Wabash Avenue Needs Some Life

Perfect Sidewalk Cafe Territory

05/16/2010 8:24 PM

By Blagica Bottigliero

1 Comment - Add Your Comment


It's ironic to be living in the middle Columbia College's creative community, yet feel like I live in a desolate town.I wrapped up my weekend with a quick jaunt on Wabash. Up to Chase for a deposit, then to Caribou for a java, followed by the stroll back to our home on State. In the short time span it took for me to zig zag up and down two blocks, I fully expected to see tumbleweeds cross my path.

Wabash Avenue was recently renovated, Columbia College is taking home in even more buildings, yet weekend evenings on this stretch of street are empty. The sidewalks are crying out for a cafe to take it over. The empty storefront on the corner of 9th and Wabash is such a great spot for a neighborhood hangout. The only business taking over this spot is the seasonal Halloween shop.

I said hello to Michael, owner of Canady Le Chocolatier, he was closing shop for the night. Aside from him, I didn't see much life on Wabash, aside from students bustling to their dorms or neighbors heading back home from their Jewel shopping stinks.

If you walk a few blocks north on Wabash, you'll see the Dunkin Donuts, KFC and Tamarind bringing energy (aka humans) to the neighborhood, however, there should be more. Is there something I'm missing regarding this Dead Zone? By Dead zone, I mean Wabash between 11th and 8th streets.

Anyone else notice this?


1 Comment - Add Your Comment



By Bonnie McGrath from South Loop
Posted: 05/16/2010 11:08 PM

I know what you mean--but it sure was hopping on that stretch Friday!! Of course, that was due to Columbia's Manifest; it's a shame that level of liveliness only comes once a year...