BUCKTOWN — Almost three years after Silver Cloud closed in Bucktown, the awning has been removed, as well as door signs that had promised fans the neighborhood bar and grill would be closed only for "a short time."
Silver Cloud abruptly shuttered in August 2014. Since then, a sign saying, "We will be closed a short time for decorating" had adorned the front door of the building at 1700 N. Damen Ave.
On Wednesday, that sign was removed. And a few weeks ago, the distinctive blue and white awning and neon sign that advertised Silver Cloud was taken down, too. New brown paper has been placed over the storefront doors and windows.
Rivak "Rocky" Albazi, the owner of Silver Cloud, still has an active business license tied to 1700 North Damen Avenue, state records show.
For years, he has declined requests for comment on the future of Silver Cloud. Albazi, who also owns Sheffield's, a bar at 3258 N. Sheffield Ave. in Lakeview, did not return requests for comment on Thursday.
The building's owner, Merv Dukatt, also did not return requests for comment.
A restaurant industry source said Albazi is coming up with a new concept for the location.
Some neighbors are looking forward to seeing a new business at the vacant site.
"It has been a bummer that a prime corner spot with outdoor seating has stood unattractively empty for so long," said Anna Kornbluth, a Bucktown resident.
Coupled with what she called "the mystery building" just north of the location on Damen "and the endlessly revolving door of businesses kitty corner (southeast), that intersection could use some anchoring with distinction," Kornbluth said.
Though prolific restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff was at one point rumored to be interested in taking over the spot at the northwest corner of Damen and Wabansia avenues, that plan never materialized.
When Oldham parted ways with Albazi, her Silver Cloud business partner of 19 years, the mother of two said she was doing so to make more time for family. Silver Cloud opened in 1994.
