
8PM: Performance: Tennessee Williams' Summer and Smoke (Den Theatre)
8PM: Performance: Cyrano (Chopin)

10:30PM: Magic: The Magic Parlour (Chopin Theatre)

9:30: Performance: Boobs Of Khan: A Star Trek Burlesque (Gorilla Tango)

Sat. Sept. 24

Noon- 10PM: Music: Block Party featuring Mavis Staples, Andrew Bird and More (Hideout)

10AM-1PM: Volunteer Gardening with WP Garden Club (Park Grounds)

10AM-2PM: 15th Anniversary Party, Boogie with Elmo (Building Blocks Toy Store)

11AM-6PM: YarnCon (Pulaski Park Fieldhouse)

1-5PM: Settlers of Catan Preliminary Round (Cat & Mouse Games)

2PM, 5PM: Circus in the Park (Holstein Park)

Sun. Sept. 25
8AM-3PM: Antique & Flea Market (ReBuilding Exchange)

8AM-2PM: Community:

Wicker Park Farmers Market (Park Grounds)
1PM, 4PM: Circus in the Park (Holstein Park)

Tues. Sept. 27

7:30PM: Music: Wine from the Moon Presents Bring Your Raygun, et. al (SubT)

Sat. Oct. 1

11AM-6PM: Moonshine's 4th Annual Rib-a-que (Moonshine)

9AM-6PM: Giant Reptile Sale, Sidewalk Sale (Jule's Pet Shop)

a friendly baby Iguana sidles up to the glass to look into our camera lense at Jule's Pet Shop

Sun. Oct. 2

8AM-2PM: Wicker Park Farmers Market

9AM-6PM: Giant Reptile Sale, Sidewalk Sale

(Jule's Pet Shop)

Mon. Oct. 3

6-8PM: Benefit for Co-Op Image (Birchwood Kitchen)

Sun. Oct. 16

2-5PM: Bucktown Apple Pie Contest (Holstein Park)

Thurs. Oct. 27

7-10PM: Miss Wicker Park Pageant (Double Door)

Art Watch:

Now 'til Sept. 30: Convergence, with Marc Hauser (Indiana Welcome Center)

"Face Yourself" by Brent Houzenga, now at Pawn Works

--Oct. 2: Remixed Remains: Brent Houzenga (Pawn Works)

--Oct. 3: Journey to Molestown (OhNo!Doom Gallery)

--Oct. 5: Urban Flowers: Joey Wozniak (Eye Want Eyeporium Gallery)

--Oct. 8: Routine Scenic Machine: Dan Gunn (monique meloche)

--Oct. 16: Jeffrey Reid: Portrait of an Idol (The Silver Room)

Performance Beat:

--Oct. 16: Cyrano (Chopin Theatre)

--Oct. 28: Boobs of Khan: A Star Trek Burlesque (Gorilla Tango)

-- Oct. 29: Summer and Smoke (Den Theatre)

If you have an event to add to this calendar, let us know.

Coming Nov. 23: Pipeline HOLIDAY MAGAZINE-SIZED NEWSPAPER INSERT SPECTACULAR.... 30,000 Copies!!.... Professional Distribution in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, North Center, Lincoln Square, Wicker Park, Bucktown, and- NEW FOR US- Logan Square

Categorized Listings- Feature Length Stories Spanning Food to Slice-of-Life- Real Estate Spotlights- Unique Editorial- Photos-
Gifts Galore- Web & Print Tie-Ins- READ MORE!

CAMERA READY ADV DEADLINE: Friday, Nov. 4, 2011

Call 773-960-3997 to participate!