Zoe Pharo

Rogers Park

Staff writer for @HydeParkHerald and freelancer. Previously @inthesetimesmag @gonggershowitz. Send tips to: [email protected]

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Articles

Nonprofit to distribute $1M in arts and culture grants

1 week ago | hpherald.com | Zoe Pharo

A nonprofit that promotes equitable transit-oriented development is giving out $1 million in grants to Chicago artists as part of an initiative to preserve neighborhoods’ cultural identity amid gentrification. A project of Elevated Chicago, the grants are open to individual artists, collectives and entrepreneurs pursuing “culturally centered, community-driven placemaking and placekeeping projects,” according to a program description.
Nonprofit to distribute $1.5 million in arts and culture grants

1 week ago | hpherald.com | Zoe Pharo

A nonprofit that promotes equitable transit-oriented development is giving out $1.5 million in grants to Chicago artists as part of an initiative to preserve neighborhoods’ cultural identity amid gentrification. A project of Elevated Chicago, the grants are open to individual artists, collectives and entrepreneurs pursuing “culturally centered, community-driven placemaking and placekeeping projects,” according to a program description.
Carol Moseley Braun named board chair of the DuSable

1 week ago | hpherald.com | Zoe Pharo

Carol Moseley Braun, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate and a lifelong public servant, is the new board chair for the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. “Her status as a historical figure, her exceptional career and commitment to public service will bring invaluable expertise to the DuSable,” Perri Irmer, president and CEO of the DuSable, said in a statement.
Microgrant applications for area beautification projects open through April

2 weeks ago | hpherald.com | Zoe Pharo

Applications are open once again for the South East Chicago Commission’s (SECC) neighborhood beautification microgrants. Named after a longtime SECC board chair and Kenwood community leader, the Shirley J.
59th Street Metra Station rehabilitation could start next year, officials say

2 weeks ago | hpherald.com | Zoe Pharo

Long-stalled work to rehabilitate and modernize the 59th Street Metra station could begin next year, a Metra official says. Originally planned to start in 2022, construction was delayed by more than four years, according to Michael Gillis, Metra’s director of communications, because the preliminary engineering and especially the environmental review process took longer than anticipated.
Seoul Taco, 3LP joining forces in Hyde Park

2 weeks ago | hpherald.com | Zoe Pharo

Seoul Taco, a Korean-Mexican fusion chain, is joining forces with 3LP, a Bridgeport-based Chinese American eatery, under one roof in Hyde Park. As of Friday, menus for both Asian American eateries and some new items are available at the South Side Seoul Taco,1321 E. 57th St. The fusion, Seoul Taco founder David Choi told the Chicago Eater, which first reported the news, comes amid declining demand for dine-in service and increased carryout and delivery orders.
Marquinn McDonald, martial arts teacher and public safety advocate, appointed to 2nd Police District Council

3 weeks ago | hpherald.com | Zoe Pharo

Marquinn McDonald, a martial arts teacher and community safety advocate, is the newest member of the 2nd Police District Council. Officially appointed by the Mayor’s Office in February, McDonald fills the vacant seat left by former councilor Julia Kline, who resigned in August after months of acrimony between councilors.
Street renamed for DuSable founder Margaret T. Burroughs

3 weeks ago | hpherald.com | Zoe Pharo

A new street sign outside Washington Park’s DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center pays tribute to its legendary founder, Margaret T. Burroughs. “Margaret T. Burroughs Drive,” a section of 57th Street stretching from Cottage Grove to Payne avenues, was unveiled by a host of elected officials, museum supporters and friends last Saturday. Among the attendees was Dr. Peggy Montes, a mentee of Burroughs and the Bronzeville Children’s Museum founder, who spearheaded the street renaming.
26-story hotel proposed near Obama Presidential Center site

4 weeks ago | hpherald.com | Zoe Pharo

A veteran real estate developer and friend of former President Barack Obama is vying to build a 26-story hotel blocks away from the incoming Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. The developer, Allison Davis, submitted a rezoning application to City Council last week for a parcel of vacant land he owns at 6402-20 S. Stony Island Avenue.
Community approves plans for Washington Park Bank rehabilitation

1 month ago | hpherald.com | Zoe Pharo

Residents of the 20th Ward voted to approve a developer’s plan to rehabilitate the dilapidated Washington Park Bank building, clearing the way for a redevelopment agreement with the city to fund the project. Called Revive6300, the project is a $46 million plan to renovate the building, 6300 S. Cottage Grove Ave., and convert it into a space for offices, retail and a Chicago Public Library branch. In the works since 2022, it’s spearheaded by South Side-based developer DL3 Realty.