Lauri Jaffe
Lauri Jaffe's projects
Recent Activity
Commented on North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Commercial
Commented on North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Whatever you build or change here, keep the crime concerns foremost!
Supported a comment by Claire M on
North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Claire M
Since it is right on the park, please don’t build anything tall! Additionally, since the neighborhood, park, and buildings around are pretty, maybe updating the gas station to look nicer might be good.
Since it is right on the park, please don’t build anything tall! Additionally, since the neighborhood, park, and buildings around are pretty, maybe updating the gas station to look nicer might be good.
Supported a comment by Michelle S on
North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Michelle S
It is a cool looking design, very unique. However, it doesn't need to remain in use as a gas station.
It is a cool looking design, very unique. However, it doesn't need to remain in use as a gas station.
Supported a comment by Sarah Kaull on
North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Sarah Kaull
People in the neighborhood and beyond value a gas station there. And the mid century modern design is iconic and a symbol of the area.
People in the neighborhood and beyond value a gas station there. And the mid century modern design is iconic and a symbol of the area.
Supported a comment by Michelle S on
North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Michelle S
Just FYI that there is a Shell station half a block away to the south, at North and LaSalle. I agree that keeping one or the other as a gas station makes sense.
Just FYI that there is a Shell station half a block away to the south, at North and LaSalle. I agree that keeping one or the other as a gas station makes sense.
Supported a comment by Karen R on
North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Karen R
I've found having this gas station very important on a number of occasions when I needed air in my tires. Since it is only a couple of blocks away, I could get there with my nearly flat tire. Having to go all the way to another gas station would have been impossible and I would have had to call road service, wasting hours and hours. Besides, it seems fairly common to have gas stations near the off ramp of highways. While it may not be the cheapest gas around, it serves a very useful purpose in emergency situations because there just isn't another one around for miles. In the suburbs, no one seems to have a problem with gas stations on the corner of every major intersection; sometimes two. There used to be a gas station on Lincoln, north of Wrightwood. It too is gone. Urban planning requires access to basic commodities. Not everyone has an electric vehicle.
I've found having this gas station very important on a number of occasions when I needed air in my tires. Since it is only a couple of blocks away, I could get there with my nearly flat tire. Having to go all the way to another gas station would have been impossible and I would have had to call road service, wasting hours and hours. Besides, it seems fairly common to have gas stations near the off ramp of highways. While it may not be the cheapest gas around, it serves a very useful purpose in emergency situations because there just isn't another one around for miles. In the suburbs, no one seems to have a problem with gas stations on the corner of every major intersection; sometimes two. There used to be a gas station on Lincoln, north of Wrightwood. It too is gone. Urban planning requires access to basic commodities. Not everyone has an electric vehicle.
Supported a comment by Vee Li on
North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Vee Li
Perhaps expand the streets or redesign the traffic pattern to reduce vehicle congestion. The Fullerton and Damen intersection was redesigned and traffic seems to be better. With the recent pickleball craze, perhaps the city can put in courts to relieve the influx of pickleball taking over Bauler Park.
Perhaps expand the streets or redesign the traffic pattern to reduce vehicle congestion. The Fullerton and Damen intersection was redesigned and traffic seems to be better. With the recent pickleball craze, perhaps the city can put in courts to relieve the influx of pickleball taking over Bauler Park.
Supported a comment by Vee Li on
North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Vee Li
Church doesn't add any value. I don't like having a gas station there either but at least I can fill up my car if I need to. A small grocery store in the area would add tremendous convenience.
Church doesn't add any value. I don't like having a gas station there either but at least I can fill up my car if I need to. A small grocery store in the area would add tremendous convenience.
Supported a comment by Ryan Dobbs on
North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Ryan Dobbs
I think that any utilization of this structure designed for auto centric use and not pedestrians and people is a waste. There are no positive attributes to a gas station.
I think that any utilization of this structure designed for auto centric use and not pedestrians and people is a waste. There are no positive attributes to a gas station.
Supported a comment by Sam S. on
North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Sam S.
Extremely difficult piece of property to redevelop, either residential or commercial, because of shape and small size. Probably the best use is some kind of public space that could incorporate improvements to the the traffic flow through the Clark-LaSalle-LaSalle Drive intersection which is dangerous, particularly to pedestrians.
Extremely difficult piece of property to redevelop, either residential or commercial, because of shape and small size. Probably the best use is some kind of public space that could incorporate improvements to the the traffic flow through the Clark-LaSalle-LaSalle Drive intersection which is dangerous, particularly to pedestrians.
Supported a comment by Adam Greer on
North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Adam Greer
it is an underutilized spot. Chicago lacks amenities (restaurants) near parks/open space. I would love for this development to bring outdoor spaces and dining closer together.
it is an underutilized spot. Chicago lacks amenities (restaurants) near parks/open space. I would love for this development to bring outdoor spaces and dining closer together.
Supported a comment by Nate Lielasus on
North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Nate Lielasus
The canopy of the existing gas station is an amazing design by George Terp. The canopy was made in a steel mill on the south side and moved by barge to this location. It would make a great shade structure for a pocket park. Or perhaps it could be moved into Lincoln Park across the street and reused as a picnic shelter.
The canopy of the existing gas station is an amazing design by George Terp. The canopy was made in a steel mill on the south side and moved by barge to this location. It would make a great shade structure for a pocket park. Or perhaps it could be moved into Lincoln Park across the street and reused as a picnic shelter.
Supported a comment by Matt V on
North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Matt V
None. Please replace this with something that doesn't attract noisy vehicles.
None. Please replace this with something that doesn't attract noisy vehicles.
Supported a comment by gary schwartz on
North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
gary schwartz
right now there are no positive benefits.That station attracts all sorts of motor cycle gangs. They noise and havoc they create is unbearable . They cruise around at all hours circling the triangle streets in the area,.The music blasts at unbelievably high volumes. They disrupt traffic. Additionally the gas station was the sight of the party bus shooting last year. It needs to go!
right now there are no positive benefits.That station attracts all sorts of motor cycle gangs. They noise and havoc they create is unbearable . They cruise around at all hours circling the triangle streets in the area,.The music blasts at unbelievably high volumes. They disrupt traffic. Additionally the gas station was the sight of the party bus shooting last year. It needs to go!
Commented on North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Please don't put a high rise here!
Supported a comment by Benjamin McNeil on
North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Benjamin McNeil
Hi Bonnie, a high rise on the west corner of North and LaSalle would utterly destroy the property value and quality of life for anyone in 1660 N LaSalle who has a unit facing south, by blocking their views of the downtown skyline. Do you know anything more about plans for a high rise? I can't believe our Alderman and community would ever stand for it, but money talks...
Hi Bonnie, a high rise on the west corner of North and LaSalle would utterly destroy the property value and quality of life for anyone in 1660 N LaSalle who has a unit facing south, by blocking their views of the downtown skyline. Do you know anything more about plans for a high rise? I can't believe our Alderman and community would ever stand for it, but money talks...
Supported a comment by Jessica Diamond on
North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Jessica Diamond
agree, about trader joe's, it would be wonderful addition, but no objection to a speciality grocery like Plum, do NOT need Aldi. Are we losing both gas stations in your design plan ? BP is a cool design don't need two gas stations however the visual access to the park is nice and provides an openness to the location. In general, I am opposed to high rises in the area, they increase density without contributing to the neighborhood's old town feel. All for a dynamic re-imagining of the BP station that encourages foot traffic and a human-scale open architectural transition between Lincoln park and west side of Lasalle.
agree, about trader joe's, it would be wonderful addition, but no objection to a speciality grocery like Plum, do NOT need Aldi. Are we losing both gas stations in your design plan ? BP is a cool design don't need two gas stations however the visual access to the park is nice and provides an openness to the location. In general, I am opposed to high rises in the area, they increase density without contributing to the neighborhood's old town feel. All for a dynamic re-imagining of the BP station that encourages foot traffic and a human-scale open architectural transition between Lincoln park and west side of Lasalle.
Supported a comment by Tim Carew on
North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Tim Carew
The BP site is a very prominent entrance to the Old Town neighborhood. Since it adjoins the Moody Church, any redevelopment should be architecturally distinguished. It should be compatible with current zoning and preserve the scale and height levels prevalent in our neighborhood. The design should incorporate the magnificent current roof line. A versatile space perhaps modeled after the Rothko Chapel could be used as a place for mediation, prayer, concerts and ceremonies, smaller scale gatherings, special art exhibits, and memorials and other honors and recognitions such as the awarding of the Pritzker Prize. It can greatly benefit our neighborhood.
The BP site is a very prominent entrance to the Old Town neighborhood. Since it adjoins the Moody Church, any redevelopment should be architecturally distinguished. It should be compatible with current zoning and preserve the scale and height levels prevalent in our neighborhood. The design should incorporate the magnificent current roof line. A versatile space perhaps modeled after the Rothko Chapel could be used as a place for mediation, prayer, concerts and ceremonies, smaller scale gatherings, special art exhibits, and memorials and other honors and recognitions such as the awarding of the Pritzker Prize. It can greatly benefit our neighborhood.
Supported a comment by Jewly P on
North and LaSalle
4 months, 1 week ago
Jewly P
I DO NOT WANT TO SEE THIS GAS STATION REPLACED WITH HIGH RISE CONDOMINIUMS. ANYTHING BUT THAT.
I DO NOT WANT TO SEE THIS GAS STATION REPLACED WITH HIGH RISE CONDOMINIUMS. ANYTHING BUT THAT.
Supported a comment by Claire M on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 3 months ago
Claire M
This is an incredible opportunity for another grocery store- trader joes or smaller market. There is a need! It would also improve the appearance and value of the block vs a vacant place.
This is an incredible opportunity for another grocery store- trader joes or smaller market. There is a need! It would also improve the appearance and value of the block vs a vacant place.
Supported a comment by Carlos Gonzalez on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 3 months ago
Carlos Gonzalez
Supermarket like Treasure Island or more upscale would do great. More lighting and beautification of the area would make it nicer and seem safer.
Supermarket like Treasure Island or more upscale would do great. More lighting and beautification of the area would make it nicer and seem safer.
Supported a comment by Carol C on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 3 months ago
Carol C
Please lease your T.I. parcel to the grocery store that you told the 1660 Condo Assn. last May that you had lined up to fill the T.I. spot. You wanted 1660's air rights plus to lease its parking garage's upper floor in exchange for leasing your retail condo to a grocery store plus some other perks. Please help our community by renting to the grocery store now. Your parcel has been vacant for a couple of yrs. now. As parcel owner, you don't need anything from 1660 to rent out your retail condo now. It has been vacant too long already to wait further for a 6 parcel development to happen. There is no big urgency for re-development of the other 5 parcels, but the whole neighborhood is suffering by the delay in leasing to a new grocery in the T.I. spot. You can definitely gain a lot of good will and respect by moving forward on this parcel now.
Please lease your T.I. parcel to the grocery store that you told the 1660 Condo Assn. last May that you had lined up to fill the T.I. spot. You wanted 1660's air rights plus to lease its parking garage's upper floor in exchange for leasing your retail condo to a grocery store plus some other perks. Please help our community by renting to the grocery store now. Your parcel has been vacant for a couple of yrs. now. As parcel owner, you don't need anything from 1660 to rent out your retail condo now. It has been vacant too long already to wait further for a 6 parcel development to happen. There is no big urgency for re-development of the other 5 parcels, but the whole neighborhood is suffering by the delay in leasing to a new grocery in the T.I. spot. You can definitely gain a lot of good will and respect by moving forward on this parcel now.
Supported a comment by Aniss Driss on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 3 months ago
Aniss Driss
Grocery store. We are currently a food desert.
Grocery store. We are currently a food desert.
Supported a comment by Robert E Brown on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 3 months ago
Robert E Brown
Most definitely a higher end grocery store. Whole Foods? Trader Joes? Doms? Additional retail. Co-working space like weworks or industrious. Possibly rental apartments above.
Most definitely a higher end grocery store. Whole Foods? Trader Joes? Doms? Additional retail. Co-working space like weworks or industrious. Possibly rental apartments above.
Supported a comment by Susan S on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 3 months ago
Susan S
Green Space must be included as we have too much cement with the 1660 parking in the west side. Grocery Store where we can purchase basics like pet food. Maybe include a diner, wine bar. An area to bring in small businesses to sell items like bakery, chocolates, pasta etc. similar layout like Eataly. Include something unique to make the business successful that will make $$
Green Space must be included as we have too much cement with the 1660 parking in the west side. Grocery Store where we can purchase basics like pet food. Maybe include a diner, wine bar. An area to bring in small businesses to sell items like bakery, chocolates, pasta etc. similar layout like Eataly. Include something unique to make the business successful that will make $$
Supported a comment by Cheryl Rothschild on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 3 months ago
Cheryl Rothschild
TRADER JOE’S
TRADER JOE’S
Supported a comment by mary trager on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 3 months ago
mary trager
Optimally I'd love to see a Trader Joe's or a farmers market. High quality food & produce option.
Optimally I'd love to see a Trader Joe's or a farmers market. High quality food & produce option.
Supported a comment by Kristi N. on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 3 months ago
Kristi N.
Please bring us a grocery store here!
Please bring us a grocery store here!
Supported a comment by Barbara Lake on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 3 months ago
Barbara Lake
Most businesses close for one reason. Lack of profitability. That was not the case with the closing of TI. It was, for half a century. %to the last day, a very profitable location. Our community NEEDS a grocery store. It would take take liitle for Fernhill to give the community what it needs and wants and still make a profit. After all, isn't what this is all about for Fernhill to begin with?
Most businesses close for one reason. Lack of profitability. That was not the case with the closing of TI. It was, for half a century. %to the last day, a very profitable location. Our community NEEDS a grocery store. It would take take liitle for Fernhill to give the community what it needs and wants and still make a profit. After all, isn't what this is all about for Fernhill to begin with?
Supported a comment by Geri N on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 3 months ago
Geri N
We are in desperate need of a grocery store
We are in desperate need of a grocery store
Supported a comment by Chris P on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 3 months ago
Chris P
The scale of the neighborhood should remain at the current level. No high rise buildings. Congestion on North Ave and LaSalle, especially in the summer, is crazy.
The scale of the neighborhood should remain at the current level. No high rise buildings. Congestion on North Ave and LaSalle, especially in the summer, is crazy.
Supported a comment by Paul F on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 3 months ago
Paul F
As others have noted, the ground space is presently empty (no benefits) and there is a parking garage. Given that the area's grocery stores are concentrated around the south end of Old Town, keeping this space retail grocery would be a plus. If not a chain grocery store, perhaps divide the space up sort of bazaar-style with several specialty food retailers under one roof?
As others have noted, the ground space is presently empty (no benefits) and there is a parking garage. Given that the area's grocery stores are concentrated around the south end of Old Town, keeping this space retail grocery would be a plus. If not a chain grocery store, perhaps divide the space up sort of bazaar-style with several specialty food retailers under one roof?
Supported a comment by Cheryl Rothschild on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 3 months ago
Cheryl Rothschild
Put in a TRADER JOE’S!! Or another affordable grocery store.
Put in a TRADER JOE’S!! Or another affordable grocery store.
Supported a comment by Kristi N. on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 3 months ago
Kristi N.
There are no benefits provided by an empty grocery store.
There are no benefits provided by an empty grocery store.
Supported a comment by Meghan Ivan on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 3 months ago
Meghan Ivan
Would love a Trader Joes or a Dom's! This area needs a grocery store.
Would love a Trader Joes or a Dom's! This area needs a grocery store.
Supported a comment by Cameron Sigmon on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 3 months ago
Cameron Sigmon
A new grocery store - please! A Trader Joe's would do SO well in this location - nothing affordable for over a mile!
A new grocery store - please! A Trader Joe's would do SO well in this location - nothing affordable for over a mile!
Commented on North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
There is SO much in the way of new housing around here - rather NOT see housing. If it absolutely has to be - then low rise!!!!
Commented on North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
Non-chain takeout spots
Commented on North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
Disagree
Commented on North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
Similar to Trader Joe's - like Fresh Market but Trader Joe's would work too. A boutique (smaller) Jewel, or a Target that features a big grocery section. Or a warehouse type - with several different food businesses inside - where you pay separately like a farmer's market or even better if there's a way to pay via one special card.
Commented on North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
Speciality store
Supported a comment by Leon Corriea on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
Leon Corriea
I would like to see a neighborhood grocery store - a Trader Joe's or Wholefoods would be the best use of this space. This neighborhood is crying out for a healthy, affordable grocery store.
I would like to see a neighborhood grocery store - a Trader Joe's or Wholefoods would be the best use of this space. This neighborhood is crying out for a healthy, affordable grocery store.
Supported a comment by Bruce Theobald on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
Bruce Theobald
A grocery store. We desparately need that to be replaced.
A grocery store. We desparately need that to be replaced.
Supported a comment by Nate Lielasus on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
Nate Lielasus
Traffic through North/LaSalle/Clark is definitely a bit hairy and intersections are wide and intimidating.
Traffic through North/LaSalle/Clark is definitely a bit hairy and intersections are wide and intimidating.
Supported a comment by Jenna Brooks on
North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
Jenna Brooks
Trader Joe’s or a grocery store!
Trader Joe’s or a grocery store!
Commented on North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
Speciality store
Commented on North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
Fruit store, general grocer (ie milk, fruit!), definitely need to keep Walgreens!, maybe a grouping of independent markets (ie an indoor farmers market extended).
Commented on North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
Safety concerns
Commented on North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
Through email blasts
Commented on North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
I'm an Old Town resident
Commented on North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
Somewhat Important
Commented on North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
Access to parks and public open space
Followed North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
Commented on North and LaSalle
1 year, 6 months ago
Some type of foodservice, not necessarily a full grocer. Perhaps a fuller service fruit stand (like a Fresh Market or Trader Joe's) -where it doesn't have to be so big like a Jewel, etc. There is such a need for this of store here. Especially for those without a car! Treasure Island may have been on the way down, but we need something for fresh food.