LAKEVIEW — Well-known Lakeview landmarks are coming down as new businesses put their mark on the neighborhood and others embellish what's already there.
Call it a sign of the times.
After Spin Nightclub closed in 2014, the new owner replaced the sign at Belmont and Halsted with a message welcoming patrons to the Boystown corridor. Now, new management has replaced it with a banner for the three current venues, Manhole, The Den and SEVEN. [DNAinfo]
After Spin Nightclub closed in 2014, its iconic sign was replaced with a black banner welcoming people to Boystown at Belmont and Clark. The sign, which included small logos for Whiskey Trust and Chloe's, served as an unofficial gateway for the Boystown corridor.
After a rollercoaster of name changes and different owners over the past year, LKH Management has replaced the "Welcome to Boystown" sign with logos for its three venues at 3200 N. Halsted St.
The Whiskey Trust logo on the building's facade was also painted over soon after LKH and David Gassman assumed control of the building, as well.
Under the Belmont "L" station, the beloved Clarke's Diner sign had been replaced. In late June, the longtime 24/7 diner was replaced by The Belmont Cafe after going dark for several months.
Even after The Belmont Cafe replaced Clarke's Diner at 930 W. Belmont Ave. in June, the former sign remained. A new one went up in the weeks following the restaurant's opening. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]
A few weeks later, the old-school, ivory sign declaring, "Oh my, you should eat!" disappeared. A simpler sign, bearing "The Belmont Cafe" in red block letters, went up in July.
Around the corner, Home Run Inn has taken down the Lina's sign as it prepares to open at 3215 N. Sheffield Ave. The original Leona's Restaurant opened there in 1950 before its owners sold off the chain, but retained the Lakeview location and renamed it Lina's in 2013.
The Leona's in Lakeview was rechristened Lina's when its owners sold the former chain. Lina's closed last year, and Home Run Inn is replacing it. Clockwise from top left: The sign at the original Leona's in Lakeview; Lina's replacement sign in 2014; the sign's current state as Home Run Inn rebuilds; a present-day Leona's sign after the chain was sold in 2013. [DNAinfo/Google Maps]
Lina's closed a year ago, and Home Run Inn is expected to open later this year after starting construction in March. The original Leona's sign has been revealed after the Lina's banner was taken down. The Leona's letters, however, appear to be gone for good.
Even Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) signed up for some extra flair; his office at 3223 N. Sheffield Ave. is now marked by a small sign bearing the Chicago flag and "44th Ward." It makes the office a little easier to find among the Sheffield Avenue storefronts, which is always good if you're planning a visit.
Ald. Tom Tunney's office recently added a sign to its facade at 3223 N. Sheffield Ave. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
