PianoForte Studios Moving down to 1335 S. Michigan?

Vacant building at 1335 S. Michigan that supposedly will be the new home of PianoForte Studios

A big, vacant building on South Michigan may have a new occupant if a reader on our message board is correct:

ARTS ON THE MOVE: PianoForte Studios, a piano store that does business in the Fine Arts Building at 408 S. Michigan, has purchased its own building. Represented by real estate broker DTZ, PianoForte bought an 11,000-square-foot, three-story building at 1335 S. Michigan. Property records show the building sold for $1.15 million. The store plans to be in the new space this summer.

While we're not 100% sure about the source, it's a nice development if true.  There is still a glut of buildings/space right here and it will be nice to have one of them occupied.

PianoForte's 408 N. Michigan Address

We don't know much about PianoForte Studios, but have noticed them further North on Michigan Avenue (see image on the right).  We've even commented how strange it was to have a piano store in such a prime location.

Based on what we've read they will be a good neighbor as they also have a foundation with a noble mission:  

PianoForte Foundation is dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of the piano in Chicago and creating a vibrant piano community that closely connects audiences and artists. We bring excitement and appreciation for piano music to a wide audience through high-quality concerts, festivals, competitions, education, outreach, and public broadcasts.

As a piano player and general admirer of the instrument (and all things music) it's exciting to have them move into the Sloop.  Especially since they will bring life to a stretch that isn't currently very easy on the eye.  Hopefully they can change that!

For those of you who would like more information on PianoForte, we found this video on their website from a CBS2:


(Hat tip:  South Loopr)

Jones College Prep Doubles Enrollment; However Local Residents Seats @ High School Stay at 300

Schooling continues to be a hot topic around these parts and yesterday we read about the newest plan put forth by Mayor Emanuel and CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennet.  Spoiler alert, it's not what most Sloopsters wanted to read (via Chicago Sun-Times registered users):

Image from Richard A. Chapman~Sun-Times

Ignoring the wishes of many South Loop parents and their alderman, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Tuesday that the old Jones College Prep High School building will not be converted to a neighborhood school but instead will double the number of students allowed to test in. 

Jones College Prep students are scheduled to move a block south in the fall into a new, $115 million building, according to Chicago Public Schools. Parents in the footprint of the selective enrollment school, 606 S. State, have asked that the existing building be renovated into a school open to any child living in the neighborhood, regardless of academic prowess. 

Instead, Emanuel and CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett opted to double the capacity of Jones, they said at the school Tuesday. By 2016, Jones will hold 1,700 high school students from across the city who make the academically competitive cut, with students housed in the current building and the new one. Jones has about 900 students enrolled now.

The bright side is that they're not demolishing the old Jones College Prep building.  The dark side is that it really isn't benefiting neighborhood residents.  Local residents will still only get 300 seats set aside for them, which many believe won't keep up with the changing demographics of the neighborhood.

Alderman Fioretti and local parents/residents think this will cause middle class families to leave for the burbs. We tend to agree with this theory.

What do you think about this new announcement?

A Look Inside the Retro Ebony/Jet Building at 820 S. Michigan

Remember when Columbia College bought the Ebony/Jet building at 820 S. Michigan?  That was in December 2010.

WBEZ writer Lee Bey recently had a fascinating look at and in the building as well as some updates on what Columbia plans to do with the building.  Most interesting to us were the pics of the incredible interiors:

When it opened in 1972, the Ebony/Jet Building was a buttoned-down and conservative addition to south Michigan Avenue; an elegant, modernist rectangle overlooking Grant Park with the same dignity found in the magazines published in the building.

But that was the exterior. Behind pioneering black architect John Moutoussamy's four walls were offices designed with an exuberant, high-style and fearless mix of a color, texture, art, contemporary furnishings and pattern. Created by interior designers William Raiser/Arthur Elrod, the offices embodied an afrocentric modernism that was well-turned, avant garde and quite hip--a perfect match for publisher John H. Johnson's groundbreaking magazines.

Definitely worth a click at least to see the pictures of the interior.  If you're interested in the future of the building it's also worth a click.  Here is a quick highlight paragraph:

In one of the more notable modernist architectural saves in the country right now, Columbia will restore and convert the Ebony/Jet Building into the John H. & Eunice W. Johnson Center, the first seven floors of which will be a library. The college described the planned new facility as a "nimble, technologically-capable, interactive center comprising visual art, digital books, photography, and other compilations." Columbia's Center for Black Music Research will be housed there also. 

Also of note is that the sign on top of the building will be staying.

(Hat tip:  BH!)

That Was Snappy! Snap Fitness Opens at 1212 S. Michigan

We first heard about Snap Fitness coming to the South Loop in August of 2012.  Fast forward to December and new windows were being carved out on the second floor of 1212 S. Michigan.

And now, a reader on our message board has tipped us off that the Snap Fitness is officially open for business.  We also saw some people running on treadmills in the window, so we're betting that this is true.

While we haven't been over to look inside yet we plan to in the near future.

Has anyone tried out the new spot?  We assume it will be a hit with people living South of Roosevelt as options are a little limited.  Our only question is whether or not their is parking options for the gym?

If not, it may have a tough time competing with the others that do (XSport and LA Fitness).

News Conference About the Old Jones Local High School?

Ben Joravsky, the insightful and opinionated writter from the Chicago Reader, recently had a good article about the drama surrounding the Jones College Prep debate.  As you may or may not remember, a brand new, state-of-the-art school is currently being built at the corner of Polk and State (just South of the older Jones College Prep building).  The project is moving a long and from what we can tell looks pretty good.

In the meantime, there has been a raging debate by local residents, Alderman Fioretti, CPS and other government officials on what to do with the old building.  At one point we heard it was going to be demolished.

Local residents and Alderman Fioretti would like it to be converted into a high school for local residents.  Joravsky discusses the history of the high school and where it currently stands in his article.  He also has a prediction of what may or may not happen:

Image from Chicago Reader (EILEEN MESLER)

Fioretti says he recently learned that CPS has created an internal panel to study the problem, but it doesn't include the alderman or community residents. 

Translation: CPS officials are stalling for time while the mayor figures out what to do. 

"The boundaries for a new school would go from about 35th on the south to Grand on the north, Ashland on the west, and the lake" on the east, says Fioretti. "We keep saying, 'If you build it, they will come.'" 

I predict that if Fioretti and residents apply enough pressure, the mayor will call a press conference to announce he wants to turn Jones into a neighborhood school because it's really important to keep the middle class in Chicago—like it was his idea all along. Sort of like the press conferences he's called to declare his newfound support for gay marriage, gun control, and immigrants' rights. Don't say he's not adaptable.

Which brings us to an anonymous email we got yesterday from a reader (and we're paraphrasing a little):

Alderman Bob Fioretti is hoping to hold a press conference at the Illinois Center for Broadcasting at 530 S. State Street around 6PM.  The goal is to have the old Jones High School in the background (with the assumption that the press conference is to talk about the old high school.

Hmmmm, maybe Joravsky's prediction is correct?  Or maybe this is Fioretti's attempt to bring a bigger spotlight on the issue?  We will see.

Tribune Columnist on Acadia: "Wouldn't Be Surprised if He Earned Second Michelin Star"

It's the time of year when "best" lists seem to pop up (see story on best bars from last week).  Well the Chicago Tribune food columnist, Kevin Pang, has given his best of and Acadia was a highlight for him this past year.  Here is a link to the story (which includes a video and Acadia mention at 0:31).

So we're not sure if he is saying McCaskey will earn one star again in 2013 or if he is saying he wouldn't be surprised if he earns 2-stars in 2013.  Regardless, it's clear he likes what they're doing at Acadia.

We also like that he mentions "this empty grass lot" and fence next door like that has anything to with the restaurant.  As we know, the plan is for the city to convert this space into a park hopefully this year.

Shots Around the Sloop: Heads-up

From Emily Belden:

380 square feet. 39,000 heads-up pennies, all glued to the floor with love by South Loop couple, Emily Belden and Ryan Lange -- owner of South Loop tattoo shop, Code of Conduct.

We launched a site about it yesterday that went viral on all social media platforms, garnering worldwide traffic: www.thepennyfloor.com

Some sweet stats from their webpage:

• 1873: the oldest penny used; coin features an Indian head instead of Abraham Lincoln 
• 1944: year of the WWII 440 steel penny used because of a copper shortage 
• 38,903: total amount of pennies used 
• 128: total number of man-hours it took to lay pennies 
• 2: total number of people who made the penny floor possible 
• 184: number of reruns (see glossary) placed before grouting 
• $972.80: total cost for the penny floor about 2.56 per square foot.

Recently on the Sloopin Message Board...

It's been awhile since we've linked to some threads on the message board so thought it was about time.  Historic car dealerships, CTA retail, liquor license objections, local schooling and urban gardening are a couple of the things discussed recently:

• New Ford Dealer in old Joyce Ford space by blarger
• possible name of new restaurnat near el stop-butterfield kitchen by TS
• Artist Cafe - Great Sandwich by JeffWagg
• Bureau Bar @ 75 E 16th objection by nokiny
• Jones Prep by Thaddeus Stevens
• Community Garden space in the sloop? Anyone? by Sloopjohnb
• Donna's Cafe by JH83
• Construction on 18th and Wabash ? by Peter

Ald. Fioretti Racks-up $800K in Taxpayer-Funded Legal Costs

The Chicago Tribune has more of the backstory (behind it's premium pay-wall):

A single Chicago alderman exercising his traditional right to have final say on decisions in his own ward racked up taxpayer-funded legal costs of more than $800,000 in the past four years, records show. 

The tab includes legal fees and settlement payments in two federal lawsuits filed against Ald. Robert Fioretti, 2nd, some of his colleagues and the city, as detailed in court and Law Department records. The suits challenged Fioretti's use of aldermanic privilege to stand in the way of two businesses seeking permits in his ward. 

Both businesses — the venerable Congress Plaza Hotel and the now-defunct Felony Franks hot dog stand — got their permits in the end, but only after lengthy delays they attribute to Fioretti's decisions. The city lost the case focusing on Fioretti's refusal to sign off on a sidewalk cafe permit for the Congress Hotel. 

A judge's ruling in that case for the first time acknowledged the tradition and power of aldermanic privilege, which is neither mentioned nor defined in city code. 

And the city is in the final stages of settling the case brought by Felony Franks, which centered on Fioretti's refusal to back a sign permit.

Seems like a lot of cash for two relatively minor issues.  Obviously we don't know all the details, but a sidewalk permit and an objection to a sign?  Seems like $800K could be put to use somewhere better!

The article goes on to say that the Congress Hotel dispute could be tied to his position on a labor dispute (see old Sloopin post about the longest strike in that nation).

The Felony Franks sign issue was blocked by Fioretti because churches in the area opposed the name and "glorifying crime".  The Felony Franks concept was to give jobs to ex-cons...something we didn't know and find intriguing.  Felony Franks (which was in the near west side) is now closed.  

Neighborhood and Dive Bars: Chicago Magazine and Chicagoist Weigh In

We recently stumbled upon a couple posts/articles in the press touting area wide bars.  While we wish the Sloop got more pub, it was still nice to see some local establishments get recognized.

First, Chicago Magazine has a great interactive post highlighting The 100 Best Bars in Chicago.  It's not a straight list in the traditional sense, it's broken down into categories.  The Sloop only had two spots registering on the list in the 18 Best Neighborhood Spots.  The two spots are both mainstay hospitality owned:

City Tavern The team behind Chicago Firehouse modeled this eight-month-old spot on an 18th-century New England tavern. The roaring fire in the front lounge, a long wooden bar backed by lofty mirrors, and a 14-page roster of drinks would make Sam Adams proud.

Wabash Tap The local hang has somehow resisted the rest of the South Loop’s revamping—it’s still serving beer and Tots for under $6, and the pool sharks at the back tables give a welcoming nod to every visitor.

If you're curious what else made the cut, we highly suggest checking out this nifty interactive map.

One of the categories in the Chicago Magazine article was for dive bars.  The blog, Chicagoist, didn't really agree with Chicago Magazine's definition of dive bar (not surprisingly) and decided to provide their own rebuttal to the dive bar list.  And George's Cocktail Lounge (646 S. Wabash) made the cut:

Longtime South Loop standby Cal's closed New Year's Eve but folks looking for a cheap drink, a jukebox whose selections haven't been changed in years and one last nip to go at last call only need to head a few blocks east to George's Cocktail Lounge. Located across the street from buddy Guy's Legends, this bar is popular with Columbia College students, neighborhood winos with some change to spend and newer South Loop residents looking for a final drink before sunrise and no shame as to where to find it. Pull up a seat next to a bar that's seen better days, enjoy some of the cheapest drinks downtown and waste hours people watching.

If you haven't been to George's, it is most certainly the epitome of a dive.  We've had some interesting experiences at said place (see story about Finnish man talking our ear off).

Umai Signs Appear at Northwest Corner of Clark & Polk

A reader writes about a new restaurant coming to the Northwest corner of Clark and Polk:

Hi Sloopin, 

I don't know if this has been reported but a Japanese/sushi restaurant appears to be set to open at any moment on the northwest corner of Clark & Polk. I have attached a picture of the sign posted on the door. The shades remain drawn so it's tough to get a good picture of the establishment. 

Hopefully, you'll be able to update the business counter soon. 

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for the picture and good to see things are progressing at Umai.  Last we reported, a reader mentioned in the comment section that this was coming.

(Hat tip: MR!)

Sketch Released of Sexual Assault Suspect

Following up on the story from last week (via Chicago Tribune): 

(Chicago Police sketch / January 15, 2013)

The attacker is described as black, between the ages of 30 and 33, between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-8 and weighing between 165 and 185 pounds. The man had black hair, brown eyes and a medium complexion. He was wearing a black ski cap with red trim and a dark-colored sweater, police said.

Eleven City Diner Expands North in Lincoln Park

Photo: courtesy Eleven City Diner

Kudos to Eleven City Diner (1112 S. Wabash) on their plans to expand up North in Lincoln Park.  They join a couple of others who have also started in the South Loop and expanded up North.

Some people have had harsh things to say about the restaurant, but we like it!  Judging by the lines on the weekends, it appears many others do as well.

Grubstreet Chicago had a recent interview with owner Brad Rubin talking about the new spot and the challenges the old-school deli model faces.  He also has a good shout-out to the Sloop and how the northern version is going to be different and why:

We're not cloning the South Loop location. We'll bring certain things over— like the subway tile, I think that's intrinsic to the brand. But the South Loop has this energy, it's a busy, hustling place. It's different here, you've got moms with strollers taking a break, families. This location will have its own identity, its own thing going on.

Good luck up North...but glad you started in the South!

British School of Chicago Updates: Bureaucracy, Roof Parks and Public Notices

The British School of Chicago moving to the Sloop was a hot topic late last year and it appears that will continue to be in 2013.  The highly informative blog, The Chicago Architecture Blog, has a great piece called The South Loop's British (School) Invasion.

Based on their post, it sounds like there is some bureaucratic issues that need to be sorted out (SURPRISE!):

The paperwork is just starting to make its way through the bureaucracy, and is expected to have a more complicated tour of City Hall than most buildings. This is because of the redistricting of Chicago’s wards in 2012. It appears that the eastern portion of the building might be in William Burns’ Fourth Ward, while the western portion would be in Danny Solis’ 25th Ward.

The ward boundary doesn’t run down something easy like a street — it has a couple of weird angles in that area, so the school and the developers, McCaffery Roosevelt, have to wait while the city tries to figure out who’s turf is in play. That is important, of course, because of the public meetings. While CDOT and the Chicago Fire Department and other city agencies have been briefed on the school, the public has not.

Also of interest was the plans for the "roof park" which appears to be included to appease residents:

We’ve already heard from some of the neighbors who are angry before they’ve even seen the plan. They believe the school will take the place of a public park they were promised.

Looking at the original documents for the Roosevelt Collection from 2006, the neighbors are right — they were promised a park. In fact, the developer is obligated to spend $2 million building the park. However, in all of the diagrams filed with the city, the park is on the west side of the project, not on the east side. So there may be room for both. 

For what it’s worth, the building’s design appears to give the public some green space. The new school will be attached to the Roosevelt Collection structure so that a person can walk directly from the shops onto the roof of the school, which is designed to be a large garden.

I'm sure everyone wants a park (we do)...but making it inline with the retail grade at Roosevelt Collection could be a smart solution.  Probably not ideal, but interesting none-the-less.

Finally, a reader sent us a picture of a public notice sign that has been put up to make neighbors aware of this potential change (we assume).  They say they're going to have neighborhood meetings to discuss this plan...we will keep you posted as we hear more.

(Hat tip: W & CJ!)