Calling all foodies and history buffs: Join us for an evening with food journalist Michael Gebert, who discusses his just-released book, The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining. Gebert spent years tracking down the chefs, restaurateurs, critics, and kitchen rebels who transformed Chicago from a steak-and-potatoes town into one of America’s most celebrated food cities over the last 50 years. He talks to journalist and Triangle resident Chris LaMorte about their stories. Come and share your favorite dining memories.
This event is free and open to all. Click here to register.
Join us at the Old Town Triangle Center for a play with Violet Surprise Theatre! See The Revolutionists by playwright Lauren Gunderson on Sunday, May 17th at 3:00 PM.
See below for a summary of the show:
The Revolutionists will not be televised. It will be dramatized – by Violet Surprise Theatre, whose mission is to vibrantly validate the voices of women. Written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Iris Sowlat, The Revolutionists is a hysterical and historical (or, more accurately, herstorical) play that invites audiences to experience the French Revolution from a female perspective. So don’t pardon our French. Pardon our Frenchwomen and their très merciless treatment during the Reign of Terror.
Be advised: This show contains strong language.
Tickets
Free for OTTA Members
$15 Non-Members
The Old Town Triangle Center | 1763 N. North Park Avenue
Use this registration page to apply to the Brick Parkway Repair and Replacement Program!
Applications will open on Sunday, February 15th. Applicants must review the information below before submitting an application.
BRICK PARKWAY REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
Introduction
The following information has been developed by the Neighborhood Improvement Committee (NIC) to define the eligibility, requirements, and responsibilities for the Old Town Triangle Association (OTTA) “Brick Parkway Repair and Replacement Program”. This information has been compiled from a review of recent practices employed by OTTA in similar community programs.
Community Context
The OTTA values the brick parkways as being unique and integral to the character of the Old Town Triangle Historic District in Chicago. OTTA does not have jurisdiction over the parkway areas and is not responsible for their maintenance. However, OTTA does recognize the charm and historic appearance of the Triangle parkways. Therefore, OTTA has established a framework for supporting the repair and preservation of the brick parkways on a long-term basis. OTTA supports this effort in three ways: 1) Establish an ongoing OTTA brick program to support property Owners and incentivize the use of brick; 2) In partnership with property Owners, provide partial funding of the estimated cost of labor required for repair and replacement of brick parkways; and 3) Facilitate communication between property Owners, CDOT, and the Alderman’s office to encourage the use of brick.
Purpose
Safety – many of the parkway areas need repairs due to jagged edges, uneven surfaces, potholes and tripping hazards, posing a threat to pedestrians; Property Value – maintaining the parkway impacts the overall real estate value of, and investment in, our homes in a direct and positive way; Appearance – matching the color and texture of new bricks to historic brick pavers throughout the Triangle neighborhood is aesthetically pleasing and consistent with the historic vision of the community.
Jurisdiction
The “parkway area” in Chicago is defined as the area from the outboard edge of the public sidewalk to the inboard face of the curb at the roadway. This area is the property of the City. Jurisdiction of the parkway area is the responsibility of the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT). The City relies on the adjacent property Owner for maintenance of their respective parkway area. The City encourages parkways to be maintained as regularly watered and cut grass. In the Old Town Triangle, most of the parkways have been installed with brick. If the City is required to install or repair parkway areas, it typically will use concrete or stamped concrete, reducing the footprint of brick in the Triangle. The following program is intended to communicate options for parkway improvements to the property Owner.
Eligibility
The following criteria will be used by the Committee to determine eligibility for this program.
a. Any Property Owner(s) within the Old Town Triangle is eligible for parkway repair, understanding that OTTA Members will be given priority;
b. The OTTA will encourage and support property owners, property managers and developers who wish to replace existing parkway concrete with brick;
c. OTTA will pay the property Owner(s) for 50% of the estimated cost of labor to remove and reinstall existing brick;
d. It is understood that the work will include reuse of existing, original parkway brick. If additional brick is required, it may be supplemented from the OTTA stockpile. If additional brick is required beyond the OTTA stockpile, it must be provided at the Owner’s expense;
e. Property Owner(s) can apply for the program between February 15 and May 15 using the attached application form;
f. Property Owner(s) shall identify in the application form the specific parkway adjacent to their property for improvement, and indicate the square footage area to receive brick pavers;
g. Upon receipt of an application, OTTA will provide a contractor’s cost estimate. The cost estimate must be reviewed by and signed by the property Owner or responsible property manager. The agreed estimate shall then be attached to the application;
h. OTTA must review and pre-approve all applications for work to begin;
i. OTTA shall maintain discretionary authority with regard to approval of application(s) submitted by a commercial property and/or a real estate developer property
j. Property Owner(s) must submit to the OTTA a check for 50% of the estimated cost before work begins (this contribution may qualify as a tax-deductible donation);
k. Landscaping or other material above and beyond brick repair is the responsibility of the property Owner, such as edging, rock, gravel or fill-in in tree wells;
l. OTTA will provide a contractor for the work, or review/approve the Owner’s contractor, licensed and insured to City of Chicago requirements.
m. The program is subject to available OTTA funding and shall conclude each year when funding is depleted.
Materials and Contractor
After significant research and assistance from the Illinois Brick Association, OTTA has identified a specific brick that closely matches the color, shape and texture of historic brick pavers seen throughout the Triangle. The specific brick we recommend and encourage to be used is: Heartland Flashed ST Edge PVR 2-1/4 STD
The OTTA preferred contractor is Roy’s Landscaping, LIC# 1986060.
Review and Approval
The Neighborhood Improvement Committee (NIC) will provide designated Committee members to manage the Program. An OTTA (NIC) point-of-contact will be assigned to administer each project. OTTA will assist in notification to CDOT and the Alderman’s Office of all approved applications, and, if required by the City, in obtaining a permit by the contractor.
Release of Liability
It is understood that the support of OTTA to the property Owner/Manager is for a one-time repair or replacement of the designated brick parkway area, and any future maintenance of the designated parkway area remains the responsibility of the Owner. If not approved for improvements, the property owner may re-apply for consideration by OTTA. The property Owner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Old Town Triangle Association, its agents, employees and consultants from any claims, damages, losses and expenses arising out of, resulting from or in connection with performance of the work.
The Old Town Triangle Association is an Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation – FEIN 36-2336401
1763 N North Park Avenue Chicago IL 60614 312-337-1938
Application Form
The Annual Old Town Art Fair Benefit takes place on March 6, 2026. We will put on our dancing shoes and head over to the Chicago History Museum for a night of fun, festivities and friendship, all while supporting the Old Town Art Fair and helping ensure another successful year. Expect great auction items, delicious foods and beverages, fun raffle prizes, music and dance, and of course, the chance to see all of your neighbors in one setting!
A new incentive to purchase your tickets early is entry in a special raffle! Only attendees who purchase their ticket(s) on or before January 22, 2026 will be entered to win this item – still to be determined. We can assure you it will be a good one! One raffle entry for each ticket purchased.
Mark your calendars today and don’t forget to purchase your ticket to this fun evening. It’s the kickoff to the Art Fair season and everyone is ready to get this show on the road!
** Be sure to log into your OTTA account before you purchase to receive your member discount. **
Join your friends and neighbors for this fun night of getting reacquainted. The Old Town Triangle Association encourages everyone to come out for the Annual Meeting and Election of Board Members. We’ll provide the food and beverages, you provide the camaraderie. We’ll talk about the past year and look forward to all that is coming our way in 2026.
Are you known for always bringing a certain nibble, appetizer, snack? We’d love to try it. Whether chips and dip or a baked brie or pigs in a blanket, your offering will be greatly appreciated. We’ve got dinner covered.
The fun starts at 6PM on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Please REGISTER HERE so that we can have an accurate plan for the night.
If you still need help getting into the holiday spirit, we have just what you need. Join us on Thursday, December 11th from 5:30 – 7:00 PM for All is Possible : An Evening with Author Rebecca Plotnick. The author of Paris Every Day will join us for a lively discussion and signing of her latest book, which will make the perfect holiday gift for anyone in your life who might love the City of Light or beautiful photography.
She’ll also bring prints of some of her most sought-after photographs of Paris, which will warm your heart with the magic of the most romantic city. With a healthy dose of l’esprit des fêtes françaises, wine and hors d’oeuvres, we’ll look forward to holidays and the coming New Year.
Up your holiday quotient with friends and neighbors in your favorite community space!
The Old Town Triangle’s Community Service Committee highlighted three nonprofit organizations that assist in and near our community who needed assistance. We served as a collection point for donations to Support Over Stigma and She Became; and provided pizzas to our own 18th District Police officers and the officers of the 10th Police District.
We are now collecting food and personal care items for the Food Pantry operated by St. Matthew Church at 1000 North Orleans, just south of Division. The Old Town Merchants & Residents Association is partnering with us to provide these much needed items. St. Matthew Pantry is not a part of the Chicago Food Depository and is depends on smaller scale donations.
We intend to continue to provide items after the holidays but would appreciate your help to insure that they are well stocked for the holiday season. We will update this in the future. Donations can be delivered to the Triangle Center at 1763 N North Park during regular hours (Monday-Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday 10am-1pm). Prefer to order online? We’ve created an Amazon Wishlist with these items and they will be shipped to the Triangle for delivery.
We are happy to shop for you, if that is easier. Make your donation directly to the Old Town Triangle Association and name the organization you would prefer we support in the “Please feel free to share your reason for donating” line. Click this link and select the Amount of Your Choosing.