DevCorp North What's Now: Rogers Park, Chicago

Visit the new Evil Squirrel in the neighborhood

Evil Squirrel comics has opened their doors at 1304 W. Estes.  They are chock full of comic books, card games and books.  Every Wednesday is New Comic Book Day, when the new comic books are released.  Every Friday night from 6:30 to 10 pm, Evil Squirrel hosts Friday Night Magic (ask your kids).

Evil Squirrel is open on Tuesdays from 12 to 7, Wednesdays from 1 to 9, Thursdays from 12 to 9, Fridays from 12 to 10, Saturdays from 11 to 10 and Sundays from 11 to 6.  They are closed on Mondays.

For more information, contact Evil Squirrel at 773-338-0899.

Rogers Park's computer solution

For any of your computing needs visit Rogers Park's own Rogers Park Computer Company, at 6979 N. Sheridan Road.  This great resource has been in the community for just over two months.  They can help with a basic diagnositc for only $45 or more advanced maintenance as needed.  If you need any new hardware installed, such as memory or hard drives, softward, including anti-virus or spyware installation, they can help with that too.  For more information visit their website at www.rpcompco.com or call them at 773-467-7034.

Howard El Renovations

49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will hold an informational meeting regarding the Howard Elevated Station renovation on Wed. May 24th at 7 p.m. in the Pottawattomie Park Fieldhouse (7340 N. Rogers).  The meeting will provide a project overview and timeline, information on construction issues and information on possible employment opportunities for union card holders in the building trades and job training possibilities.

Representatives of the CTA, the Chicago Urban League and Mc Hugh Construction - the project’s general contractor, will be available to inform the community of the status of the project, discuss the hiring process and answer specific questions on a range of issues, including:

·         Construction

·         Customer Service

·         Job Training/Building Trades/Construction Hiring

For more on the history of the Howard El Station, click here.

A new business opens in Rogers Park

Kenny the Kleener located at 7451 N. Clark is now open.

Ken Davis, the entrepreneur behind Chicago Discount Cleaners, has expanded his cleaning empire with a second string of stores.   Kenny offers “Full Service Cleaning Without the Full Price.”

Located on the south side of Clark Street at the Gateway Shopping Centre, cleaner aficionado’s will be thrilled with the prices.   During the Grand Opening celebration, most garments can be cleaned at $1.50.  Even at the regular price of $1.99 per piece, it’s still one of the best deals in town.

Kenny the Kleener was named the 2005 Illinois Dry Cleaner of the Year.  Clothes are cleaned in 48 minute cycles -- longer than some competitors.   “I have more than 25 years of experience in the dry cleaning business.  If I find a better way to do it, I’m going to bring it to my customers,” states Davis.   

Kenny the Kleener is a family owned and operated business.   The store will over full services including an on-site tailor.  “We offer all the services of other cleaners, but at a more affordable price, " says Davis.  Kenny’s will also clean those difficult pieces such as leather and suede, comforters and your wedding dress.

Their store hours are Monday thru Friday, 6:30am - 8pm, Saturday 6am-6pm, and Sunday 10am-5pm.  For more information, call Kenny at (773) 856-5704.

An Amazing Resource for Rogers Park

Xtreme Access expands their services and changes their hours.  The cafe is now open and serving coffee, espresso and light pasteries.  Xtreme Access is a full service internet center with 18 computers, offering:

• Internet Services
• Web Browsing
• Video Chat
• Email
• Online Gaming
• Lan Parties
• PS2/Xbox/PC Gaming

Their computers are equipped with Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Flash, Dreamweaver.  Fax, scanning, and printing services are also available (B/W at $0.25 a copy and color at $1.00 a sheet).  Copy services are $0.10 a copy and $1.00 for color copies.

  Xtreme Access also has special business packages where they will:

• Set up your own Voice over IP internet phone connection
• Assist with business licensing
• Provide unlimited internet access
• Design a 5 page web-site and basic logo
• Create business cards
• Provide printing services

Xtreme Access's Digital Divide Challenge is a program to tutor local youth and provide them with a link to technology.  Ask Chris, the General Manager, for more details or call 773.572.8975.  Their new hours are 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday, 10am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday.

Gateway gets Quiznos

On March 31st Tammy Ballard, her husband Nick and her brother Billy VanCannon opened Rogers Park's first Quiznos Sub shop.  The store is located in the Gateway Center, at 1731C W Howard Street, in the plaza with the CTA and Pace bus stations.  The Ballards had been living in Iowa and worked with VanCannon, who attended the MBA program at Northwestern, since the Fall of 2004 to open their own Quiznos location.  Being more familiar with the area, VanCannon knew that there was demand in Rogers Park and saw the large amount of foot traffic around the Howard El Station as a huge advantage.

Quiznos sells a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches (included lite and toasted).  They also provide catering services and box lunches upon request.  Their outdoor seating area is open just in time for summer.  Current hours are: 11am to 10pm, Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 8pm on Sundays.  For more information call 773-465-9756.

Birchwood Beach Living

Seven of 28 rehabbed units are still available in the elegant 1920's building at 1421-29 Birchwood.  The location is only two blocks from the lake and steps from the Howard and Sheridan commerical areas.  Features include new hardwood floors, granite and stainless steel kitchens and in-laundry hook-ups among many others.  Units are one and two bedroom/one and two bath from $209,900 to $274,900.  For more information call Michelle Browne at Mak Browne & Associates for more information, at (773) 604-7111 ext. 227.

Loyola's New Infomation Commons Building

Loyola University is in the final design phase of a new 70,000 sqft building on its Lakeshore Campus.  The new building is expected to be located East of the existing Jesuit Residence buidling (which is planned to be demolished).  The four story building will have two glass facades, maintaining some of the visual connection with lake, and is planned to house 800 study seats, 300 computer workstations and 8 state-of-the-art electronic classrooms.  The top floor will be a large flexible meeting space with an outdoor patio.  Features such as a green roof, radiant floor heating/cooling, maximazation of natural daylighting and water conservation strategies qualify Infomation Commons as a Silver rated LEED Certified building, one of fewer than 50 such environmentally certified buildings in the City of Chicago.  For more information visit Loyola University's website www.luc.edu

The boom in Rogers Park

New Homes Chicago is published 10 times a year, and has more information about city and north suburban new construction than any other source. In their recent issue, there is an article on Rogers Park developments that gets into specific up & coming areas in Rogers Park.  Click here for the entire article

New condos available

The Lidia Condominium (1262-64 W. North Shore/6705-11 N. Lakewood) was borne of the 1920’s in beautiful Rogers Park.

The Lidia’s old world charm and craftsmanship have been carefully polished and shined and await a new generation wanting her reconfigured, spacious interiors. Twelve glorious simplexes and three duplexes are fully rehabbed two and three bedroom (one and two bath) homes. Elegantly appointed, these homes boast state-of-the-art kitchens with cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite counters and dramatic tray ceilings. Vintage detailing includes: intimate front balconies, hardwood flooring, romantic gas fireplaces and a quaint yard with a signature fountain. Open floor plans, large decks, central heat/air, whirlpool baths, and washer/dryer hook-ups bring modern amenities to The Lidia.

Home to many favorite restaurants, coffee houses, art galleries, live theater venues as well as 13 beaches and parks, Loyola Park, Lidia’s home, is a creative community within Rogers Park. Easy access to both Evanston and downtown Chicago via CTA or Metra brings additional entertainment possibilities to The Lidia residents’ social calendars.

The Lidia Condominium is for those who expect luxury and demand affordability. Let Lidia’s elegant past, rich charm and totally modern makeover entice you into your new home.

A New City Builders, Inc. Development.  For more information, contact Mak Browne at (773) 604-7111.