Plenty to be thankful for

It’s the time of year when we look back over the preceding months and take stock of all that we’re thankful for. In the Far South Side communities of Roseland, Pullman and Kensington neighborhoods there are plenty of things that qualify.

I would venture to say that the one major thing we can all be thankful for is the election of Pope Leo XIV. America’s first pope came from our neighboring town of Dolton, and he has strong ties to Roseland in that his mother served as the Mendel Catholic High School librarian for six years. Also, his two brothers attended Mendel so, you can be certain the family spent quite a bit of time in Roseland and were well-acquainted with shopping on “The Ave,” Michigan Avenue.

Speaking of Michigan Avenue, I think we can be thankful that an attempt is being made to revitalize the venerable commercial boulevard. No, it will never be the Michigan Avenue as we knew it, but with the Red Line Expansion underway, there is hope. Three large new commercial / residential developments are planned as anchors in this revitalization effort. When the entire Redline project is complete, it should be followed by more investment and development.

The Michigan Avenue stop of the Redline will be at Kensington and Michigan Avenue and the entire block where the Roseland Plaza was located will be the centerpiece of the “el” stop. There will be commercial properties on the first floor of the planned three-story building with residences on the top two floors. Further down Michigan Avenue, where the Roseland Theater was located, will be a similar building. The third building will be located in the area where Gately’s once was, at 112th and Michigan Avenue. The properties along the avenue will receive favorable status and assistance from the city of Chicago to entice developers and businesses to consider the area as a substantial and profitable investment.

St. Anthony’s suffered through its summer slump and survived once again. Every year, the parents of the catechism students return to their own parishes during the summer season. Several years ago, Fr. Mark made it clear to the parents that St. Anthony CCD classes were not a “drop off and leave” situation. Ever since that time, the CCD parents have made it a point to stay for Mass, join parishioners in coffee fellowship, and attend some religious informational sessions. This has all taken place to everyone’s mutual satisfaction and is looked forward to.

However, once the CCD season ends, the parents rightfully return to their home parishes, leaving St. Anthony with about 35-50 regular 9 a.m. mass attendees. With the restart of the CCD program in the fall, the number of attendees at the 9 a.m. Mass easily approaches 50-100. This is good news for St. Anthony’s as the increase in attendance also increases the weekly donations that support the parish. So, not only do the children and their parents benefit spiritually, but St. Anthonys also benefits in a way that allows it to flourish for everyone’s benefit.

Pullman has seen quite a bit of development this past summer. Most of the development has centered around the business area of 111th and Corliss Avenue, just off the Bishop Ford Freeway. The latest business to open its doors is Chipotle, which everyone watched with growing anticipation as it was being slowly built over the course of a good six or eight months. It was well worth the wait according to the many reviews it has received.

Chipotle is another step in the direction of making Roseland the fast-food capital of the South Side. It joins Potbelly, Culvers, Baskin Robbins, Dunkin Donuts, Chick-fil-A, Lexington Betty Smokehouse, and Wing Stop as “go to” places for a quick bite or dinner. There is currently an effort being made to add to the mix with a niche pizza restaurant from Nashville called Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria.

If Slim & Husky’s decides to join the mix, they will add their avant-garde oblong gourmet pizzas as an additional option. Slim & Husky’s is a business that hires and assists young people in establishing careers in the food and service industries. Another goal of Slim & Husky’s is community involvement. The owners have sponsored reading programs in elementary schools and hope to do the same as they open future establishments. We will have to wait and see if the ongoing discussions are fruitful.

Another long-awaited renovation and restoration project is the former home of the Calumet Harbor Restaurant at 115th and Forestville. It’s been going on since the beginning of summer and will hopefully conclude soon. I had been told they were trying for a late fall opening. By the time you are reading this column some of you might have already been able to sample their offerings.

The biggest thing that we can be thankful for is the recent progress on the long-awaited renovation of the Hotel Florence. The financial arrangements have been made to secure about $100 million to repair, restore, renovate and update the hotel to meet all current codes and regulations. When it’s completed, the 50 or so rooms will be accompanied by several shops and two restaurants.

The Hotel Florence hasn’t had a fully equipped restaurant on its premises in decades and now the plan is for two restaurants. This is will be possible because the annex building at the corner of 111th and St. Lawrence will become a connected part of the hotel. Direct access to the annex will be through the hotel itself, which was not previously possible.

Home values in Pullman continue to rise as the popularity and safety of the neighborhood become well-known. Pullman is like any other development in this day and age. When we were growing up, there was a grocery store every three blocks, however, people also had ice boxes and were used to buying fresh food. Today, it takes effort to find fresh food. Thankfully, Pullman has all the city amenities, is safe and is located next to the expressway for downtown work and enjoyment.

“Petals from Roseland: Fond Memories of Chicago’s Roseland, Pullman and Kensington Neighborhoods” is available from me for anyone interested in sharing or revisiting Roseland, at $20 + $5 s&h via check, cash, or Zelle. Contact me at petalsfromroseland@gmail.com or 11403 S. St. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60628; 773-710-3559. My book is also available at D & D Foods, 1023 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights, at Bookie’s New and Used Books, 10324 S. Western Ave, Chicago and at Miles Books, 2819 Jewett Ave., Highland, Indiana.