Update on the Midway

The construction site is very busy at University and Hampden where the Platform Apartments are under construction.  This is going to be a great addition to the neighborhood - replacing two blighted buildings - turning the corner into a beautiful place to live.   A roof top patio will be a great amenity, as will the underground parking lot.   We are excited for our new neighbors to move in this fall.  St. Anthony Park is really growing - adding many new neighbors close to University.  Hopefully this development will bring a new restaurant!

This is one of my favorite murals by artist Chuck U. It's painted on 2290 Wycliff, close to my office. The Creative Enterprise Zone did a great job with the mural fest!  It makes the neighborhood feel more vibrant. So much is happening here, but sometimes we fly under the radar. I've always felt that the people in the Creative Enterprise Zone knew we had a lot going on, but now we have visual proof!    It will be fun to see what the CEZ comes up with next. 

Yesterday they poured the concrete for the third floor.  Today is concrete for the second floor!

It's pretty exciting when you see all the new developments pinned to this map!   We are pleased that the two new housing developments and two office buildings will bring many new jobs and residents to our neighborhood.    Sunrise Banks will build a beautiful office building, I'm sure.   Their bank on Como Avenue is very pretty and sustainable development too.   With their building and our development at 661 LaSalle, there will be over 150 new workers in the neighborhood every day.    The new new apartments on University will bring hundreds of residents  to the area as well.   We need the mix of both to support our restaurants and shops in the  Raymond/University area. Welcome to the Creative Enterprise Zone!   We Make it Here!    And people want to be here.

Looking east Why is it so fun to watch the big excavators?  I like this photo of one taking a big "bite" out of the last bit of the building that is still standing.   The operators can smash the wall of a building or pick up a small item - It is a real skill.   Bolander and Sons is doing the demoiltion for us and I can't believe how fast the building came down .  Now we can really stat working on putting together plans for our new building.  

700 Raymond really looks pretty on a summer day like today.  The rain garden area is growing great and the plants are doing well.   The potted flowers really add a pop of color.

I applied for a Knight Foundation  Green Line Grant yesterday to improve the corner of La Salle and University.    I think the corner is dull, uninviting and needs more landscaping.   I'm hoping they agree with me and grant me some funding to improve the corner.   It definitely needs Something! !   Trees, more brick piers, signs, art, bike racks, flowers. Almost anything would help. We need to work to make the Raymond Station area inviting and interesting.