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, 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.
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.
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.
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