Uptown has become controversial lately. The old CTA building at Wilson and Broadway was recently torn down. And the land is being redeveloped. Most Realtors will tell you there's a beautiful Target with condos above it going into the space at Montrose and Broadway. That doesn't sound bad, right?
The truth is, things have changed a little since Target once-upon-a-time hinted at opening a store there. And now this project has become the biggest government blunder in the history of government blunders (well, not really, but it's still pretty big). (Here's a comforting website where you can read all about it.)
Anyway - the Wilson Yard controversy along with inconsistent feelings about whether Uptown has turned, is turning or will-ever turn make it an interesting neighborhood to watch. Here are the numbers for Uptown in 2008.
Uptown will never "turn" until 46th Ward Alderman Shiller is ousted from her position. Until then, she will do everything in her power to make sure Uptown remains a dangerous, crime and drug infested playground for her selected "constituents" (read: voting base).
Posted by: ECB | January 27, 2009 at 02:45 PM
ECB is correct. Until enough people vote Shiller out (she won the last election by only 700 votes, I believe), the area will suffer. There is positive change despite her, but that change is at a slow pace. She is a "cancer" on both the well-to-do and poor in the neighborhood. Her only objective is to continue to get elected and proceed with her warped 1960's radical vision for the ward. Everyone loses.
And remember, the positive developments in Uptown (Borders, Agami, Crew, Green Mill, Fat Cat, etc...) are all north of Leland (on Broadway). This is because they are in Mary Ann Smith (48th) Ward - NOT Shiller's.
Posted by: Uptown Resident | January 27, 2009 at 03:56 PM
Do you take requests for your research? I was looking at your summaries for condo sales between 2007 and 2008. Living in Uptown it looks like I'm not in such a bad situation. However, I look around at what's currently on the market and I don't feel so confident. What I'm wondering is are the median 2008 sale prices buoyed by the sales early in the year versus late in the year. I'd be curious to see median home sales by quarter for the last 8 quarters. My suspicion is that the median home price has continued to decline through 2008. If possible, please continue with your previous approach of breaking out single family, condos, 1,2,3 bedrooms, etc.
Thanks for the blog. I'll keep reading.
Posted by: JMB | January 29, 2009 at 01:47 PM
JMB: I do take requests! I'll pull 8 quarters of median in Uptown and post it soon. But this won't give the clearest picture of the neighborhood. Currently LISTED properties show you most clearly your home's value. Meaning - if there are as nice or nicer homes at a lower price, you're too high. So your instinct sounds right.
Posted by: Phil Byers | January 29, 2009 at 03:29 PM