Village goes residential
New retail, housing indicative of developing community around UIC

Labeeba Hameed/The Chronicle The area formerly known for Maxwell Street Market near Roosevelt Road and Halsted Street—now called University Village—is being inhabited by the likes of Barbara’s Bookstore and 7-Eleven.

By Marrianne Lyles
Staff Writer

With Chinatown, Litlle Italy and Greektown within a few blocks, and historic facades on most of the buildings, the University Village has been a prospective residential area for many in Chicago. Now it’s becoming more of an established community with retail taking up more than 35 percent of the units.

The span of land starting on Roosevelt Road and Halsted Street was once known for its blues music and Maxwell Street Market. For the past three years, developers have worked with the University of Illinois at Chicago to build a living environment. Officials from UIC wants to get rid of the commuter college stigma and attract students to residences on campus. While there are dormitories and designated affordable housing, many of the units, which are condominiums and town homes, range in price from $143,000 to more than $700,000.

Mark Rosati, associate chancellor of Public Affairs at UIC, said University Village is a compromise between the city and the school.

“The South Campus program was meant to meet a number of needs. It needs to meet the needs of the campus and the community,” Rosati said.

Larry Justice, project executive for the South Campus Development Team concurs with Rosati.
“We’re creating a variety of retail mix that will support the student life and a desirable retail environment,” Justice said.

Barbara’s Bookstore, which was added recently, is an example of business intended more for UIC’s students. UIC and University Village’s development team approached Barbara’s Bookstore about coming into their space.

“The bookstore is completely appropriate for students and for UIC’s campus,” Rosati said.
Even though retail is supposed to meet two different parties’ needs, Rosati said there has not been any conflict in the decision-making process. Already a third of the 120,000 square feet of retail space has been filled. Caribou Coffee and Jamba Juice opened in the fall. MidAmerica Bank recently opened and the only 24-hour business, a 7-Eleven, has staked its ground in University Village.

But for 7-Eleven’s owner, Edmond Thomas, business has not been what he expected for the location. Thomas said sinage regulations between UIC and the developers are hurting his bottom line. Currently, there is only one sign on the front of the store, but nothing on the street to stop people passing by.
Justice said there are guidelines that every tenant must follow, but they are not overly restrictive.

“We’re trying to make signs fit the streetscape. We don’t want huge signs that conflict with the overall character of the area,” Justice said.

Signage is just one issue Thomas feels contributes to 7-Eleven’s woes. He said his business is struggling, especially with the $6,500 a month rent for the space.

“This is ridiculous. You can’t even make a living with what’s coming in and the rent I have to pay,” Thomas said.

He also is concerned about this summer’s numbers. He believes that with many students leaving during the summer, it will only lead to fewer customers and sales.

Things could turn around for Thomas because the units are not yet completely filled. University Village is currently selling units in the first two phases of the project. Of the 661 units in phases one and two, 93 percent are sold out. They will introduce the next phase in spring 2005. The South Campus Development Team continues to talk to potential businesses to move into their spaces. Some possibilities are an assortment of ethnic restaurants, bars, flower shops and different athletic stores. University Village representatives hope that there is a shop for every person in the community after retail development is finished.