Monday, April 25, 2011

An Update from Upstairs: Pita Heaven and Sanctuary

Sorry for the religious jokes, but we can't help it (see old post on Pita Heaven).

Anyway, a reader recently asked what the hell is up with Pita Heaven. We walk by frequently and it appeared that there wasn't much movement inside. However, upon a recent stroll past and a peak inside, it appears they have tables and booths inside now (we apologize for the picture put it was the best we could do):

This is a good sign and hopefully means that things are progressing (even if it's at a slower pace than we wish). It looks nice inside, so hopefully this means the falafel will match the quality of the decor.

On another note, we posted about two of the retail spaces at 1400 S. Michigan being built out. It was pretty clear that one would be a restaurant/breakfast spot, but the other one was a mystery. We heard a rumor that it might be an electronics/computer repair store, but a reader sent us this email about a sign on the window:
While at the bust stop today I saw a lit of "activity" (i.e., work being done) at the retail space at 1400 S. Michigan (the building where I live) and there was a sign outside that read "Sanctuary".
Unfortunately, I was running late and did not have time to investigate further, but thought you would be interested in the info.
Interesting. Originally we thought this might be a religious institution, but that was probably silly. Could it be a spa? Anyone know about this new place?

(Hat tip: SB!)

14 comments:

sanctuary_kevin said...

Thanks for the community's interest. Sanctuary (opening late May) is a men's lifestyle showroom, recommending our favorite tools for entertaining yourself and your guests. Examples include great digital music systems, custom barware, beautiful pens and personal stationery, small leather goods, and gifts.

Sanctuary also will host monthly talks on a wide variety of topics we feel contemporary gentlemen might find interesting. Currently scheduled speakers include chefs, musicians, fragrance experts, industrial designers, sports car mechanics, fly fishermen, golf course designers, charitable organization CEOs, and men's health MDs.

Sanctuary is a comfortable yet well-appointed retail space, designed to add to our neighborhood (we've lived here since early 2006), and to draw guests from around the Chicagoland area.

Please come visit us late May!

Sheryl said...

Cool! Something different!

Anonymous said...

Nice idea for a store! Can't wait to check it out when it opens.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the details Sanctuary Kevin. I like the idea and am looking forward to stopping by.

Anonymous said...

I'm excited about Sanctuary. Not too excited about Pita Heaven or the restaurant opening in 1400 south michigan for one major reason: both spots are being opened and operated by the developer, not someone in restaurant business.

wushu22 said...

Oooh, I cannot wait for Sanctuary to open. It sounds like a concept designed perfectly for me. I'm excited to see how it is executed.

I-NetCary said...

Hello sanctuary_kevin,
My name is Cary Pfeffer. I own a high end consignment business in Chicago. We sell items such as power tools, watches & jewelry, new & vintage electronics, pre-owned golf equipment, and other cool gadgets. Id love to be a guest speaker, the topic would be: how to turn valuables into cash and where to look in your home or office. Check out my website: www.i-netsalespartners.com. Im a SOLO resident and Id love to hear from you. Thanks! Cary

Anonymous said...

Kevin - late May has come and gone. Are you open yet?

sanctuary_kevin said...

I am pleased to report that Sanctuary Music and Aesthetics is (finally) open, and welcome everyone to visit (Tuesdays - Sundays, closed Mondays.
Kevin

Anonymous said...

So what exactly *IS* Sanctuary? You sell stereo equipment? Furniture? What are your hours? Do you have a website?

Anonymous said...

Cool, but will it survive? Sanctuary sounds like a concept that will be hard to keep going from a business perspective.

Anonymous said...

Good luck to Sanctuary. This seems a little high end for what one called the area SoLo, SoLo is still a little ghetto. This would possibly work in Lincoln Park where people have real money to spend. Good luck though.

Anonymous said...

what's SoLo? is that in NY?

Anonymous said...

Let me repeat in case anyone has ventured in recently:

So what exactly *IS* Sanctuary? You sell stereo equipment? Furniture? What are your hours? Do you have a website?


Anyone??/