Signed, sealed, delivered

We're happy to report that both the Rogers Park Manor AND Talman West Ridge National Register Historic Districts are now complete with with signs. Check them out as you stroll around the neighborhood.

Shady Rest

A pine-shaded stone bench in front of Park Gables, just north of Indian Boundary Park.

Kumbha Mela

Anyone who's visited West Ridge knows that our Devon Avenue offers the experience of a trip to the Subcontinent, minus the inconvenience of an international flight. And, as we've mentioned before, the word "bungalow" has deeps roots in India: in Gujarati it's known as bangalo, from Hindi, bangla is a "low, thatched house," and the term "Bengalese," is used to describe a "house in the Bengal style."

On Friday I was the guest of members of our local Indo American Heritage Museum at the opening event for this wonderful photography exhibit:

Sacred Waters: India’s Great Kumbha Mela Pilgrimage, March 6 — July 19, 2009

Journey to India with photographer Jean-Marc Giboux, and discover the creativity and splendor of the largest human gathering on earth, the Kumbha Mela pilgrimage.

Four times every 12 years, for just a few weeks, enormous and vibrant communities form at rivers believed to transform into divine nectar. Witness these fleeting, joyful gatherings, and discover their dazzling processions, theatrical performances, and the athletic and devotional practices of holy men. Then, proceed with the pilgrims to the culmination of their journey—a bath in sacred waters.

Through photographer Giboux's arresting images, glimpse the diversity of India and the complexities of Hindu religious life, on display at The Field Museum.

On another note, only vaugely related to bungalows (see November 11, 2008 post), while at this event I was excited to see Maria Pinto, Mrs. Obama's couturier of choice, looking every bit the designer in a fab, fitted green suit.

Doors of West Ridge

How we became West Ridge

From the October 17, 1963 Chicago Tribune

Residents of the Far North Side neighborhood of West Ridge are more likely to tell you they live in North Town or West Rogers Park.

The official name of the community of 61,129 is nearly as old, though, as the hill that marks its eastern border at Ridge Avenue. The neighborhood is bounded on the north by Howard Street , on the west by the North Shore Channel and Kedzie Avenue and on the south by Peterson and Bryn Mawr Avenues.

Though originally settled in the 1830s by Phillip Rogers, West Ridge was never really part of Rogers Park. Clashes with its eastern neighbor and nearby Evanston led to West Ridge's incorporation as a village in 1890, accoring to yellowed Tribune clippings tracing development of the Far North Side.

The independence was short-lived however. West Ridge was incorporated into the City of Chicago three years later.

A realtor's view of West Ridge Bungalows

Here's a link to a relator who is highlighting West Ridge Bungalows on her website. It has some nice panoramic photos, you'll recognize some of your neighbor's homes.

Going...going...

...and very soon to be gone. After years of neglect and decay, a permit for demolition of the Nortown Theater was issued on June 7. Driving by this morning, it appeared that work has already begun.

The developer's plans call for construction of a five story condo and commercial building in its place. Unlike the high quality brick masonry construction going up throughout the city, this project will be primarily painted cast-in-place concrete.

Although the development will include parking for the condos (just under one space per unit), it will not provide any parking for the commercial space due to a generous manipulation of the zoning requirements by Alderman Stone.

Another sad day in the 50th Ward, and another piece of West Ridge history headed to the landfill.

WRBN enters the blogosphere

Greetings Bungalow Neighbors! After a very inspirational meeting with our friends from House in Progress, we've decided to join them and share the various bits and pieces of bungalow trivia that we gather via this blog. We'll also use this space to announce meetings, provide updates on projects, and generally keep you abreast of all things bungalow.