EDGEWATER — A local pol is hoping that a new study will be the first step in revitalizing a strip of North Broadway that is speckled with fledgling businesses as well as a number of empty storefronts and commercial buildings.
With a budget of $150,000, Ald. Harry Osterman (48th) hired consulting firm URS Corporation to find what infrastructure improvements and partnerships can better support business on the main thoroughfare running through the neighborhood.
The results of the study could include recommendations for future streetscapes, according to Sara Dinges, a staff assistant to the alderman on economic development.
Although details of the study were not immediately clear, Dinges said the downtrodden Uptown entertainment district and area near Loyola University are main focuses of the study, and will likely see growth in the coming years.
To the south, residents believe the reconstruction of the Wilson "L" station will help bring more art and entertainment to Uptown.
To the north, Hamilton's Bar, located on North Broadway near Loyola University, announced last week it would be shutting its doors after 80 years after agreeing to sell the property to Loyola.
Loyola also expressed interest in being a part of commercial revitalization on North Broadway.
She said URS Corporation will present recommendations to the ward soon, and then the public will be invited to comment on specific details in early November.
