Grafft Real Estate

Is this Chicago’s next power lunch?

Arla is now open on Oak Street in Chicago, bringing a new restaurant concept to the former Fred’s space above the old Barneys building in the Gold Coast.

Located at 15 E Oak Street, Arla is led by Michelin-starred chef Soo Ahn and blends Japanese and Mediterranean influences in one of Chicago’s most notable dining rooms.

For years, Fred’s at Barneys was one of the hardest reservations in Chicago, known for its Oak Street patio, Gold Coast setting, power lunches, private events, and connection to the city’s luxury retail scene.

Now Arla brings new energy to the same sixth-floor space, steps from Michigan Avenue, Rush Street, Oak Street shopping, the Magnificent Mile, and some of Chicago’s most recognizable luxury storefronts.

For anyone searching for new Chicago restaurants, Gold Coast restaurants, Oak Street dining, Chicago date night spots, restaurants near Michigan Avenue, or places to eat near the Magnificent Mile, Arla is one of the most interesting openings to watch.

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The Gold Coast is finally fixing one of its most underutilized corners. The base of Newberry Plaza has long been held back by a bulky, closed-off podium and a vehicular drop-off loop that disrupts the pedestrian flow on State Street. With demolition now underway, the building is being pushed out to the sidewalk to make room for a major new Anthropologie and a massive Moxie’s restaurant. It is a total transformation that will completely change the block’s feel.

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Source: Chicago YIMBY
Image Source: Leopardo Construction

Chef Jimmy Papadopoulos is making his highly anticipated return to the Chicago culinary scene with Black Briar, a new American tavern opening this June in Fulton Market. Located at 201 N. Morgan St., the restaurant features coal-fired cooking, a refined raw bar, and a cocktail-forward beverage program.

Source: Black Briar Chicago

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Fort Sheridan is one of the North Shore’s most unusual redevelopment stories because it is not a blank slate.

The former Army base has historic buildings, strict design expectations, preserved open space, and a master plan that still shapes what can be built decades later. That is why a proposal for 10 homes on one vacant Patten Road parcel is facing more scrutiny than a typical infill project.

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Source: Crain’s Chicago Business

A 151-year-old River North landmark tied to both the McCormick family and “The Blues Brothers” is on the market for the first time in more than 30 years.

The former Chez Paul restaurant building near North Michigan Avenue has served multiple roles since being constructed after the Great Chicago Fire, including as offices for Boker Investment Management following its 1996 acquisition.

The Chicago landmark includes a rooftop terrace, wine cellar, billiard room, two kitchens, and indoor parking for up to 10 cars. Marketing for the property suggests potential future uses including a family office, private club, or consulate.

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Source: Crain’s Chicago Business

Emanuel Congregation and developer Fern Hill revealed updated plans for the redevelopment of the synagogue campus at 5959 N. Sheridan in Edgewater.

The revised proposal replaces an earlier U-shaped concept with four separate buildings across two sites, including a potential 23-story tower and up to 605 apartments if approved through rezoning.

One of the most unusual parts of the story is the existing synagogue itself. The 1955 building was designed under the assumption that DuSable Lake Shore Drive would eventually extend north into the suburbs. The east facade was soundproofed and built without lake-facing windows because planners expected a highway behind it.

The extension was never built.

Now the redevelopment is being shaped around pedestrian access, open space, lakefront orientation, and view corridor concerns from neighboring residents including Malibu East condominium owners.

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Source: Block Club Chicago
Image Source: Block Club Chicago / Fern Hill

The Henry opens June 3 at Plaza del Lago in Wilmette, bringing its all-day dining concept to the North Shore.

The restaurant will serve coffee and pastries in the morning, weekend brunch, seasonal lunch and dinner menus, and late-night cocktails, all from a new space centered around a circular bar and wraparound patio.

Located inside Plaza del Lago, The Henry adds another dining destination to one of the North Shore’s most recognizable shopping centers.

Source: What Now Chicago

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Chicago homebuyers could receive up to $70,000 in down payment assistance through the City’s new HomeGrown Chicago program.

The program provides grants of up to $50,000 or $70,000, depending on where you purchase a home in Chicago.

Many buyers assume they won’t qualify, but income limits are higher than most people expect. A family of four earning more than $180,000 annually may still be eligible in certain areas.

The City expects only 300 to 400 homebuyers to receive funding.

If you’ve been researching:
• Chicago down payment assistance
• Chicago first-time home buyer programs
• HomeGrown Chicago
• Chicago homebuyer grants
• Buying a home in Chicago
• Chicago closing cost assistance
• How to buy a house in Chicago

This is a program worth understanding.

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