Category: Neighbors

Loretto Academy: A Glimpse Into The Past Of An Endangered Building

Last Tuesday the former Loretto Academy was auctioned as a part of a court ordered bankruptcy sale.  While the property sold for $395K, the identity of the new owner and their intentions for the building remains a mystery.  The building is in a horrible state of disrepair due to the neglect of the former owner. ... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
November 5, 2019 at 5:44 am • 

Woodlawn Scored The Obama Presidential Library, Now What?

I knew something was going on when my phone started blowing up. Text message after text message started pouring in.  Private messages on social media accounts started piling up.  All of them said one thing: The Obama Presidential Library would be in Woodlawn. And not just any old spot in Woodlawn, a site that literally... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
July 30, 2016 at 4:33 pm • 

I Just Wasn't Joking, Shady Neighbors Do Exist

Remember what I wrote about shady neighbors? Behold, real life evidence of #7 on my list. A few days ago the dumpster was in its proper place by the alley.  It was seemingly moved to facilitate someone’s need to take out their trash without actually schlepping down to the dumpster like the rest of us.... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
June 5, 2016 at 7:48 pm • 
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Ten Signs That Your Neighbors Might Be Shady

I’m a huge fan of avoiding drama. Especially where I live. That means I take a keen interest in who moves in the neighborhood—as any concerned resident should.  These days questionable neighbors may mean the difference between relative peace and quiet or your door being mistakenly kicked in by the police (if you’re lucky). Unfortunately,... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
April 28, 2016 at 9:45 pm • 

Barbara Ann Smith: An Unsolved Homicide Five Years Later

Five years ago today, my neighbor Barbara Ann Smith’s body was found in her apartment. The police came. The press came. Everyone left. And her murder still remains unsolved. Like I wrote last year: I wonder if anyone gives a damn. I wonder if  Ms. Barbara will ever receive justice. The only thing I do... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
March 21, 2016 at 5:00 am • 

Barbara Ann Smith: Will Her Murderer Ever Be Brought To Justice?

On March 21st, 2011 my neighbor, Barbara Ann Smith was found murdered in her apartment. Four years later, and to the best of my knowledge, her murderer  has not been caught. If any of Barbara’s family members read this post, I’d welcome the opportunity to talk to you about your experiences seeking justice for her murder. The... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
March 22, 2015 at 10:41 pm • 
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The Metropolitan And The Woodlawn Organization Are A Hazard To My Neighborhood

I’m officially done with the the Woodlawn Organization and their building The Metropolitan. DONE! First it was open doors that allowed access to the building, now it’s an open perimeter along the back of the property.   Anyone can easily nestle themselves into its various nooks and crannies. Which wouldn’t be so bad if the... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
September 30, 2014 at 11:30 pm • 

Another Condo Unit Is About To Go Rental

Here we go again. Yesterday  I found out that my downstairs neighbors have received an offer for their condo unit and will be moving out this Saturday. I very much understand their reasons for moving—ease of commute, being closer to their children’s daycare and the wife’s job—I get it.  My cause for concern is when... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
September 30, 2014 at 6:42 am • 

Barbara Ann Smith: The Cold Case Murder

Barbara Ann Smith: The Cold Case Murder
Three years ago last Thursday, my next door neighbor Barbara Ann Smith was found murdered in her apartment. Her killer has never been caught. Unfortunately, this seems to be the norm on the south side rather than the exception. Despite the fact her killer has yet to be apprehended, I know she hasn’t been forgotten.... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
March 25, 2014 at 8:56 am • 
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The Metropolitan Goes From Bad To Worse

The east side of the former Metropolitan building on the south west corner of 65th Street & Blackstone Avenue. Note the crumbling gutters and roof.
It seems like the proverbial writing is on the wall for the TWO (The Woodlawn Organization) owned Metropolitan.  The troubled building can add a few new items on its list of woes—falling gutters and roof. This winter has been decidedly harsh.  As freezing temperatures give way to the spring thaw and eventually torrents of water,... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
March 9, 2014 at 1:33 pm •