Category: Woodlawn, Chicago

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 • 

The Sign Goes Up: A Preservation Chicago 7 Endangered Building Is Up For Auction

This sign in front of the former Loretto/Institute of the Blessed Virgin greeted me as I arrived home last night: One can only hope a preservation minded individual with good intentions will purchase the building.
By Woodlawn Wonder,
September 26, 2019 at 6:50 am • 

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 • 
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A (Literal) Sign Of Confidence For The Obama Presidential Center

This is an interesting and very public development in the discussion about the Obama Presidential Center.  Apparently the residents of the Park Shore East Co-op have chosen a side and are displaying quite the vote of confidence. The only question is will trust be enough to serve both their & Woodlawn’s interests?
By Woodlawn Wonder,
January 7, 2018 at 3:32 pm • 

The Obama Library: A Once In A Lifetime Opportunity? Part 2

Note:  This is part 2 of an essay I read at last Thursday’s Frunchroom reading series in Beverly.   And that’s where the old sneaking suspicion starts creeping in.  That’s where the doubt about the intentions of this new shining center on the south side start to cloud my perception.  Because as much as I... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
July 23, 2017 at 8:53 am • 

The Obama Library: A Once In A Lifetime Opportunity? Part I

Note:  This is the first part of an essay I read at last Thursday’s Frunchroom reading series in Beverly.    Like most of my neighbors, I’ve been paying close attention to every scrap of news released about the proposed Obama Presidential Library. The construction of the library and its campus will have a profound effect... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
July 22, 2017 at 3:02 pm • 
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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 • 

In Woodlawn It's The Little Things That Matter

Believe it or not, this is more than a sign.  It is a sign of hope.  Possibly a sign of renewal. Explanation to come.   If you liked this post, “like” I Hate My Developer on Facebook Type your email address in the box and click the “create subscription” button. My list is completely spam... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
July 31, 2016 at 11:12 pm • 

Bill O'Reilly, Rudy Giuliani---Concerned About Chicago Gun Violence? Here's What You Can Personally Do To Help

Gentlemen, Thank you for your concern about the senseless violence gripping our city.  As you both have noted, quite publicly & quite vocally, these continuing levels of violence are unacceptable.  I know being busy people it’s difficult to focus on specific ways to address this serious issue. Luckily I’ve found a way for you to... Read more »
By Woodlawn Wonder,
July 31, 2016 at 10:42 am • 
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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 •