by BRIAN NADIG About a dozen smash-and-grab-style commercial burglaries in Edgebrook, Jefferson Park and Portage Park were reported to have occurred early Wednesday morning, Oct. 14, in the 16th (Jefferson read story
Demo of Leaning Tower YMCA residential building in Niles starts

by BRIAN NADIG
The demolition of the former Leaning Tower YMCA residential building started Monday morning, April 28, as the Village of Niles hopes to attract a mixed-use development to the 6.6-acre site.
Mayor George Alpogianis initiated the demolition by operating the first wrecking ball to hit the building, which closed in 2021. The membership facility closed a year earlier due to declining membership and upkeep costs.
The village purchased the site in 2024 for $2.1 million and is looking to attract retail, dining and entertainment uses to the parcel.
The village already owns the Leaning Tower of Niles, a half-scale replica of Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa. The landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and village officials have said that the iconic structure will remain as part of the area’s redevelopment.
The structure was constructed in 1934 by industrialist Robert Ilg to conceal a water tower for his employees’ water park, according to the village. In 1960 Ilg’s descendants donated part of the park for the construction of the YMCA.


- Burglars hit dozen businesses in Edgebrook, Jefferson Park, Portage Park, Avondale early Wednesdayby BRIAN NADIG About a dozen smash-and-grab-style commercial burglaries in Edgebrook, Jefferson Park and Portage Park were reported to have occurred early Wednesday morning, Oct. 14, in the 16th (Jefferson Park) and 17th (Albany Park) police districts, and there were additional break-ins in other parts of the city and suburbs, totaling about 20 incidents, according
- Burglars hit at least 9 businesses in Edgebrook, Jefferson Park, Portage Park early Wednesdayby BRIAN NADIG At least nine smash-and-grab-style commercial burglaries in Edgebrook, Jefferson Park and Portage Park were reported to have occurred early Wednesday morning, Oct. 14, in the 16th (Jefferson Park) Police District, and there apparently were additional break-ins in at least two other districts and possibly the suburbs, according to Chicago police. The incidents
- CTA targets fare evaders to reduce violent crime; disappointment expressed in release of suspected shooter at Jefferson Park terminalby BRIAN NADIG Violent offenses reportedly are down 34 percent on the CTA from a year ago as the agency targets a section of the Red Line where criminals are boarding, while a shootout at the Jefferson Park CTA Terminal last summer remains under investigation. CTA security vice president Kevin Ryan addressed many crime and
- Crime Watch: gunfire reported on Berteau, car break-ins reported, robbery reported in store lotTwo men reported that a man fired shots at them at about 12:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, in the 5300 block of West Berteau Avenue, according to 16th (Jefferson Park) District police. A 25-year-old man reported that he was talking to a neighbor, who was sitting inside his parked vehicle, and two men walked toward the vehicle and one of them fired
- Sip & Shop set for Oct. 17 in ‘Jeff West’; NW Side Halloween events also setThe second annual “Sip and Shop” in “Jeff West” will start at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, running along Lawrence Avenue from Austin Avenue on the west and Major Avenue on the east. The event had been scheduled for Sept. 19 but was postponed due to rain. It will feature many of the existing businesses
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by BRIAN NADIG At least nine smash-and-grab-style commercial burglaries in Edgebrook, Jefferson Park and Portage Park were reported to have occurred early Wednesday morning, Oct. 14, in the 16th (Jefferson read story
by BRIAN NADIG Violent offenses reportedly are down 34 percent on the CTA from a year ago as the agency targets a section of the Red Line where criminals are read story
Two men reported that a man fired shots at them at about 12:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, in the 5300 block of West Berteau Avenue, according to 16th (Jefferson Park) District police. A 25-year-old man reported that read story
The second annual “Sip and Shop” in “Jeff West” will start at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, running along Lawrence Avenue from Austin Avenue on the west and Major Avenue read story
by BRIAN NADIG The site of a former auto repair garage at 4301 W. Montrose Ave. would be used for storage and outdoor training for an entertainment-related trade union under read story
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