New Pop-Up Storefront Adds to Lawrence Avenue Revival

Residents are taking development along Lawrence Avenue into their own hands.

With a new Mariano’s Fresh Market, and a beautification project underway, developers are already eyeing Lawrence Avenue for new business.

But as of mid-July, 15 storefronts are vacant on the street between Clark and Damen avenues. That’s something the Ravenswood Community Council—an organization with the mission of improving life in the neighborhood—wants to change immediately.

"We're not going to wait for Mariano's to open," RCC Executive Director Charlie Daas said. "We wanted to do something to jumpstart our local business today."

One of those empty storefronts is at Lawrence and Hermitage avenues. Formerly a Jackson-Hewitt Tax Services, the landlord has allowed the RCC to open a temporary shop during the search for a permanent tenant.

By September, Daas hopes to have a pop-up storefront in the space, featuring home goods by Neighborly and Alapash. In the long term, he wants residents to help decide what should come to Lawrence Avenue.

The RCC has teamed up with an organization seeking to get neighbors more involved in attracting new businesses. The League of Awesome Possibilities, created by Ravenswood resident Melanie Kahl, hopes to spur conversation on new additions to the area.

A potluck dinner is set for Aug. 4 at 4:30 p.m. at the storefront, 1742 W. Lawrence Avenue. All residents and business owners are invited to share ideas and food at the space.

The potluck concept isn’t new for the League and RCC. In June 2012, more than 40 people gathered at 4639 N. Damen Ave. to entice a new business in the former Bagel on Damen location.

That new business turned into Brew Camp, a supply store and class space for people who brew their own beer and cider.

Owners Jared Saunders and Whit Nelson attended the potluck after space was getting tight in their Northcenter location. By October, Brew Camp moved into their new home and seven months later, expanded to a classroom space on Wilson Avenue.

“The potluck definitely worked for us, but even if we hadn’t taken over that space, it was still wonderful to break bread with your neighbors,” Saunders said. “We literally sat down and had dinner together… I think that was just a wonderful event.”

Moving to the area spurred a complete change for the business. With both Saunders and Nelson coming from a background in web design, the physical presence allowed the two to become fixtures in the neighborhood. Now, Saunders is hoping that success transfers to the pop-up location.

“Coming from having worked virtually for so long, it has been just life-changing to be so involved in the neighborhood,” he said.

Interested business and residents can register for the potluck here.