Seven two-bedroom two baths and a one bed one bath below market-rate rental units available at Five Points Lakeview, 3605 N Ravenswood!
Five Points Lakeview is a new construction rental building that features 52 residential units; a rooftop patio, gym, bike storage, and outdoor parking is available. Trader Joes, Loba Cafe, and the CTA Brown Line are within blocks of the property! The property is located within the Hamilton CPS School District.
Affordable rents range from $849.00 to $1,659.00 a month. Must be income eligible. Households must earn no more than the maximum income levels below:
Unit 508, One Bedroom One Bath, 80% of Area Median Income: One person - $67,150; 2 persons -$76,750
Units 403 + 407, Two Bedrooms Two Baths, 70% of Area Median Income: 2 persons -$67,200; 3 persons - $75,600; 4 persons - $83,930
Units 303 + 307, Two Bedrooms Two Baths, 60% of Area Median Income: 2 persons -$57,600; 3 persons - $64,800; 4 persons - $71,940
Units 202 + 207, Two Bedrooms Two Baths, 50% of Area Median Income: 2 persons -$48,000; 3 persons - $54000; 4 persons - $59,950
Unit 203, Two Bedrooms Two Baths, 40% of Area Median Income: 2 persons -$38,400; 3 persons - $43,200; 4 persons - $47,960
Please contact the Five Points Lakeview for an application and more information at 773-308-6806 or info@fivepointslakeview.com or https://fivepointslakeview.com/
Applicants with vouchers or other third-party subsidies are welcome to apply. These units are subject to monitoring, compliance, and other restrictions by the City of Chicago’s Department of Housing. For more information visit https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/affordable-requirements-ordinance/home.html
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Arts & Entertainment
Event highlights of the week!
SportsWise
The NFL draft is April 23-25 and the Bears draft 25th in the first round. The SportsWise team talks about their dream picks to build the Bears' defense.
Cover Story: A Streetwise legend retires
Ron Madere has been StreetWise's Magazine Sales Specialist for 22 years, and in this special edition, Vendors, staff and Ron himself reflect on hard work and devotion to the StreetWise mission.
From the Streets
Choose Chicago gets its first stable funding from a new hotel self-assessment that advocates say will offer incentives to bring more conventions that will lead to at lesat 5,000 new jobs annually at easily accessible entry points -- without advanced degrees.
The Technology Renewable Energy Command Center (TRECC) at 4417 S. State St. would support workforce development, youth sports and mentoring, cultural preservation including the Chicago Hip Hop Museum, hospitality and tourism.
The Playground
THIS PAGE: StreetWise Magazine Specialist Ron Madere holds a past edition of StreetWIse (StreetWise photo). DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of StreetWise.
Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher dhamilton@streetwise.org
Julie Youngquist, Executive director jyoungquist@streetwise.org
Ph: 773-334-6600 Office: 2009 S. State St., Chicago, IL, 60616
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Compiled by Dave Hamilton
A Wanderer!
‘Nomad’
Acclaimed, multi–Olivier Award winning choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui pieces together a mosaic drawn from the animate and inanimate elements of the desert in “Nomad.” From the dance floor, we get glimpses of the fluidity and adaptability of creatures that thrive in the harshest of conditions; the beautiful transience of sand dunes and winds that change direction, shape, and speed in the twinkling of an eye; the intense physical and emotional thirst — the yearning for water, safety, and the consolation that guides both animal actions and the human quest for spirituality. Above all, "Nomad" displays the spirit of togetherness, friendship, and symbiosis key to survival and evolution in an arid world that would be insurmountable alone. Featuring Music by Basement Jaxx and fashion by Jan-Jan Van Essche. April 23, 7:30 p.m. at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St. Tickets start at $74.80 at HarrisTheaterChicago.org
Real, Imagined, and In-between!
‘Maybe Tomorrow’
Blending psychological suspense with sharp, offbeat humor, "Maybe Tomorrow" invites audiences into an intimate theatrical ex perience where nothing is quite as it seems. As Gail searches for comfort amid a growing sense of unease, and Ben struggles to maintain control, the play spirals into a haunting exploration of doubt, intimacy and the stories we tell ourselves to feel safe. With its inventive structure and shifting realities, the script keeps audiences questioning what is real, what is imagined and what lies somewhere in between. Playing through May 24 at The Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 3 & 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25-$39 at wilddoortheater.com
A Bold Artist!
‘Martin Wong: Chinatown USA’
Showing through July 18, Wrightwood 659, 659 W. Wrightwood Ave., presents “Martin Wong: Chinatown USA,” an exhibition focusing on an underexplored through-line in the practice of visionary Chinese American artist Martin Wong (1946-1999): his fascination with Asia through Chinatowns as personal, mythical cityscapes. Wong explored these spaces— filled with Asian art and architecture as adopted in the United States amid the explosion of street culture in San Francisco and New York in the late 20th century—as amalgams of memory, identity, and queer and pop-culture narratives. Included with museum admission. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.wrightwood659.org
A Classic Invigorated!
Porchlight in Concert: ‘Follies’
Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Score, “Follies” is a dazzling and bittersweet exploration of love, loss and the passage of time. Set at the reunion of the legendary “Weismann Follies” company on the eve of their crumbling theater’s demolition, former showgirls reunite one last time, reliving their heyday and confronting the choices that shaped their lives. With iconic songs like “Broadway Baby” “I’m Still Here” and “Losing My Mind,” this Sondheim gem blends haunting nostalgia with a show-stopping score in a moving celebration of dreams and regrets. Playing Saturday, April 25 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 26 at 2 p.m. at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets are $104.50 - $159.50 at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org
You have to eat anyway!!
9th Annual ‘Dining Out for Life’
On Thursday, April 23, Chicagoans can turn a night out into direct support for their neighbors living with HIV. Vivent Health + TPAN’s 9th annual Dining Out For Life Chicago returns with an expanded lineup of restaurants and, for the first time, happy hour partnerships with local bars, making it easier than ever to participate. For one day only, participating restaurants and bars will donate a portion of their sales to support HIV care, prevention, and support services for the more than 600 individuals Vivent Health + TPAN cares for in Chicago. To view the full list of participating locations, visit diningoutforlife.com/chicago
Behind the Scenes!
Explore Your Lyric
On Sunday, April 26, Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N. Wacker Drive, invites audiences of all ages to experience the opera house in an entirely new way at Explore Your Lyric, a one-day-only open house filled with discovery, creativity, and hands-on activities. Families, first-time visitors, and longtime opera lovers alike are invited to step inside the Lyric Opera House for a lively afternoon that reveals the many artists, craftspeople, and creative disciplines that bring opera to life. Guests may choose arrival times of 11 a.m. or noon, with each visit designed as a 90-minute experience that allows attendees to enjoy the full range of activities. For more information and to purchase tickets ($10 for adults, $5 for children), visit lyricopera.org/explorelyric
Rising Stars in
Legends Return!
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
World renowned ambassadors of dance and culture, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, returns to its Chicago home – The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive – with four dynamic performances debuting six new works, April 24-26. Marking its 57th Chicago engagement at The Auditorium, the company will perform two distinct programs, each featuring Chicago premieres and a finale of the must-see Alvin Ailey masterpiece "Revelations." Tickets start at $46 at auditoriumtheatre.org
Celebrate Earth Day!
‘Project Earth’
Guarneri Hall, 11 E. Adams St., proudly announces the Chicago premiere of the Iris Trio’s critically acclaimed, genre-defying program “Project Earth.” The nature-themed performances take place on April 22 (Earth Day) and April 23 at 6:30 p.m. Through chamber music and poetry, “Project Earth” explores humanity’s connection to the planet and seeks to inspire a shared sense of value and responsibility to create meaningful change. Each of the two performances at Guarneri Hall will present a different program. Tickets are $50, with student discounts available at guarnerihall.org
Concert
On the way up!
The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago proudly presents Rising Stars in Concert on Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m., at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive. This annual showcase of the acclaimed Ryan Opera Center’s 2025/26 Ensemble is a vibrant and theatrically engaging program celebrating the next generation of operatic talent. The concert is FREE and open to all. Tickets can be reserved at lyricopera.org/risingstars
Uniting Nations!
Homin Choir
The Homin Choir engagement in Chicago is a live choral concert presented by Ukraine Harmony Foundation, designed to connect audiences through music, cultural storytelling, and shared emotional experience. The performance features a curated repertoire of Ukrainian choral works that blend traditional compositions with contemporary interpretations. The engagement includes pre-concert audience interaction through merchandise offerings and concludes with a brief post-performance auction, encouraging community participation and support for humanitarian initiatives. April 25, 7 p.m. at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St. Tickets start at $62.35 at HarrisTheaterChicago.org
A Dream Draft for the bears
John: The Chicago Bears’ biggest needs in the upcoming draft for 2026 are defensive tackle, safety and edge rusher. They might be interested in defensive tackle Peter Woods from Clemson, LSU safety A.J. Haulcy, and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide edge rusher, L.T. Overton. Peter Woods was projected to be in the Top Ten, but he dropped out in the past year. The Bears draft 25th in the fi rst round. If he's available then, it would make sense to select him.
As far as L.T. Overton, if he’s available in the third round, when the Bears have the 89th pick, the Bears might want to look at him.
In the second round, the Bears draft No. 57; Haulcy would be a benefit for the Dennis Allen defensive system. Unlike the other player the Bears are looking at –Emmanuel McNeil-Warren -- Haulcy is a ball-hogger, with jaw-dropping stats. He went from New Mexico, to Houston, to LSU. In the last 12 games with LSU last year, he had 49 solo tackles and 39 assists for a total of 88 combined tackles and three interceptions. McNeil-Warren, who played all four years at Toledo, had two interceptions in 2023, one in 2024 and two in 2025 for a total of five. That’s as many as Haulcy had at the University of Houston in 2024.
Russell: I want to target defense improvements in edge rush, defensive tackle and
safety. Emmanuel McNeil as edge rusher. Defensive lineman: Peter Woods -- if he’ll still be there; the Bears got 25th pick. The Bears defense lost a lot of free agents this year. They gotta replace that, especially on edge rusher.
John: I think I would rather pick Overton over Peter Woods because the Bears could use an edge rusher.
Russell: How about DaniDennis Sutton, defensive end from Penn State as edge rusher?
Allen: I am kind of upset because they got rid of D.J. Moore, so my fi rst look was for a wide receiver. But they still have Rome Odunze and he’s a doozy and they have Luther Burden. He’s young and I think they are trying
to build a team around him, going with the wide receivers they have. Defensively, Peter Woods from Clemson, I think he would be good.
John: If I was the GM, I would pick Overton over Peter Woods. What makes him unique is he can play more than one position: linebacker, defensive end, edge rusher. He does such a great job of making life uncomfortable for quarterbacks.
Russell: What the Bears need most is defense. O ense is set because the quarterback makes the receivers look good. Even without D.J. Moore, they have enough talent there. I remember last year, Packers QB Jordan Love was killing defense. Gotta stop him.
Allen: I think the other wide receivers will step up to the plate. But we have to stop Green Bay.
John: O ense is fi ne as long as Caleb Williams progresses and stays healthy. Kay Adams said that he reminds her of Patrick Mahomes, how dazzling he can be.
The Bears failed to address defensive tackle free agency. They got Coby Bryant, but they lost Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. But if the Bears stay healthy, I look for them to improve in the upcoming year.
Any comments, suggestions or topic ideas for the SportsWise team? Email StreetWise Editor Suzanne Hanney at suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com
Vendors John Hagan, Russell Adams, and A. Allen chat about the world of sports.
22 Years at Streetwise:
magazine specialist Ron Madere has become a legend at streetwise. vendors & staff send him well-wishes as he enters a new chapter
Compiled by Suzanne Hanney
Ron Madere
“I started in February 2004 when we were at 1331 S. Michigan Ave. A young lady that used to work for me, Angie Barner, worked for StreetWise as [former Executive Director] Anthony [Oliver]’s second-in-command. I was tired of sitting home so I was supposed to come part-time. I had been in the collections business. I called her because I needed something to do part time, so I came and I got the job and they wanted me to monitor the outside workforce, but when they went to get insurance on the van we had, there were so many tickets they found out it was too expensive to use the van so they asked me if could count. They put me in the magazine salesroom.
“It was based on what was happening at the time: what kind of situation they were in. I tried to impart to them the knowledge I had gained. I tried to school them in everything, any problem they had, I tried to solve, whether it was financial, personal, whatever. I tried to help them. I served under every executive director except Anthony Oliver.
“In the future, we need to inspire the vendors to keep working because everything is starting to be gentrified. When I first started, we could get a vendor a room just about anywhere in the city. It’s not getting any better since these big corporations are buying these properties and redoing them. We used to have to spend $15 a night and now it’s $42 a night -- if you can find a place. There are very few overnight [hotels] now.
“If you take a poll of vendors, even the smaller property owners are gentrifying. I hear them tell me they have to relocate because they’re redoing their property where they live at. What I want to say to them is, StreetWise has lived up to its creed. It’s the only true thing that is going on, that has held its principles (“a hand up not a hand out”) and it’s their salvation.
“We lived up to our promise to them (“a hand up instead of a hand out”) we still provide them with the ability to earn a living, a good living. All they gotta do is want to want something. When you think about it, we got people
that have graduated from college using StreetWise, we got people that have bought property. We got a lot of vendors that raised their children through selling StreetWise and nothing has changed except I don’t think vendors realize the benefits of StreetWise. They take it for granted.
“Now we got a new generation that don’t believe that fat meat is greasy: they don’t think that what is out there facing them is real.
Streetwise: streetwise. chapter
“They’ve been playing games for so long they think they can game their way through society. They don’t understand you still got to work, that society is closing in on them. There are fewer opportunities for them. Once incarcerated they don’t realize the noose is tightening up.”
Keith Hardiman
“Ron has been the best salesman ever here. I enjoy working through him and with him. That’s my guy. Happy retirement, Ron.”
Jacqueline Sanders
“Thank you for your dedication and your hard work. Good luck with your retirement.”
Lonnie Moseley
“He’s my mentor, a man who saw the highs and lows of StreetWise. We depended on Ron to open up each day so we could get magazines, start our day. I am grateful and humble for this man who touched many walks of life.”
Link Miller
“I have known Ron over 20 years. He’s always treated everybody fair, always been nice. Always took care of business: on his job on time, never missed a beat.”
A. Allen
“One thing I really admire about Mr. Ron is that even though he is 80-some years old, he knows every vendor by their number, not by their name, not by their face, but their number. There’s a lot of vendors. He does his job very well.”
Lee A. Holmes
“I would like to wish Mr. Ron a great retirement. He will be dearly missed. Dearly missed.
We express gratitude. Prosper in your retirement.”
Mary j
“Ron is the greatest. I am super excited for his retirement, but I will be so sad. I am going to miss him. He has been just a rock to me: his spirit, his love for StreetWise, his patience with us as vendors. He’s skilled even in his retirement age. He doesn’t make a mistake. I love him for that and I thank God he still has his right mind. And I think this is right for him to retire while he can still function mentally. Amen.”
Jimmie Beckless
“Ron is a very nice person. I have been knowing him since StreetWise was on Lake Street. We’ve been really close. He’s one of the best people you could meet. I wish him the best. I learned quite a bit from him: to treat others as you would like to be treated.
“As far as being a salesman, he always suggested getting there early and being good to people: ‘Good morning. How are you doing. Would you like a magazine this morning.’ I am here every day at 7 a.m. ‘Have nice, quiet conversations. Don’t push yourself on them.’”
James Griggs
“Ron helped me out when nobody else did. I was down on my luck and he came to my rescue financially and every other type of way for me to be alive today.”
Cora
Rambert
had made a meal, collard greens, candied ham, buttermilk corn bread, salmon, and I had brought Ron the meal because Ron is very special, always the one to uplift you, give you that inside scoop. And Ron said, ‘thank you so much but my wife doesn’t allow me…’ and all I kept thinking about is wow, to honor his wife, whether she was here or not. It just spoke volumes about his character.”
Amanda Jones, former StreetWise program director and International Network of Street Papers board member
“Ron’s a legend and his presence here is ubiquitous with the StreetWise experience. He would give pep talks that would start out sweet but turn curmudgeon. He would say things like ‘get off your ass and get out there and sell the paper.’”
Percy
Butler
“Congrats to Ron for his hard work, his inspiration to the vendors, his wisdom he’s given to me. We’re all going to miss him. I appreciate him being like a personal grandfather to me. A big inspiration to me through my whole StreetWise career: tough love on those days when I wasn’t on time for the office. He was already shut down, following the rules. He was doing it to show me. I had to learn it the hard way. He kept me focused on being on time. He put me on better health: cayenne pepper, lemon water. He’s been great to the family, a positive role model. I hope he has a happy retirement and long prosperity.”
Danny
Davis
“This blessing came to us when we was on Michigan Avenue and ever since the man been with us every step of the way—22 years. He was a blessing to us and he still is. He never changed. When he said something, you need to take it how you take it or keep it moving. He is going to keep it real with you and that’s it. That’s my man and he will always be. Love you. Thank you.”
Sam Sanders
Farewell Ron, it doesn’t mean goodbye. I am missing you already. I am going to miss you dearly after all these years. I have been knowing you since 2011. Take care of yourself.
Lessons from Ron? Generosity, patience, tact, how to treat customers and people in general. A lot of wisdom came from Ron. Looking at other vendors and avoiding mistakes they made, Ron would tell them about it, so I learned from other people’s mistakes, not to make those mistakes.
Robert Laine
“When we were back on Broadway and Wilson, Ron actually defended me several times. One guy was giving me a hard time fixing the computers, Ron came out and said, ‘Do you know who he is? That’s Bob Laine. He knows how to work on computers. That’s what he does.’ Another time, Ron came out of the office and said, ‘He’s OK. Doesn’t matter what his race is.’
“Ron and I have always had good conversations on politics, sports, what’s happening in Chicago. I told him as I was leaving that I am proud that he was part of my life and I hope to see him occasionally here at StreetWise. I always love talking to him.”
Clarence Bryant
“Ron is first of all an amazing guy. His wisdom is very deep. He has helped me quite a bit with advice on different things of life. He helped me with my book, [“Unequal Roots: Systemic Racism in America.”—Ron said that he told Clarence to write to Oprah Winfrey, the Book of the Month Club and to Steve Harvey for information on publishing a book.]
His wisdom is outstanding. He’s a lovable guy, very powerful in his words. A no-nonsense guy. I appreciate him being here, knowing him for these last few years has been pretty amazing. I’m going to miss you. Love you, Ron.”
Sylvia Spivey
“Ron has been an inspiration to me. I can call him up and say, ‘Ron, this is going on with me. That is going on with me.’ Ron has given me positive support. I am so hurt that he is leaving, because I don’t have a friend now I can talk to who can give me the right answer and the right direction to go in. So farewell, my friend. God be with you and take care of you.”
Joe Jones
“He was dependable, had a memory like an elephant, never forgot nothing, nobody’s name, little details. He going to be greatly missed.”
Russell Adams
“Thank you, Ron, for 22 years. I remember the day you pushed me and made me the man I am now. Without you I wouldn’t be here, so thank you very much. He talked to me, motivated me. He kept telling me I could do it. ‘Get up in the morning and sell magazines.’ I started to get high on drugs, started drinking, but I took Ron’s advice. He got tired of me asking for credit. I got tired of it, so I saved my money up to buy my own magazines. Now I am a better man, selling StreetWise. I never looked back. I have been here 23 years; without Ron I wouldn’t be here. Ron pushed me, made me the man I am now. Thank you, Ron.”
Julie
Youngquist, Executive Director
“When I started at StreetWise 11 years ago, Ron welcomed me with his signature blend of charm, wit, and just the right amount of sarcasm. He showed me the ropes, offering practical advice on how to connect with vendors and navigate the day-to-day rhythm of the work. I was immediately struck by how he seemed to know every vendor by badge number and sales location. His deep knowledge of Chicago’s neighborhoods and foot traffic was unmatched, and when vendors questioned slow sales, Ron would say, “If you aren’t making money, you aren’t working.”
“Ron brought a no-nonsense approach to managing sales in the cage, grounded in sharp business sense and balanced with genuine compassion. He was tough but fair. His lived experience, both at StreetWise and beyond, earned him the respect of vendors, staff, and interns alike.
“His love for StreetWise and its community shone brightest during moments of celebration. Ron didn’t just show up, he gave! Whether it was bringing in homemade treats or preparing full meals, he made sure people felt valued. I’ll never forget the anniversary celebration where he created a feast, sourcing special ingredients from across the country. For Ron, only the best would do.
“I will miss our conversations about his family, life in Chicago, cooking, and his favorite TV programs. I will miss seeing him every day and sharing in the collective experience that makes StreetWise such a unique and powerful community. Ron is the heart and soul of StreetWise, and it won’t be the same without him.”
chicago's tourism marketing gains stable funding
Hotel rates will rise 1.5% beginning May 1 following unanimous Chicago City Council approval March 18 of Chicago’s first Tourism Improvement District (TID).
The new self-assessment on hotels with 100+ rooms downtown, around McCormick Place and the Medical District will raise $40 million to provide the first stable funding for Choose Chicago. The city’s official destination marketing organization (DMO), Choose Chicago has been underfunded compared to its counterparts in competing markets, advocates say.
The TID is intended to elevate Choose Chicago’s sales and marketing domestically and globally to bring more leisure travelers to the city. It will facilitate financial incentives and a hotel fund to deliver more conventions, meetings, events and sports.
More than 130,000 Chicagoans are employed in the tourism sector and one Choose Chicago official said that their research estimated the TID could bring 5,000-5,600 new jobs annually “at easily accessible entry points” – no advanced degrees. It could generate nearly $3 billion in new tourism spending – downtown and in neighborhoods—over the next five years.
Nationwide, 210 TIDs raise over $540 million for tourism promotion. The Philadelphia Hospitality Investment Levy (PhiL) enacted in 2017 consisted of a 0.75% assessment on hotels with 50+ rooms throughout the city. After one year, the PhiL had collected $5.6 million and funded 92 conventions and events.
by Suzanne Hanney from prepared materials
Hip hop museum & more seeks permanent home
The Technology Renewable Energy Command Center (TRECC) has filed petitions with the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) for a zoning change that would allow its Community Development Project at 4417 S. State St. to support workforce development, youth sports and mentorship programming, cultural preservation, hospitality and tourism and long-term neighborhood economic growth.
According to Urbanize Chicago, the project’s first phase would see construction of the Chicago Hip Hop Museum, a hotel which is expected to be a Home2 Suites, a sports and tech hub, a community center, and a solar industry workforce center. Basketball and volleyball courts would also be installed.
The second phase would encompass a 393-space automated parking garage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, a microgrid system, rooftop solar and wind installation and a commercial solar workforce training site. Workers would also be trained on how to build and maintain the technology. Officials said $89 million in private funding has been secured; the organization will raise the remaining $126 million through a combination of loans, tax increment financing and community development grants.
More information and a petition is available at https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/supportthe-trecc-community-development-project-at4417-s-state-street
