This week's featured Hyde Park local is 25 year old Hannah Q. who works as a Library Assistant at the Newberry Library, while earning her Master of Library & Information Science. Here's what she has to say about the neighborhood:
How long have you lived in Hyde Park? What brought you to the neighborhood and/or what keeps you here?
This is my 3rd year in Hyde Park. My husband and I moved here for his graduate school program.
How would you describe Hyde Park to someone who isn't familiar with it?
I think of Hyde Park as being really relaxed. We don't have tons of retail or bar options, but we have the beautiful U of C campus, easy access to the lake and beaches, and tons of parks. I love the cultural options like Robie House, the Museum of Science & Industry, Hyde Park Art Center, Doc Films and all the amazing book shops.
You have friends visiting for the weekend-- What do you make sure to show them in the neighborhood? The Point, Jimmy's [Woodlawn Tap], dinner at Cedars [Mediterranean Kitchen], brunch at The Medici, worship at Saint Paul & the Redeemer Episcopal Church.
What is your favorite restaurant and/or business in the area? What about it do you like? What do you recommend there?
It used to be Dixie Kitchen. Brunch at The Med is always amazing. One of my favorite places in neighborhood is Hyde Park Produce--I'm in there almost every day.
How do you feel about the Harper Court development project and community re-development in general? How do you feel it will impact the neighborhood? What type of development would you like to see, if any?
From what I have read and seen of the project so far, I am mostly in favor of it. In particular, I think that Hyde Park needs more hotel and retail options. And I would love to see more jobs created.
What do you think the neighborhood is missing (if anything)? What do you see as the barriers to Hyde Park having this? Grocery stores. I love having fresh produce stores in the neighborhood, but for my other grocery needs, Treasure Island just doesn't cut it. It is generally more expensive, poorly laid out, and lacks many items we look for. We end up driving to Jewel or Dominick's in other parts of the city to stock up every few weeks. Also, these new CTA cuts are going to make traveling even more difficult for Hyde Parkers as we rely on the 55 bus to get to the Metra and L stations.
Overall, how do you feel about the neighborhood?
Overall, I really feel at home in Hyde Park and enjoy living here. That said, I am glad that I work in another neighborhood, as Hyde Park can feel like an island within the city.
Bonus Question: Feel free to talk about any neighborhood-related issues or topics that I haven't touched on, suggest a question to be included in future interviews, and/or plug your own website or a cause you're passionate about.
I have a photo blog zhparris.blogspot.com where I post pictures from around Hyde Park and my life in general. I'd love to have folks stop by and have a look!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Time Out Chicago versus Chicago Reader: Battle of the Hyde Park Issues
Just a couple weeks after Time Out Chicago (TOC) put out its What's Wrong with Hyde Park issue (see my post about it here), the Chicago Reader has released its own Hyde Park and Kenwood Issue. If you haven't had the chance to read it, you can check it out here.
Those of you who read my post about the TOC issue may recall that, even though I was bothered by the somewhat negative tone of the title and some of the articles, I generally felt positively about the way the magazine argued for the need for more commerce, entertainment, and dining in Hyde Park. Now that I've read the Chicago Reader issue, though, I'm feeling like I gave TOC too much credit....
As the title suggested, the TOC edition focused essentially on what Hyde Park is missing. The Reader's Hyde Park & Kenwood issue, in contrast, reads like a laundry list of all that is great about the neighborhood. It provides an amazingly extensive guide to local dining, entertainment, shops, bars, arts, theater, and architecture (check it out here, under the Street Level heading). What is refreshing about the Reader issue is that the spin on all of its articles is overwhelmingly positive, yet honest and objective. Whereas TOC used the term "wasteland" to describe the neighborhood, the Reader notes,,"[Hyde Park] is a zip down Lakeshore Drive to astounding treasures." The Reader doesn't, though, ignore the challenges and deep-rooted issues that come into play in the neighborhood. Rather, it thoughtfully explores the complex tension and interdependence between the University and the community and how it plays into local political debates such as the contention over the 6st Street Community Garden.
When all is said and done, the Reader paints a picture of Hyde Park as a community that is fiercely independent, uniquely diverse, and thriving in a way that few other communities could. It values Hyde Park on its own merit and history, unlike TOC which seemed to define it by comparing it to north side communities that may have more yuppy hotspots, but lack the history, culture, and socioeconomic, racial, and cultural diversity and richness that Hyde Park possesses. Some more high quality food and dining in the neighborhood would definitely be nice, but the Reader reminded me that these things are relatively insignificant when you look at the big picture of what living in Hyde Park is all about.
Those of you who read my post about the TOC issue may recall that, even though I was bothered by the somewhat negative tone of the title and some of the articles, I generally felt positively about the way the magazine argued for the need for more commerce, entertainment, and dining in Hyde Park. Now that I've read the Chicago Reader issue, though, I'm feeling like I gave TOC too much credit....
As the title suggested, the TOC edition focused essentially on what Hyde Park is missing. The Reader's Hyde Park & Kenwood issue, in contrast, reads like a laundry list of all that is great about the neighborhood. It provides an amazingly extensive guide to local dining, entertainment, shops, bars, arts, theater, and architecture (check it out here, under the Street Level heading). What is refreshing about the Reader issue is that the spin on all of its articles is overwhelmingly positive, yet honest and objective. Whereas TOC used the term "wasteland" to describe the neighborhood, the Reader notes,,"[Hyde Park] is a zip down Lakeshore Drive to astounding treasures." The Reader doesn't, though, ignore the challenges and deep-rooted issues that come into play in the neighborhood. Rather, it thoughtfully explores the complex tension and interdependence between the University and the community and how it plays into local political debates such as the contention over the 6st Street Community Garden.
When all is said and done, the Reader paints a picture of Hyde Park as a community that is fiercely independent, uniquely diverse, and thriving in a way that few other communities could. It values Hyde Park on its own merit and history, unlike TOC which seemed to define it by comparing it to north side communities that may have more yuppy hotspots, but lack the history, culture, and socioeconomic, racial, and cultural diversity and richness that Hyde Park possesses. Some more high quality food and dining in the neighborhood would definitely be nice, but the Reader reminded me that these things are relatively insignificant when you look at the big picture of what living in Hyde Park is all about.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Things to do this weekend! March 6 & 7
Hi folks! So I confess, I completely flaked on putting together this weekend's "Things to Do." Since I already missed last night and most of today, here's a short list of some cool things going on in Hyde Park this weekend:
Saturday (March 6)
Saturday (March 6)
- Notes to Nonself Concert and Puppet Show, Hyde Park Art Center (5020 S. Cornell Ave.) Begins at 7pm. Donations suggested. For more info call (773) 324-5520
- DJ Born live at Chant After Dark (1509 E. 53rd) Begins at 9:30PM. No cover, but 18% gratuity added to all tabs..
- Paranormal Activity at Doc Films (Max Palevsky Cinema, Ida B. Noyes Hall, 1212 E. 59th) Showings at 7PM and 9PM. $5 general admission.
- Free admission to Dusable Museum of African American History (740 E. 56th) Open 12PM-5PM, free general admission all day.
- Lecture by architect David Swan: "The Autobiography of Irving K. Pond and Pond & Pond Work in Hyde Park" followed by walking tour of Pond & Pond buildings in Hyde Park. Hyde Park Historical Society (5529 S Lake Park) Lecture begins at 1PM, walking tour at 2PM, free.
- Passport to Jazz with Reginald Robinson, Oriental Institute (1155 E. 58th) 2PM-4PM. No cover.
- Paranormal Activity at Doc Films (Max Palevsky Cinema, Ida B. Noyes Hall, 1212 E. 59th) Showing at 1PM. $5 general admission.
- New Moon at at Doc Films (Max Palevsky Cinema, Ida B. Noyes Hall, 1212 E. 59th) Showing at 3:15. $5 General Admission
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Favorite Things in Hyde Park: Powell's Books
My recent favorite things posts have focused a lot on restaurants and grocers in Hyde Park. This wasn't intentional per se, but I'm a foody and want to show folks Hyde Park has more than they might expect in that department. I definitely have more to say about food and dining in the neighborhood, but I've been overlooking some other great aspects of Hyde Park and want to give them their moment in the spotlight.
With that being said, I'm planning to focus some of my upcoming Favorite Things posts on one of Hyde Park's major claims to fame-- its diverse array of new, used, and antiquarian book stores. For those who are less familiar with the area, Hyde Park is home to several long-standing and nationally well-known Chicago bookselling institutions including 57th Street Books/Seminary Co-op Bookstore, Powell's Books, and O'Gara & Wilson Book Sellers, not to mention our nice but run-of-the-mill Borders and Barnes and Noble store. All of these shops are within a few blocks of each other--most of the same small stretch of 57th-- and each has a unique niche and vibe. I confess, I'm almost as much of a bookstore junky as I am a foody, so bear with me.
This week's featured spot is Powell's Books (1501 E. 57th-- just west of the train tracks, a couple blocks from the museum). Powell's specializes in used, rare, and "academic and scholarly" books. They even have what looks like a mini museum/gallery of rare special edition books from as early as the 1700s. If you're not into academia or antiquarian book collecting, though, don't worry, they also have a big selection of used fiction, comics, art and design books, not to mention all kinds of neat coffee-table-type books (great for last minute holiday gifts!) .
What makes this bookstore so distinctive and fun is that it's also kind of a hang out for locals and a destination spot for Chicagoans from other parts of the city. Unlike most small, independent book shops, Powell's is open until 11PM every night of the week which means people drop in after diner or even on their way out for drinks. I was there once on a Friday night at 10ish and there was actually a young couple there on what seemed to be a first date and, believe it or not, I'm pretty sure they weren't U of C students, as neither appeared to know the area or the store well (I admit, I was eavesdropping a little...). After the couple wandered around the shop for a while, the date ended with the guy buying his date a heavy, rare law encyclopedia. Extremely nerdy? Maybe...but also representative of the store and the neighborhood's quirky vibe.
There is certainly a time and a place for Amazon.com, Borders, and Barnes & Noble, but there is nothing like meandering through walls and walls of books without looking for anything in particular. There aren't many places like Powell's left in the city, and the few that are left really need our support. So, I urge you to check out Powell's next time you're nearby....and maybe even bring a date.
With that being said, I'm planning to focus some of my upcoming Favorite Things posts on one of Hyde Park's major claims to fame-- its diverse array of new, used, and antiquarian book stores. For those who are less familiar with the area, Hyde Park is home to several long-standing and nationally well-known Chicago bookselling institutions including 57th Street Books/Seminary Co-op Bookstore, Powell's Books, and O'Gara & Wilson Book Sellers, not to mention our nice but run-of-the-mill Borders and Barnes and Noble store. All of these shops are within a few blocks of each other--most of the same small stretch of 57th-- and each has a unique niche and vibe. I confess, I'm almost as much of a bookstore junky as I am a foody, so bear with me.
This week's featured spot is Powell's Books (1501 E. 57th-- just west of the train tracks, a couple blocks from the museum). Powell's specializes in used, rare, and "academic and scholarly" books. They even have what looks like a mini museum/gallery of rare special edition books from as early as the 1700s. If you're not into academia or antiquarian book collecting, though, don't worry, they also have a big selection of used fiction, comics, art and design books, not to mention all kinds of neat coffee-table-type books (great for last minute holiday gifts!) .
What makes this bookstore so distinctive and fun is that it's also kind of a hang out for locals and a destination spot for Chicagoans from other parts of the city. Unlike most small, independent book shops, Powell's is open until 11PM every night of the week which means people drop in after diner or even on their way out for drinks. I was there once on a Friday night at 10ish and there was actually a young couple there on what seemed to be a first date and, believe it or not, I'm pretty sure they weren't U of C students, as neither appeared to know the area or the store well (I admit, I was eavesdropping a little...). After the couple wandered around the shop for a while, the date ended with the guy buying his date a heavy, rare law encyclopedia. Extremely nerdy? Maybe...but also representative of the store and the neighborhood's quirky vibe.
There is certainly a time and a place for Amazon.com, Borders, and Barnes & Noble, but there is nothing like meandering through walls and walls of books without looking for anything in particular. There aren't many places like Powell's left in the city, and the few that are left really need our support. So, I urge you to check out Powell's next time you're nearby....and maybe even bring a date.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Things to Do This Weekend in Hyde Park (2/26-2/28)
No plans yet for the weekend? Here's a list of goings-on in Hyde Park and nearby. If you know of a cool event that's not on the list, post it as a comment!
Friday, February 26
Friday, February 26
- Julia Huff live at Chant (1509 E. 53rd) 9:30PM -12:30AM, No cover, 18% gratuity on all tabs
- Live blues at the Checkerboard Lounge (5201 S. Harper) 8PM-2AM, $10 cover, $5 for students+2 drink minimum
- Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre (CRDT) presents its annual “Jubilation” performance at DuSable Museum of African American History (740 E 56th Pl.) 8PM, $30 general admission
- South Shore Opera Company of Chicago presents its Annual Salute to Black History Month at South Shore Cultural Center (7059 S. South Shore Dr.) 5:30 p.m., free admission
- Ester Hana live at Chant (1509 E. 53rd) 9:30PM -12:30AM, No cover, 18% gratuity on all tabs
- Live blues at the Checkerboard Lounge (5201 S. Harper) 8PM-3AM, $10 cover, $5 for students+2 drink minimum
- Kerry Leung live at at Chant's Sunday Brunch (1509 E. 53rd) 12PM-3PM
- Opening reception of Matt Saunders' Parallel Plot Exhibition at Renaissance Society (5811 S. Ellis Avenue) 4PM-7PM, free admission.
- Contemporary art exhibitions at Renaissance Society (5811 S. Ellis Avenue, 773.702.8670)
- Permanent art collection and rotating special exhibitions at Smart Museum of Art (5550 S. Greenwood Ave.)
- Art classes, exhibitions, and community events at Hyde Park Art Center (5020 S. Cornell)
- Gargoyle on My Shoulder exhibition about famous gargoyles in history at theat Rockefeller Chapel (8AM-5PM, 1156 East 59th St.)
- Ice skating on the Midway Plaisance Park Outdoor Ice Rink. Admission is free, skate rentals are $5. Hot chocolate and concessions available (12AM-7PM, east 59th Street at Woodlawn).
- Pioneers to the Past: American Archaeologists in the Middle East, 1919-1920, an exhibition of never-before-seen artifacts from archeologists' post WWI tours of Egypt and Mesopotamia at at the Oriental Institute ($7 suggested donation, 1155 E. 58th)
- Twice daily carillon recital at Rockefeller Chapel and then take a free guided tour. Then climb the chapel's 271 steps to get an amazing view of the city. (11:30 AM and 5:30PM, 1156 East 59th Street)
- Doc Films, cheap quirky/artsy flicks during the week and 2nd run mainstream movies on the weekend ($5 general admission, Max Palevsky Cinema in Ida Noyes Hall 1212 East 59th Street)
Friday, February 19, 2010
Talking to Hyde Park Locals- Alex H.
This week's featured Hyde Park local is Alex Hartzler, a 25 year old law student. Here's his take on the hood:
About how old are you? What's your occupation? Feel free to be as vague or specific as you want...
I'm 25. Student: formerly, presently, and sorta wish always.
How long have you lived in Hyde Park? What brought you to the neighborhood and/or what keeps you here?
Six short months. I moved here in August to go to law school at U of C. I'll be here for the next two and a half years, no question.
How would you describe Hyde Park to someone who isn't familiar with it?
Hyde Park is a neighborhood centered around the University of Chicago but with a culture and feel of its own apart from the university. Lots of ethnic diversity; beautiful, tree-lined streets; and the home of the President of the United States.
You have friends visiting for the weekend-- What do you make sure to show them in the neighborhood?
1) The U of C quad is gorgeous; that's a must-see because it looks exactly like what you picture when you imagine college. 2) The ice rink on the Midway is really cute, too. 3) Seminary Co-Op Bookstore is a place everyone should get lost once.
What is your favorite restaurant and/or business in the area? What about it do you like? What do you recommend there?
Falcon Inn!!!!!! What a bar. Ray always has an ice-cold mug waiting for you. Always a great night soaring at the Falcon [1601 East 53rd Street].
How do you feel about the Harper Court development project and community re-development in general? How do you feel it will impact the neighborhood? What type of development would you like to see, if any?
I live around that intersection. Which part is being redeveloped? The vacant "Obviously Used To Be A Hollywood Video" building is depressing, so if they're gonna put something there, great.
What do you think the neighborhood is missing (if anything)? What do you see as the barriers to Hyde Park having this?
It'd be cool if there was some sort of grungy, underground theatre that would bring in hipsters and artists, like how people trek in from all over the place to see the Neo-Futurists in Andersonville.
Overall, how do you feel about the neighborhood?
Love it. What a genuine place.
Bonus Question: Feel free to talk about any neighborhood-related issues or topics that I haven't touched on, suggest a question to be included in future interviews, and/or plug your own website or a cause you're passionate about.
Many law students complain about public transportation to Hyde Park. Conceding that it would of course be nice for an El line to run through it, like where the Metra is, I really think the complaints are excessive. The #6 is a breeze, and I often take the Garfield bus to the Green or Red lines. But I'm interested in public transportation issues and I'd love to see other people's thoughts on the matter.
If you'd like to share your views on Hyde Park and/or want the chance to plug your local business or website, click here to complete my online interview. (Note that while I post virtually all survey responses, there may be a 2-3 week lag before yours shows up on the website.)
About how old are you? What's your occupation? Feel free to be as vague or specific as you want...
I'm 25. Student: formerly, presently, and sorta wish always.
How long have you lived in Hyde Park? What brought you to the neighborhood and/or what keeps you here?
Six short months. I moved here in August to go to law school at U of C. I'll be here for the next two and a half years, no question.
How would you describe Hyde Park to someone who isn't familiar with it?
Hyde Park is a neighborhood centered around the University of Chicago but with a culture and feel of its own apart from the university. Lots of ethnic diversity; beautiful, tree-lined streets; and the home of the President of the United States.
You have friends visiting for the weekend-- What do you make sure to show them in the neighborhood?
1) The U of C quad is gorgeous; that's a must-see because it looks exactly like what you picture when you imagine college. 2) The ice rink on the Midway is really cute, too. 3) Seminary Co-Op Bookstore is a place everyone should get lost once.
What is your favorite restaurant and/or business in the area? What about it do you like? What do you recommend there?
Falcon Inn!!!!!! What a bar. Ray always has an ice-cold mug waiting for you. Always a great night soaring at the Falcon [1601 East 53rd Street].
How do you feel about the Harper Court development project and community re-development in general? How do you feel it will impact the neighborhood? What type of development would you like to see, if any?
I live around that intersection. Which part is being redeveloped? The vacant "Obviously Used To Be A Hollywood Video" building is depressing, so if they're gonna put something there, great.
What do you think the neighborhood is missing (if anything)? What do you see as the barriers to Hyde Park having this?
It'd be cool if there was some sort of grungy, underground theatre that would bring in hipsters and artists, like how people trek in from all over the place to see the Neo-Futurists in Andersonville.
Overall, how do you feel about the neighborhood?
Love it. What a genuine place.
Bonus Question: Feel free to talk about any neighborhood-related issues or topics that I haven't touched on, suggest a question to be included in future interviews, and/or plug your own website or a cause you're passionate about.
Many law students complain about public transportation to Hyde Park. Conceding that it would of course be nice for an El line to run through it, like where the Metra is, I really think the complaints are excessive. The #6 is a breeze, and I often take the Garfield bus to the Green or Red lines. But I'm interested in public transportation issues and I'd love to see other people's thoughts on the matter.
__________________________
Have thoughts about Alex's question about public transportation in Hyde Park, or about any other parts of the Q&A? Leave a comment! I don't bite-- promise.If you'd like to share your views on Hyde Park and/or want the chance to plug your local business or website, click here to complete my online interview. (Note that while I post virtually all survey responses, there may be a 2-3 week lag before yours shows up on the website.)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Time Out Chicago wants to know: What's the matter with Hyde Park
Weekly events and culture magazine Time Out Chicago (TOC) generally focuses on providing lists of fun things to see and do in the city, and--in my experience--seems to stay away from local politics. I've been a big fan for a while because they acknowledge that the city extends beyond the loop and Lincoln Park, and often promote Hyde Park spots and events (like Hyde Park Art Center's Cocktails and Clay).
Seemingly inspired by the recent unveiling of the Harper Court redevelopment plans, this week's cover of TOC reads (all in huge, bold caps),"What's the matter with Hyde Park?" When I first saw this headline, I was a little peeved, thinking something along the lines of "Just what Hyde Park needs, some hot-shot local publication telling the world about all of its deficiencies!" Once you get past the strange, negatively-spun headline, there are actually some really great articles about the neighborhood. As I read it, the central focus of TOC's Hyde park issue (which you can check out here) is finding out what Hyde Park locals want and need, attempting to identify the barriers to the neighborhood having these things, and then demonstrating that these so-called barriers are based on misinformation and misunderstandings about Hyde Park. Writer John Slania notes:
In an accompanying piece, writer Jake Malooley goes around and talks to owners and developers of local and national chains asking why they won't set up shop in Hyde Park. Again and again, he is told that the the owners have never even considered moving to the neighborhood, don't want to "pioneer" development in new parts of the city, and don't feel that Hyde Park has the spending power to support their businesses. When Malooley attempts to argue against their assertions by providing data, the owners eventually confess that they actually know very little about the neighborhood or, in the case of the Trader Joe's representative, that she doesn't really know where Hyde Park even is.
In another sideline, Bren DiCrescenzo provides a side-by-side comparison of Hyde Park to Evanston, which is further from the city center yet has historically been more successful in attracting commerce. The most surprising/interesting stats are:
I think that planned development in the community is, in theory, a great thing and has transformative potential. BUT, I worry that this type of progress won't be sustainable if the rest of the city doesn't know or care about Hyde Park. Moderately dense North-side communities like Andersonville and Lincoln Square don't thrive solely on locals, but on folks who drive in from a few miles away to visit. For the development to be successful, Hyde Park needs to essentially become a destination neighborhood, and that might take some work.
The Harper Court redevelopment project represents a sort of chicken-or-the-egg conundrum. The type of large-scale planned commercial development proposed has the potential to bring new vibrancy to the community. On the other hand, new commercial development will not thrive unless there is enough buzz about the neighborhood to make non-locals care. Bottom line, Hyde Park needs some good PR and marketing. The TOC issue is a great start. Right on par with what I try to do in this blog, the writers boost the community and write about what makes it special, while still thinking critically about the broader economic and social issues that come into play. They depict Hyde Park as a virtually-untapped market full of desirable real estate and affluent locals eager to spend their dough on upscale food and retail. They make a pretty convincing argument for why Hyde Park is a great place to open up shop. They tell you what's already great about the neighborhood, and where there is potential for growth. If I were an investor, I'd be sold. I'm just hoping that those with investing power see this piece and maybe give the community a second look.
Seemingly inspired by the recent unveiling of the Harper Court redevelopment plans, this week's cover of TOC reads (all in huge, bold caps),"What's the matter with Hyde Park?" When I first saw this headline, I was a little peeved, thinking something along the lines of "Just what Hyde Park needs, some hot-shot local publication telling the world about all of its deficiencies!" Once you get past the strange, negatively-spun headline, there are actually some really great articles about the neighborhood. As I read it, the central focus of TOC's Hyde park issue (which you can check out here) is finding out what Hyde Park locals want and need, attempting to identify the barriers to the neighborhood having these things, and then demonstrating that these so-called barriers are based on misinformation and misunderstandings about Hyde Park. Writer John Slania notes:
[Hyde Park] sits on prime lakeside real estate and boasts gorgeous historic architecture. Hyde Park has all the trappings of a commercial star, so why is it a veritable retail and entertainment wasteland?Later, he provides statistics demonstrating that Hyde Park-Kenwood is an exceptionally large community (50,000+14,000 students and 12,000 University staff-members), with a relatively high average household income ($62,500, comparable to Lakeview) and low crime rate (it's the 6th safest neighborhood in the entire city). He goes on to talk to locals about things they feel Hyde Park needs (answers include "somewhere to buy cute girl stuff," "a Trader Joe's, a "bigger variety of restaurants").
In an accompanying piece, writer Jake Malooley goes around and talks to owners and developers of local and national chains asking why they won't set up shop in Hyde Park. Again and again, he is told that the the owners have never even considered moving to the neighborhood, don't want to "pioneer" development in new parts of the city, and don't feel that Hyde Park has the spending power to support their businesses. When Malooley attempts to argue against their assertions by providing data, the owners eventually confess that they actually know very little about the neighborhood or, in the case of the Trader Joe's representative, that she doesn't really know where Hyde Park even is.
In another sideline, Bren DiCrescenzo provides a side-by-side comparison of Hyde Park to Evanston, which is further from the city center yet has historically been more successful in attracting commerce. The most surprising/interesting stats are:
Total Crimes Reported in 2008
Evanston: 24.4 per capita, Hyde Park:24.3 per capita
Violent Crimes Incidents in 2008
Evanston: 299, Hyde Park: 236
Median Family Income (2010 Projection)
Evanston: $105,318 Hyde Park: $119,565
What I found most enlightening and troubling about the TOC articles is their portrayal of just how little the general public and investors know about Hyde Park. The writers--and it's not clear how intimately they know Hyde Park-- seem to believe that the Harper Court redevelopment project could transform the community and resolve the issues outlined above.Evanston: 24.4 per capita, Hyde Park:24.3 per capita
Violent Crimes Incidents in 2008
Evanston: 299, Hyde Park: 236
Median Family Income (2010 Projection)
Evanston: $105,318 Hyde Park: $119,565
Finally, Liz Plosser provides a good list of what is lovable about Hyde Park. Her top picks include the lake path, Promontory Point, the many local museums, and great specialty grocer Z&H.
I think that planned development in the community is, in theory, a great thing and has transformative potential. BUT, I worry that this type of progress won't be sustainable if the rest of the city doesn't know or care about Hyde Park. Moderately dense North-side communities like Andersonville and Lincoln Square don't thrive solely on locals, but on folks who drive in from a few miles away to visit. For the development to be successful, Hyde Park needs to essentially become a destination neighborhood, and that might take some work.
The Harper Court redevelopment project represents a sort of chicken-or-the-egg conundrum. The type of large-scale planned commercial development proposed has the potential to bring new vibrancy to the community. On the other hand, new commercial development will not thrive unless there is enough buzz about the neighborhood to make non-locals care. Bottom line, Hyde Park needs some good PR and marketing. The TOC issue is a great start. Right on par with what I try to do in this blog, the writers boost the community and write about what makes it special, while still thinking critically about the broader economic and social issues that come into play. They depict Hyde Park as a virtually-untapped market full of desirable real estate and affluent locals eager to spend their dough on upscale food and retail. They make a pretty convincing argument for why Hyde Park is a great place to open up shop. They tell you what's already great about the neighborhood, and where there is potential for growth. If I were an investor, I'd be sold. I'm just hoping that those with investing power see this piece and maybe give the community a second look.
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