New Eastside News March 2020

VOL. 8 NO. 3

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March 2020

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RENOVATE THAT GREAT STREET State Street Corridor to be revitalized

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St. Patrick’s Day events in New Eastside Police asked to patrol sidewalks at CAPS meeting Page 3 Page 2 James Turner, chairman of the Chicago Loop Alliance Board, speaks to the crowd at the alliance meeting at the Palmer House Hilton. Photo courtesy of Chicago Loop Alliance

Wine deals at Pinched on the River

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Doorperson of the Month: Zack Gardner

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Vista Tower on track for completion Page 3 Get your brackets ready for March Madness Page 11

What to expect at expectant parent class

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200 E. Randolph St. Suite 5100 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 690-3092 Editor: Elaine Hyde elaineh@neweastsidecommunity.com Managing Editor Stephanie Racine stephanieracine@ neweastsidecommunity.com Staff Writers: Mat Cohen Doug Rapp Elisa Shoenberger Copy Editors: Vivien Lee Bob Oswald Layout/Design: Bob Oswald Community Contributors: Jon Cohn

Subscriptions info@neweastsidecommunity.com or visit neatside.com Advertising Contact (312) 690-3092 or info@neweastsidecommunity.com Eastside Enterprises LLC is the publisher of New Eastside News and Streeterville News. Eastside Enterprises has provided local community news to the Chicago area since 2012.

New Eastside News and Streeterville News are monthly papers that use community writers and contributors. The views expressed by community contributors are their own. Eastside Enterprises does not take responsibility for third-party announcements or events. Eastside Enterprises is independently owned and operated.

Published March 1, 2020 Copyright ©2020. All rights reserved.

David Whitaker and Cynthia Noble at the Chicago Loop Alliance Annual Meeting Feb. 20 at the Palmer House Hilton. Photos Courtesy of Chicago Loop Alliance

Deputy Mayor of Economic and Neighborhood Development Samir Mayekar speaks at the Chicago Loop Alliance’s Annual Meeting.

‘The heart of the city’ State Street Corridor to be revitalized

By Stephanie Racine Staff Writer “Elevating State” will be the goal and catchphrase of a new plan to revamp the State Street Corridor in the Chicago Loop.

The State Street Corridor plan was the main focus of the Chicago Loop Alliance and Foundation Annual Meeting on Feb. 20. Ernest Wong, co-founder and principal of Site Design Group, presented his plan for the revitalization.

“I am excited about the State Street Corridor plan,” said Deputy Mayor of Economic and Neighborhood Development Samir Mayekar in his speech at the meeting.

State Street has a long history of being the hub of commerce and tourism in Chicago, Wong said. Marshall Field’s and Sears were heavily visited

Janette Outlaw, Jennifer McGregor and Rich Gamble at the Chicago Loop Alliance Annual Meeting on Feb. 20 at the Palmer House Hilton.

by locals and tourists for many years in the 1900s, but Wong recognizes commerce has changed.

“Retail is more of an experience” he said.

Retail locations need to change to meet the new nature of the business, according to Wong. Wong has looked to

other famous streets for inspiration and examined why they are so popular.

Great activities and destinations, safety, equitability, accessibility and an inviting nature are all aspects of a street designed to be visited, Wong said.

He observed the humor of streets in Shanghai with

anthropomorphized dumpling sculptures and noted that it really is the people that make a place.

Wong plans to conduct workshops this year that focus on three features of developing State Street—place, mobility and market.

Wong and Chicago Loop Alliance welcome the opinions of residents on how to Elevate State Street in the upcoming months. By late 2020, using the workshops plus feedback from residents, Wong will solidify the plan for the corridor.

“The Loop is the heart of the city, and we want to make sure the heart is strong,” Mayekar said.

To learn more about the project and to lend your voice to the upcoming plan, text ELEVATE to #63566 or visit loopchicago.com/elevatestate

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| NEWS |

Police asked to patrol sidewalks at CAPS meeting

By Mat Cohen Staff Writer At the Feb. 6 New Eastside CAPS meeting, community members and police discussed competition for sidewalk space by pedestrians, scooters and Segways.

“I don’t want anyone to get hurt by these yo-yo’s,” one male resident said, noting that many violators know they are in the wrong, but do it anyway.

CAPS Sgt. Anthony Dombrowski said any change in patrols by the police department will have to be dealt with on an individual basis.

“It’s one of many different people competing for space,” Dombrowski said.

A woman brought up an incident regarding her friend pulling out of a garage onto North Garland Court when a man pushed over a trashcan and dented the

car. She said there was a police car on the street but they didn’t do anything about it.

Dombrowski said to email him to put in a formal complaint against the officers who were allegedly present and who did not take action.

There was general concern among residents regarding the increase of marijuana in the city.

A woman asked, “How do you test someone if they’re high if you

can’t smell it?”

Officers said there’s no chemical test, but it’s a similar situation to a DUI test to see if the person is able to follow instructions clearly, as well as other indicators to see if they are intoxicated.

Dombrowski said that “violent crime is the focus” of the Chicago Police Department. He said violent crime doesn’t occur much in the 1st District, but in the areas where it does, there’s a lack of

trust and cooperation with police.

He said a lot of robberies and arrests happen at, or close to, the CTA. “The mayor is very concerned with what’s going on at the CTA and there’s going to be some changes.” Dombrowski did not elaborate on what those changes might be.

The next CAPS meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. March 5 at 400 E. Randolph St.

| NEWS BRIEFS | Art Institute to house Tiffany stained glass

Aon Center Observatory set to begin construction

The Art Institute of Chicago will be home to a Tiffany stained glass window this fall. Originally commissioned in 1917 for what is now the Community Church of Providence, the piece was designed by Agnes F. Northrup. The window is 23-feet high by 16-feet wide, and composed of 48 different panels. “The scene depicts a distant view of Mount Chocorua, one of the most beloved peaks of the White Mountains in New Hampshire,” said the Art Institute in a news release. The Community Church of Providence decided to find a place for the window where more people could appreciate its beauty. Once the window has undergone a conservation treatment at the museum it will be located in the Henry Crown Gallery at the top of the Woman’s Board Grand Staircase. Those who enter the museum from Michigan Avenue will get a view of the glass window.

The Aon Center Observatory construction is projected to begin in quarter three of 2020.

Although the construction was originally set to be complete in 2021, the observatory is now estimated to open in 2022, according to the Chicago Tribune. First proposed in 2018, the still unnamed observatory will take over floors 82 and 83 in the Aon Center. New Eastside News first reported on the proposal in June 2018, which touts floor-to-ceiling views, a Sky Summit pod ride and an external glass elevator. The area around the Aon Center will be busy with construction soon, as the nearby new apartment building at 222 N. Stetson Ave. is set to begin construction work at the same time. For more information, visit aoncenterobservatory.com

Reilly proposes to make false representation as a rideshare driver a crime On Feb. 6, Alderman Brendan Reilly proposed to the Public Safety Committee to amend the City Municipal Code regarding rideshare drivers. In Chicago, a number of crimes have been committed by those pretending to be rideshare drivers, according to

The entrance pavilion at the corner of Randolph Street and Columbus Drive. Rendering courtesy of 601W Companies

Reilly’s proposal. A number of violent crimes were committed in the last two years by fake rideshare drivers and there have been several incidents of passengers being robbed, according to Reilly. The proposed ordinance was passed by the Public Safety Committee and will move on to the city council. The punishment for violating this ordinance would be fines of up to $20,000 and six months in jail.

Vista construction update Alderman Brendan Reilly recently updated the community regarding the construction of Vista Towers in New Eastside.

The Magellan project began construction in 2016. According to the Alderman’s office, Magellan expects initial occupancy of the building to occur in the third quarter (Ju-

ly-September) of 2020. Upon initial occupancy, the construction on the outside of the building will be complete and all closed roads and walkways impacted by Vista will reopen. Field Boulevard on the north side of the park used to feature a walkway and lanes for vehicular traffic to reach Sub Lower Wacker. It would not be safe to reopen before initial occupancy occurs, but Magellan has assured residents that the walkway and traffic lanes will reopen. Parts of Wacker Drive will also remain closed until initial occupancy. The Waterside Drive walkway will likely still be impacted by GEMS construction until the completion of that project. For questions about Vista’s construction, the Alderman’s office suggests contacting Vista Project Manager Joe Kuna at McHUGH Construction at (312) 821-0371.

Prudential Building to get more retail and dining options beyond Rosebud As was announced last month, the former Tavern on the Park space will be transformed into a Rosebud restaurant in the third quarter of this year, but the Prudential Building will be receiving more retail and dining options in the near future. According to the Tribune, One Two Pru will soon be home to a new Beatrix Market, a Just Salad and an Athletico sometime this spring or Continued on page 4

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| COMMUNITY CORNER |

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Doorperson of the Month Zack Gardner, Park Millennium

University of Chicago’s New Outpatient Center. Photo courtesy University of Chicago Medicine

Continued from page 3 summer. Giordano’s, a current tenant in the space, is looking to expand into the former Market Creations space. AmazonGo has opened a new location inside the building as well. All of these changes follow Sterling Bay’s purchase of Prudential Plaza back in 2018.

Zack Gardner, doorperson at Park Millennium, has won New Eastside News Doorperson of the Month. Photo by Mat Cohen

By Mat Cohen Staff Writer Despite his Texas roots, Zack Gardner has been able to work through the shock of the Chicago winter to become New Eastside’s Doorperson of the Month.

Gardner has been working at Park Millennium for nearly six years, but he still misses the Texas heat.

“I still haven’t gotten acclimated with the weather,” he said. “I’ve never spent so much money on a jacket.”

Gardner was born in Little Rock, Ark., raised in Texas and went to school in Dallas. After graduating, he moved to Chicago in 2013 with his twin brother, who works at the Signature Room. The cold weather was not ideal, but having a warm heart and interacting with residents has helped.

“I love to talk to people,” he said. “I’m a people person, I love to interact with kids, I like learning new things about people and just having a conversation.

“I guess you could call me a social butterfly.”

Gardner enjoys playing and coaching basketball when he’s not working. He has a Chihuahua-Terrier mix who occasionally accompanies him at the building.

“There’s definitely strong relationships with the residents, as well as kids and animals,” he said. “I probably know more animals’ and kids’ names, versus their parents’ names.”

Zack’s cousin referred him to the building, and Zack now views the residents as family.

“We’re pretty much living in someone’s home, to be honest. That’s why I don’t really look at it as a job,” he said.

“When I’m training people I tell them, ‘It’s a job for you, but not for them.

You’re pretty much in somebody’s basement and if you stay long enough you’ll turn into family.’”

Zack said the only bad part of his job is when residents move away.

“I enjoy working with the people here,” he said. “This is a very nice, diverse environment, and everyone’s in good spirits, so that helps the job a lot.

“I wouldn’t trade it for the world, it’s nice to establish those relationships.

To nominate your favorite doorperson, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com with their name and why you think they should be the doorperson of the month. Winners will receive a $25 gift card to Mariano’s.

driving access to Illinois and Grand avenues from Lower Lake Shore Drive will be restricted. Drivers will be rerouted to a detour on Columbus Drive. For pedestrians and cyclists, the sidewalks will remain closed on the Chicago River Bridge, but a protected northbound traffic lane will be available for those who wish to access the Lakefront Trail.

University of Chicago opens outpatient center

Radisson Blu restaurant to close for renovations

On Feb. 24, the University of Chicago’s $20 million outpatient center opened at 355 E. Grand Ave. The 40,000-square-foot center brings specialized outpatient care in areas including cardiology, nephrology and rheumatology. At the ribbon cutting, President of the University of Chicago Medical Center Sharon O’Keefe said, “We’re bringing the forefront of medicine in to more patients in this community.” The facility includes three dozen exam rooms and a center for voice and airway disorders. The University of Chicago is planning to open a new state-of-the-art mammography center in River East later in 2020.

The lower portion of Filini Restaurant at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, at 221 N. Columbus Drive, will close for renovations. The restaurant will be turned into an entirely new concept after the renovations are complete. As these upgrades take place, service will still be available at upper Filini for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Fireside Lobby also has an all-day menu and drink service. The Raw Bar sushi bar and Blu Bar will also remain open. For more information, visit radissonbluchicago.com

21c Museum Hotel Chicago opens its doors

Navy Pier flyover enters final stage of construction

21c Museum Hotel, 55 E. Ontario, opened its first location in Chicago, ninth in the chain on Feb. 4. The hotel features 297 rooms and 10,000 square feet of exhibition space, according to Architectural Digest.

According to the hotel website, the museum is open 365 days a year with docent tours every Wednesday and Friday at 5 p.m. The first exhibition, open until December 2020, is “This We Believe,” which “explores the power and evolution of belief systems—religious, political, economic—and how adherence to and rejection of these ideologies has influenced our current global culture of divisiveness and polarization.”

The Navy Pier flyover, an elevated path for cyclists and pedestrians, will extend from the Chicago River Bridge to Jane Addams Park once completed. Construction crews are working on the Chicago River Bridge, making space to accommodate the new path. Vehicles and pedestrians will be impacted during this part of construction. According to Alderman Brendan Reilly’s office, the two center lanes heading south on Lower Lakeshore Drive on the Chicago River Bridge will remain closed.

Additionally, starting in Spring, northbound

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| FEATURES |

Streeterville doctor’s class helps expectant parents know what to expect

By Stephanie Racine Staff Writer Expectant parent classes can cost a substantial amount in downtown Chicago. For example, classes at Northwestern Hospital cost from $50-$120. But Dr. Daniel Weissbluth, a pediatrician who has an office in Northwestern’s campus in Streeterville, is out to buck the trend.

“We figure it should be free,” he said.

Weissbluth’s office offers free prenatal classes on topics including CPR and infant safety, breastfeeding, sleep and newborn care.

Dr. Daniel Weissbluth offers free classes for expectant “We saw an educational parents. Photo courtesy of Daniel Weissbluth gap and we wanted to fill to attend are welcome—as long as they it,” he said. register in advance.

The classes include important inforThe instructors offer their email mation for new parents. Weissbluth said address for participants to follow up most first-time parents are unaware of with any questions they may have. the sleep deprivation that comes from Weissbluth’s office is also available for having a new baby. information.

New parent Jessica Kushner took the “We encourage questions,” Weissclasses at Weissbluth’s office in preparabluth said. tion for her son Lorenzo, born Oct. 14, Northwestern Hospital offers free tours 2019. The most valuable class she took of their triage, labor and delivery and was Newborn Care: The First 48 Hours postpartum floors at Prentice Women’s and Beyond, Weissbluth said. Newborn Hospital. Registration is required. Visit Care covers the delivery process in the classes.nm.org for information. hospital and what to expect once new For other expectant parent classes, parents arrive home.

UChicago Medicine offers free classes at “I would have been walking in blind,” their Hyde Park location. Visit uchicagoKushner said. medicine.org for information.

The internet is inundated with inforWeissbluth’s Streeterville office is at mation about having a baby, but Weiss737 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 820. For bluth’s classes gave Kushner a baseline of questions about the free classes or the truth, she said. practice, call (312) 202-0300. Register for The classes are intended for first-time classes at weissbluthpediatrics.com parents and family members who want

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Pinched on the River opens wine bar with dollar deal

By Doug Rapp Staff Writer A local eatery is offering mid-week wine deals.

On Wednesdays, Pinched on the River, 443 E. Illinois St., is offering first glasses of wine for $1.

From 6 to 8 p.m. on hump days, customers can try a glass of red, white, rose or sparkling wine for a buck. The choices will be rotating varieties selected by staff, general manager Nasi Dimashi said.

The wines will be offered upstairs at Pinched, where their coffee shop is located, but are also available downstairs at the restaurant’s main bar.

Dimashi said the restaurant, which serves eclectic fast-casual Mediterranean food, started the deal in late January.

“People want to grab a quick drink,” Dimashi said. “We thought, why don’t we offer wine since we have so many delicious ones?” Customers aren’t obligated to eat but can grab a drink for a nice “mid-week break.”

“We want to bring some unique wines you don’t find daily yet they are delicious,” he said, noting that many came from countries not known for wine, such as Bulgaria and Slovenia.

Dimashi said his favorite is the Pullus pinot grigio from Slovenia, which is dry but looks like a rosé since it’s fermented with the grape skins to give it a

Customers at the upstairs bar and coffee shop at Pinched on the River. Photos courtesy of Pinched on the River

rosy shade.

“It’s a very interesting wine,” he said.

The initial dollar wine night exceeded their expectations, Dimashi said.

They thought a few people might stop by, but “the entire place filled up… which was a good problem to have,” he said.

The response from the neighborhood has been great, he said. “Overall the neighborhood has been very supportive. We’ve seen an increase in walkin traffic.”

In addition to wine, Pinched offers cider and beer, both traditional and craft, including from local breweries such as 312 and Two Brothers, which makes a special hazy IPA called Son of a Pinched exclusively for the restaurant.

Happy hour at the main bar is 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

Pinched on the River, named because of the

The dining room at Pinched on the River.

“pinch” of many flavors, Dimashi said, is the business’ second location. The original is in Lombard and owner Ranka Njegovan chose Streeterville when looking for restaurant space in the city.

“We wanted to be somewhere neighborhoody,” Dimashi said. “It’s a friendly environment, and touristy with Navy Pier nearby...I love the neighborhood.”

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Volumes Bookstore begins new chapter in Gold Coast

By Doug Rapp Staff Writer A popular Wicker Park bookstore has opened a second location at 900 North Michigan Shops in the Gold Coast.

Rebecca George, who co-owns Volumes Bookstore with her sister Kimberly, said they were approached by the six-level shopping destination after they had a successful pop-up store at Water Tower Place during the 2018 holidays.

“They recognized that most of their clientele were more local and how they can serve the needs of that local community in a more effective way…I think our missions align a little bit,” George said A former educator, George said the response to Volumes’ new downtown location, which opened in late September, has been positive.

“Everyone’s very thankful that there’s a

Volumes Bookstore co-owner Rebecca George said people are “thankful that there’s a bookstore nearby.” Photo courtesy of Volumes Bookstore

bookstore nearby,” she said. “We already have a number of regulars we see on a weekly basis.”

Similar to their original location, the new Volumes will feature supplemental programming. George said they’re hosting weekly

story time and may branch out beyond their fifth-floor location to do events in the Aster Hall space on the fifth and sixth floors. She added that they’re starting a happy hour book club next month and another afternoon book club catering to retirees living nearby.

George said they will host author events as well, including mystery and thriller writers in late March. John F. Hogan, who wrote a history of the Chicago Water Tower, spoke in December but bad weather hampered attendance, so they may reschedule, George said.

“We’ve got lots of plans in the works,” she said, noting that 900 N. Michigan wants more programming that will help build the community. “We’re just now getting into the programming aspect and what we hope to build over there.”

George said it is challenging to open a bookstore these days downtown.

“It’s like any bookstore—it’s a tough margin business, it’s a small margin busi-

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ness,” she said.

George said joining the established 900 North Michigan Shops makes it easier.

“No bookstore in today’s world could open ground level downtown,” she said.

“It’s impossible. The cost is too insane anywhere in downtown Chicago…The trouble with being downtown right there is that in a vertical world, everyone’s really contained especially in the cold months.”

George said they’re hoping to reach out to businesses and hotels in the area to raise awareness and are considering a delivery service for customers with limited mobility. Despite the challenges of opening a new location, George said she’s pleased with what she, her sister and their employees have established.

“I really enjoy that community,” she said.

“I’ve gotten to know a lot of really interesting people. I’m excited for what we can get done there in the world of books.”

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| NEW EASTSIDE EVENTS | Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Events March 14

St. Patrick’s Day Parade The 65th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Columbus Drive, from Balbo Street to Monroe Street. 2020’s Grand Marshal is Fr. Thomas Hurley of Historic Old St. Pat’s Church. Entry to the parade route will only be permitted at Jackson Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive. Security will be checking all bags.

Parade step-off is at noon, free, chicagostpatricksdayparade.org Travelle at the Langham With floor to ceiling windows, Travelle has panoramic views of the Chicago River. Bar tables are available with a reservation and a $100 spending minimum.

A breakfast buffet will be available, along with green beer, mimosas and specialty cocktails. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant.

8 a.m., $100 minimum, 330 N. Wabash Ave., (312) 923-7705, travellechicago.com

LondonHouse Get a bird’s eye view of the green river from LH on 21 and LH Rooftop, as they host a two-level celebration. Tickets include an open bar for four hours with green beer available, breakfast snacks and St. Patrick’s Day accessories. 8 a.m.noon., $100, 85 E. Wacker Drive, (312) 253-2317, londonhousechicago.com

works coming from the MCA and other places throughout the city. These works include paintings, sculptures, films and photographs. The exhibit is included in museum admittance. Through May 10, times vary, prices vary, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave., (312) 280-2660, mcachicago.org

About Last Knife Hotel Julian’s restaurant hosts a St. Patrick’s Day party just steps away from the Chicago River. ALK will offer classic St. Patrick’s Day fare, including Irish coffee and steak and eggs. Opens at 9 a.m., free, 168 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 392-2440, alkchicago.com

Sommelier for a Day: Spain III Forks hosts its monthly wine tasting event focused on different wine regions.

Event includes six different wines from Spain and bites from chef Adrian Corkill. Sommelier Anton Licko will lead the tasting of Spanish whites and reds.

Call to RSVP. 5-7 p.m., $25, III Forks, 180 N. Field Blvd., (312) 938-4303, iiiforks.com

ETA Restaurant and Bar Loews Hotel celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with Irish-inspired food and drink specials, including green beer. Reservations are available by calling the restaurant or booking on OpenTable. All day, free, ETA Restaurant and Bar, Loews Chicago Hotel, 455 N. Park Drive, (312) 8406605, etarestaurantandbar.com

Ongoing

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Sweetwater Tavern and Grill. Photo courtesy of Wagstaff Chicago

Sweetwater Tavern and Grille Sweetwater hosts its annual St. Patrick’s Day party. The patio will be open and green beer will be served. Beer specials include $8 Guinness and $7 Smithwick’s.

Food specials are available all week, March 10-17 at Sweetwater and feature Corned Beef Poutine and Shepherd’s Pie. Sweetwater opens March 14 at 8 a.m., free, 225 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 6987111, sweetwatertavernandgrille.com

Midwest Film Festival The Midwest Film festival opened in February and goes through 2020.

Dedicated to midwest filmmakers, most of the events will take place at the Chicago Cultural Center. The festival opens with Comedy Shorts Night, along with a convention, followed by an after party. Times vary, locations vary, midwestfilm.com Chicago European Union Film Festival Representing all nations in the EU, including a few from Britain as they say their goodbye, this annual festival, in its 23rd year, includes directors famous and unknown. Some directors and special guests will be stopping by throughout the event to discuss and answer questions about the films. March 6-April 2, times vary, prices vary, Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., (312) 846-2800, siskelfilmcenter.org

March 4

Aneisa J. Hicks as Janelle in graveyard shift.

Photo courtesy of Goodman Theatre

graveyard shift A world premiere at the Goodman Theatre, this play is loosely inspired by Sandra Bland. Written by Korde Arrington Tuttle, the piece follows Janelle who moves to Texas to live with her partner, Kane. Meanwhile, a small-town police officer has difficulties adjusting to change. Through March 8, times vary, tickets start at $15, Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., (312) 443-3800, goodmantheatre.org Macy’s Flower Show “Voyage to Oceanum,” is this year’s theme for Macy’s Flower Show. Experience sea florals, and aquatic colors with incredible designs all made from flowers. This is the second year in a trilogy fantasy production from Macy’s Flower Show. Macy’s is open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. everyday except Sunday, when it is open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. free, March 22-April 5, Macy’s, 111 N. State St., (312) 7811000, macys.com Duro Olowu: Seeing Chicago The maximist artist shows his clothing designs mixed with a collection of

What the Constitution Means to Me In this touring play, a fifteen-year-old Heidi won money from Constitutional debate competitions to fund her college education. Now she looks back on her life, her family and their relationship to the Constitution. Maria Dizzia stars as Heidi. Times vary through April 12, tickets start at $26.50, Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower, 175 E. Chestnut St., (312) 977-1700, broadwayinchicago.com

March 5

Purcell’s “King Arthur” Presented by Roosevelt University’s CCPA Graduate Opera, Purcell’s semi-operatic work will be performed.

Neal Goren will conduct and Dana Brown and Scott Gilmore will direct.

This is a free performance, but registering on Eventbrite is encouraged. 7:309:30 p.m., free, also March 6, Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 341-2352, roosevelt.edu/ccpa CAPS Meeting CAPS meetings continue through 2020. Meet with police representatives who cover the community beat. Raise new issues of concern or find out how the police and Alderman’s office have

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| NEW EASTSIDE EVENTS | Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com. responded to previous problems. This is a monthly event. 6:30 p.m., free, 400 E. Randolph St., (312) 745-4290, home. chicagopolice.org

March races Fight for Air Stair Climb - 7 a.m., Sunday, March 8 - Presidential Towers

America Scores Chicago Red Carpet Poetry Slam and Silent Auction Enjoy spoken word poetry performed by kids in the America Scores Chicago nonprofit programs, as well as a silent auction presenting packages from Chicago restaurants, sports teams and adventures.

5:30-9 p.m, tickets start at $100, School of the Art Institute Chicago Ballroom, 112 S. Michigan Ave., chicagoscores.org

Pi Day Pi K Fun Run 5K - 10 a.m., Saturday, March 14 - Fleet Feet Sports Chicago St Paddy’s Day 5K/8K - 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 14 - Lincoln Park The Mile 1 mile - 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 21 - Grant Park Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K / 2 mile - 8:30 a.m., Sunday, March 22 - Grant Park

March 6

The Minnetonka High School Bel Canto Choir Visiting from Minnetonka, Minn., The Minnetonka High School Bel Canto Choir, a freshman women’s high school choir, will perform a series of classical, modern, pop, ethereal, multi-cultural and gospel songs. This is a one-off performance and free event from a state award-winning choir. 3 p.m., free, Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., (312) 787-4570, fourthchurch.org

The Minnetonka High School Bel Canto Choir. Photo courtesy of Minnetonka High School

Jurassic Quest This prehistoric event allows families to find more than 100 true-to-size dinosaurs from the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods. Ancient Oceans is the newest addition where you can meet a 50-foot moving Megalodon. Through March 8, hours vary per day, adult tickets start at $24, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., (312) 595-7437, jurassicquest.com

Global Connections: Holi The festival of colors is celebrated at Navy Pier with color throwing, musical performances and dance performances. Colored powder will be available for purchase and can only be thrown outside in the Miller Lite Beer Garden.

Food will also be available for purchase.

12:45-5 p.m., free, Aon Grand Ballroom, Navy Pier, 840 E. Grand Ave., (312) 5957437, navypier.org

March 10

Adventures Among Orangutans The Auditorium Theatre’s National Geographic Live speaker series continues with wildlife photojournalist Tim Laman and biological anthropologist Cheryl Knott. The married couple share stories about 25 years of working with large apes and discuss their conservation efforts. 7 p.m., $42 and $54, Auditorium Theatre, 50 Ida B. Wells Drive, (312) 341-2300, auditoriumtheatre.org

March 12

Lakeshore East Book Club All are welcome to join the Lakeshore East Book Club the 2nd Tuesday of each month in the Tides Party Room. This month, the selected reading is “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humanity” by Yuval Noah Harari. 6-7:30 p.m., free, The Tides, 360 E. South Water St.

March 14

March 17

Talk: Deborah Stratman To celebrate the screening of Stratman’s film “The Illinois Fables,” MCA will host a talk with the artist and curator Jack Schneider. The film travels through the area’s history including Cherokee resettlement, the invention of the nuclear bomb at University of Chicago and other notable events.

Exhibition runs from March 17 to

July 26. 6-7:15 p.m., free with admission, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., (312) 280-2660, mcachicago.org

March 18

Member Expo Members and guests are invited to the Mid-America Club Member Expo, where members will showcase their businesses. Network with local businesses and business owners. This is a complimentary event, but reservations are required. Call the club to register. 5:30-7 p.m., free, Mid-America Club, 200 E. Randolph St., 80th floor, (312) 861-1100, clubcorp.com/ Clubs/Mid-America-Club

March 20

Don’t Tell Chicago A secret comedy event. Will be located somewhere in the Loop. Attendees will be told the day of the event exactly where it will take place. Don’t Tell shows are often in interesting places like furniture stores, event spaces or offices.

BYOB. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., $25, location TBA, donttellcomedy.com

March 20-22

Winning Works The Joffrey Ballet celebrates its 10th annual Winning Works choreographic competition. The winners showcase

Chicago Lakefront 50K George Cheung Memorial Race - 8 a.m., Saturday, March 28 - Jackson Park their pieces and receive a $5,000 stipend. This year, the winners are Chanel DaSilva, Tsai Hsi Hung, Pablo Sánchez and Durante Verzola. 2 and 7:30 p.m., $30, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., (312) 386-8905, joffrey.org

March 27

Sailing the Mediterranean and Beyond Listen to podcast speaker Franz Amussen discuss his experiences sailing the Mediterranean. Amussen has been sailing since the 1980s and sails the Mediterranean for at least two months every summer. General public is welcome. 6-9 p.m., $10, Columbia Yacht Club, 111 N. Lake Shore Drive, (312) 938-3625, columbiayachtclub.org WhiskyFest Come enjoy all things whisky and meet distillers, blenders and other whisky experts from around the world. Tastings will be available, with special rare whiskies for those with VIP tickets. A gourmet buffet will be available through the evening. 6:30 p.m., $275, Hyatt Regency, 151 E. Wacker Drive, (888) 718-4253, whiskyfest.com

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Spring is a time for growth in the Chicago housing market. Photo courtesy of Urban Real Estate

Bringing in the spring market with growth in Chicago

By Urban Real Estate The Chicago-area housing market is showing strength, as sales and median prices increased for a second consecutive month after a slow 2019.

In the city, 1,427 homes sold in January, according to data released by real estate trade association, Illinois Realtors.

That was an increase of 5.9 percent from January 2019 and followed December’s 10.5 percent year-over-year increase.

Chicago is a consistent market in which the city is often monitored for its units and volume in communities as diverse as the residents who call them home.

“In evaluating where the market is headed, seeing real estate pick up after a slower fall and early winter is a welcome sign of stability,” said Matt Farrell, managing partner at Urban Real Estate. “We see cautiously optimistic buyers looking for just the right home, and making offers on compellingly priced houses.”

This especially matters as full-service real estate brokerages continue to expand their own value proposition, increasing services and marketing efforts, and raising the bar in the industry.

“We are proud to every day be able to do our part to move the market and

serve buyers, sellers, renters and investors from many corners of the world,” Farrell said. “But we also know that staying ahead means fastening your seatbelt and trying new and different ways to bring quality service to our clients—an endeavor we are embarking on this spring with excitement and pride.

“The Chicago market continues to perform like few others for its diversity, access to education, history, culture, medicine, and real estate,” said the founder of the New Eastside’s number one real estate office. “We continue to raise the bar, guiding our clients through the single largest transaction of their lifetime, one we will continue to help them navigate in any market.”

Urban Real Estate has served the community for more than 15 years and Farrell said his gratitude for being in New Eastside is unparalleled.

“I am proud to call New Eastside home to my family, as well as to our brokerage. It has been paramount to our success, and we believe our growth will continue in large part because of the neighbors who support us and the work we do. It doesn’t get any better than this fantastic neighborhood in a city as grand as Chicago.”

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| NEWS BREAK |

Get your brackets ready for March Madness

I

t’s all about the brackets in March.

Bracketology, to be precise. No, it’s not about shopping hints from the fix-it folks at your local hardware store. And these brackets will definitely not be sold on the Home ShopJon Cohn COMMUNITY ping Network.

CONTRIBUTOR The brackets that come to the forefront this month are all basketball induced. College basketball to be precise.

For the uninitiated, brackets refer to a 68 team tournament, involving the top college basketball teams. Now

famously known as March Madness, it has become all the craze the past couple decades.

The cool thing about the tournament is that it brings in even the non-sports fans. Chicago residents who may never glance at a college basketball score during the regular season, and who may think the “three second rule” has to do with picking up food that you dropped on the floor, suddenly become fans.

Office pools, family and friends lotteries, posted brackets everywhere. Just the general buzz of conversation can bring the most remote of fans into the frenzy.

Often we have a favorite team. Maybe it’s the college we attended. Maybe it’s a local school (not much here in Chicago with only Loyola University a contender to make the “big

John Cohn is a New Eastside resident.

Out and About in February

Jumble HISSEF ZEUBORS

dance”), or maybe it’s a team you just happened to pick out of the selection hat and if the piece of paper said “Duke”— lucky you. My pick is often a school that ends in “Technical Institute,” which usually means my players will graduate with great jobs but my team loses in the first round.

All the fun begins with Selection Sunday on March 15.

Once it begins, the games come at you in waves. It is a three-week whirlwind that culminates on Monday April 6 with the National Championship.

Finally, one of the 68 competing teams will be crowned as Champion.

And then March Madness quietly recedes.

FWERE TITRORA

ERENV

Send photos and captions to info@neweastsidecommunity.com for a chance for your photo to be featured.

A man calls his dog from the opposite side of a river. The dog crosses the river without getting wet and without using a bridge or boat. How? Febuary answer: Where does today come before yesterday? THE DICTIONARY

Where am I? Do you know where this is?

If you think you know, email us at info@neweastsidecommunity.com.

Young Professionals of Streeterville board members Valerie Mayuga (from left), Sophie Manley, Mario Hollemans, Casey Doherty, Nikki Wheeler and Yousaf Khan at the Hampton Social Streeterville event. Photo by Tim Wong

Answer to February Where am I? A park between Chandler and Regatta at the north end of Harbor. Congratulations to Erik Slagter and Ilona Polinovsky for correctly identifying the spot.

Connie Rivera and Ernie Wong at the Chicago Loop Alliance meeting at the Palmer House Hilton. Photo courtesy of Chicago Loop Alliance

Michael Edwards and Nora Gainer at Chicago Loop Alliance’s meeting at the Palmer House Hilton. Photo Courtesy of Chicago Loop Alliance

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