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Pedal Power Helps Chicago Window-Washing Business Take Off

By Justin Breen | June 16, 2016 5:38am | Updated on June 16, 2016 6:50am
 Urban Street Window Works offers a variety of services.
Urban Street Window Works offers a variety of services.
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Urban Street Window Works

CHICAGO — Not finding a parking spot was the best thing to ever happen to the creators of Urban Street Window Works.

The company was originally founded in 2012 with the idea of driving vans to Chicago businesses for window cleaning, graffiti removal and other services. But discovering prime parking spots was difficult. So the company switched to cargo bikes, which have become part of its identity.

"The bikes are very unique and bring a special kind of energy," said Zach Ellis, who was washing windows at Floyd's Barbershop in Lakeview during an interview with DNAinfo.

The Bucktown-based business started running out of a garage but recently opened a storefront at 2115 N. Western Ave. It will host an open house from 6-9 p.m. Thursday for current and prospective clients.

Urban Street Window Work, which also fixes windows and installs film over windows for businesses and residences, has clients all over the city. That includes clients in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Uptown, Jefferson Park, Rogers Park, Downtown, West Loop, Bridgeport, Logan Square and Lincoln Square.

Ellis said the company began with just a few business clients, but that number has grown to more than 120, including Whole Foods, Bang Bang Pie Shop, Dimo's Pizza, lululemon and Moosejaw.

"We're always trying to help our clients network with each of our clients," Ellis said. "Our whole vision and purpose is to create a relationship with our clients and help them grow their business any way we can."

Ellis said future plans include a possible expansion into the high-rise window-cleaning market and hosting block parties.

"We're really taking off," Ellis said.

For more information on Thursday night's open house, which includes free beer from Present Tense Fine Ales and free food from Pleasant House Bakery, click here.

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