LINCOLN PARK — The co-owner of the former Black Duck restaurant is opening a similar eatery in the historic building at the corner of Halsted and Willow streets, which is welcome news for preservationists and neighborhood folks who fought to protect the building from demolition last year.
Dan Allen has teamed up with longtime friend Anthony Eugenio, who is a partner at Zella, 1983 N. Clybourn Ave., and a third restaurateur to open The Marc 1883 at 1800 N. Halsted St.
If all goes according to plan, Allen said the new family-friendly restaurant — which is named after the building's landmark status, including the year it was built — will open in December.
"It'll be very similar to the Black Duck, but it'll be brand new from start to finish. We're going to bring the corner back to what it originally was," Allen told a group of residents at a RANCH Triangle neighborhood group's planning meeting Monday evening, held at Adams Playground Park, 1919 N. Seminary Ave.
It's a positive outcome for Allen, as well as neighborhood groups and preservationists who fought to protect the 19th-century era building, which housed Schulien's Tavern, the birthplace of Chicago magic, and was named one of the state's most endangered historic places.
Allen said he is "so thankful that the neighborhood banded together."
"The fact that I got to get back in there ... I owe that to everybody around me," he told DNAinfo Chicago, adding that Ald. Michele Smith (43rd) was also instrumental in protecting the building.
Last spring, the historic building was under threat of demolition.
Developer Golub & Co. wanted to tear it down, along with the buildings north of it and the building that houses King Crab restaurant, 1816 N. Halsted St., and build a six- or seven-story apartment building in its place.
Neighborhood groups strongly opposed the project's plans to demolish the Black Duck building, as well as the height and architecture of the proposal.
Even though the developer ultimately withdrew its proposal, the Black Duck and King Crab reluctantly shut their doors because the owner of the properties refused to renew their leases.
Allen said the new restaurant will serve American continental food that's "a step above" Black Duck. Patrons can expect dishes that include steak, seafood, chicken, pasta and lamb on the menu, which will change with the seasons. More than 70 bottles of wine will be offered.
Food items will be ordered every day, so all of the dishes will be fresh, Eugenio said.
Allen couldn't disclose the name of the head chef yet because she's still working for another venture, but said the restaurant will be open for brunch, lunch and dinner.
Like the Black Duck, The Marc 1883 will stay open until 2 a.m. every day if Allen and Eugenio get the proper license, which was the purpose of Monday's community meeting.
While a few neighbors voiced concerns about the late-night hours, others emphasized that it's a minor concern compared to the threat of demolition from a year ago.
"What they agreed to do they did not have to agree to do. They met with Landmark Illinois, consulted with architects that were brought in. They will make the front facade better. It was all done with such integrity and honesty. They were trying to adjust to the market and still be respectful of preservation," said Deirdre Graziano, a member of Lincoln Central Association who fought to protect the building.
Allen said the late-night hours are for restaurant or service workers in the neighborhood coming off a long shift. But he maintained that the new spot will be more of a restaurant than a bar.
Right now, the inside of the restaurant is undergoing a massive renovation after getting completely gutted. During construction, crews were surprised to find brick walls and a mural of a cabaret woman from the 1980s, among other unique elements they plan to incorporate in the design.
In addition to restoring the facade, crews are also at work restoring the building's 14-foot columns.
"It was a rough road," Allen said. "If you had asked me what I'd be doing a year ago, I wouldn't have guessed this. I'm a firm believer that everything comes full circle for a reason. I'm ecstatic with the outcome."
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