Thursday, October 4, 2012

What's that New Building Next to the Roosevelt Stop?

A reader asks:
I know the CTA is renovating parts of the Roosevelt stop, but any clue what that narrow building is next to the North entrance of the stop?  See picture.
We asked around and didn't get any good information (including CTA workers who looked at me like i'm an idiot).  Anyone have any insight on what this is?

Seems like a good spot for a Starbucks competitor.

UPDATE:  On the Sloopin message board its been said it will be a Jersey Mike's

(Hat tip: SR!)

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

If this is a non-CTA establishment, I shudder at the thought of how quickly it will be ruined by all the Roosevelt stop regulars. I read this blog post and instantly thought of the perpetual tagging on Bongo Room's windows, the guy who rolls out a dirty towel on Wabash, selling household items like toothpaste and combs like it was some sort of openair bazzar, and the line of classy individuals sitting along the Jewel eating and drinking beer while openly harassing passing women.

Just last night after exiting onto Roosevelt at 11:30 pm and crossing to Wabash by the BP, a looked to see a man literally started screaming at a car as it drove away. I became a bit on edge, and crossed the street towards the Jewel to hopefully avoid this maniac. I am walking south on Wabash when all of a sudden I see the same guy sprinting towards me, avoiding a passing car to do so. He walks right up to me, puts his hand on my shoulder and started asking me for money. I told him no, and kept walking but he kept his hand on me and I told him NO with some choice words added. He started screaming at me but I kept walking. As I turned to look back, I could see him running towards a pair of men walking by the Dunkin Donuts.

My point to all of this is I think any business to open up in the area by the Roosevelt stop is foolish. Before we worry about adding businesses, we should solve the problem of panhandlers, criminals, and people that have no business in our neighborhood, especially those who want to do harm.

Anonymous said...

Wow, it is a small world. You're that tight wad who didn't give me no money when I begged you for it over near the Jewel mart.

Rather than waste all of your time and effort it woulda just been easier to pay me. You really make it hard on a guy to make ends meet.

Begging is real hard work man you could show us some little bit a respect.

Anonymous said...

Really? REALLY? To the first anon, you have my empathy.

Brianbobcat said...

The message boards have unofficial confirmation that its Jersey Mikes.

MarkChicago said...

I work from home and can't walk to lunch without seeing some kind of BS near the Roosevelt stop, but also recognize that this is a large city and this stuff happens around every El Stop, esp one with three lines & bus stops.

The activity around this intersection (and history) does warrant constant police presence and some proactive work, but this is a pipe dream.

Anonymous said...

Jersey Mike's that's too bad. Like the south loop needed another sandwich shop.I would have preferred a coffee shop.

Anonymous said...

There is a coffe shop right across the street and artist has really good coffe. Come on man!

Anonymous said...

Looking at the size of the space by this el stop, you would think a Starbucks, Duncan Donuts, Argo Tea, or a mom/pop coffee/tea shop would get this space. Well, a least it won't be one of those bs pop-up Halloween stores.

Anonymous said...

Jersey Mike's is awsome. Very excited for this and to see yet another business to come to the Sloop.

Anonymous said...

When I go near the Roosevelt stop there are people there! I hate people! and they look different, not like me, and they don't go straight home like I do. It's scarrrrry!

Wouldn't it be great if the constant complainers on this blog could see how irrational they are. I invite everyone to see what a typical busy transportation hub looks like in NYC, in Hong Kong, in Lagos... we have it really good here!

...and give the guy a buck instead of running away like a sissy!

MarkChicago said...

@Anon, tell us more about your travels, mighty global hipster.

"It's scarrrrry!" Ask the woman who had her skull kicked in about how scared we should be.

Jim in the Sloop said...

Great. Another building made of those giant ugly blocks. Instant blight.

Anonymous said...

Keep being scared, see how that works for you... I walk through that area on a daily basis and find it to be very energetic and entertaining.
Maybe my calm, smiling face is a deterrent to skull-kicks?
Maybe 99.99% of the people there that AREN'T panhandlers, criminals, and people that "have no business" in the Sloop, are just trying to have a nice day like everyone else.

so... have a nice day!

Serge said...

Looks like Anons are allowed to comment again.. dunno how I feel about that.

Also personally I'm all for the additional businesses in the area..

However, I IMPLORE every hippie that lives in our neighborhood not to give money to bums, especially ones who commit battery to get their alcohol and cigarette money.

Anonymous said...

If know one gives them money then they will leave. It is like feeding the pigeons they are always around because people are feeding them. They have no reason to go to another area as long as they can get what they want where they are. They are able to get there money and change that allows them to get drugs and booze. Why would they leave. We need to give them a reason to and stop feeling sorry for these people. It is a social justice issue and just happens to be a very unfortunate situations.

Sloopy said...

Ok, any additional comments about Jersey Mike's? If not, then we're going to close this comment thread.

Anonymous said...

Any word on the building being constructed on 18th and state?

Anonymous said...

I am glad it Jersey Mike's. There are enough Subway sandwich shops in city and suburbs, already.

Anonymous said...

I'd love a bagel shop there! But I'd be surprised if it's anything other than part of the CTA work.

Josh said...

Here is the permit from the city of Chicago, looks like it will indeed be some sort of retail:

26 E ROOSEVELT RD

Description: ERECT NEW 1 STORY TYPE 1C WITHOUT BASEMENT FOR RETAIL SALES AS PER PLANS. MOPD WILL BE ADDRESSED ON BUILD OUT PERMIT FOR TENANT.
Total Records: 11, displaying 1 to 10.

First Previous Next Last

Name Completed Date Status
STRUCTURAL REVIEW 2012-07-06 CONDITIONAL PROJECT
REFRIGERATION REVIEW 2012-06-13 APPROVED
REVENUE REVIEW 2012-07-18 APPROVED
ELECTRICAL REVIEW 2012-06-13 CONDITIONAL PROJECT
PLUMBING REVIEW 2012-07-02 APPROVED
VENTILATION REVIEW 2012-06-18 APPROVED
ARCHITECTURAL & FIRE REVIEW 2012-07-16 APPROVED
FINAL DATA REVIEW 2012-08-20 APPROVED
ZONING REVIEW 2012-07-20 APPROVED
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW 2012-06-19 CONDITIONAL PROJECT

The owners of this address received a permit on Monday, August 20, 2012

This data represents the last 18 months of historical permit information and was last updated on Friday, October 5, 2012 . This web site is usually updated every night, however, please allow two (2) business days for permit data to be posted to this web site.

Broomy said...

When did the anon comments come back? Not having the trolls was nice for awhile