Category: South Side, Chicago

Top Ten Ways To Recognize That Your Neighborhood Is Gentrifying

10.  You get calls from investors wanting to buy your property. 9.  The new people at the bus stop don’t make eye contact or speak/nod in acknowledgement. 8.  Historical preservation tour buses are becoming more and more common. 7.  Air BnB’s start popping up. 6.  Infrastructure starts getting fixed. 5.  Realtors in *really* fancy cars... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
September 18, 2019 at 6:31 am • 

A Mosaic Story Of Woodlawn

The outline and beginning mosaics of the 65th Street viaduct panels.
The folks who completed this beautiful mosaic last year on the Marquette Road are replicating their magic on the 65th Street viaduct this summer.  Last week I strolled down to check in on their progress.
By Woodlawn Wonder,
July 15, 2017 at 11:35 am • 

Dorchester Botanical Garden One Year Later

The corner of 64th and Dorchester.
A great deal has changed in a year since the Dorchester Botanical Garden was started. The garden has dramatically expanded with community and volunteer support.  It now encompasses the entire east side of the 6400 block of Dorchester. Garden founder William Hill has even started offering gardening classes. I can’t wait until the final plantings... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
July 13, 2016 at 11:11 pm • 
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Ten Tweets About The New South Side Trauma Center

Late last week, the University of Chicago released the news that the south side of the city was going to get a Level 1 Trauma Center for the first time in over 20 years. Like many others, the news left me both elated and wanting more.  These ten tweets reflect those feelings. Planning for a... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
September 16, 2015 at 6:05 am • 

Donating To Charity? Not If You Live Outside The (Boundary) Lines

It would seem that nothing is ever easy on the south side. Even when you’re trying to donate to a charity. Almost two weeks ago I sent a note to Brown Elephant to arrange a donation pickup of some gently used furniture and received the following response: Hi XXXX, Thanks for contacting us. Unfortunately, your... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
August 31, 2015 at 6:16 am • 

The Metropolitan Is Being Repaired

After years of significant deterioration, work is finally being done on the roof of the Metropolitan. I have no idea if the ownership of the building is still under TWO or has changed hands.  I’m not even sure why the building is being repaired at this time. But rest assured that I will start asking... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
August 27, 2015 at 7:03 am • 
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What Do Ferguson and The South Side Have In Common? Nothing.

As our collective national debate swirls around the events in Ferguson and Cleveland, I have a simple story to tell. A story that illustrates why race still matters and why we as a nation have difficulty advancing towards a meaningful dialogue on the subject. Wednesday I was making arrangements with a long time friend about... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
November 30, 2014 at 1:34 pm • 

Voting Today? The Question Every South and West Side Resident Needs To Ask

Of course you’re going to the polls to make your voice heard.  This is a big election. Today and in February various established and aspiring politicians will ask you for your vote. I suggest that any resident of the south or west sides respectfully ask these politicians if they publicly commented on the French government’s... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
November 4, 2014 at 8:23 am • 

The Backyard Garden: What A Difference Two Months Makes

The backyard garden on 5/31/14   Overview of the back yard garden that used to be four abandoned vacant lots.   The backyard garden on 7/31/14   The pictures don’t even do it justice.   If you liked this post, “like” I Hate My Developer on Facebook Type your email address in the box and... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
July 31, 2014 at 4:13 pm • 
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Backyard Garden Timeline

5/7---Turning over the garden bed and amending the soil by adding mushroom compost.
Much like the Jackson Park Garden, the backyard garden has been a labor of love mixed in with a great deal of hard work. Here is this growing season’s timeline through pictures. If you liked this post, “like” I Hate My Developer on Facebook Type your email address in the box and click the “create... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
June 30, 2014 at 10:52 pm •