About 35 residents from around Morse Avenue heard Alex Samardzija explain his plans to bring a bar/restaurant to the new commercial space at 1412 W. Morse. These plans would require a zoning change from B3-3 to C1 because there is another tavern within 400 feet. So 49th Ward Alderman hosted the community meeting to get feedback on the plans.
Judging from comments made, those in attendance overwhelmingly support the development and required zoning change. About 15 people spoke in favor of the bar/restaurant concept, while two neighbors opposed it.
Samardzija said the unnamed bar would be very similar to his other bar/restaurant in Lincoln Square at Damen and Grace called Xippo. The decor would be modern, seating about 50-60 people. He will serve a light fare -- paninis and salads priced from $5 to $10. He also expect to feature acoustic music. Samardzija sid his family has been in the bar and restaurant business in Chicago for 40 years. Alex himself is a real estate developer who has been working in the 49th Ward for about 10 years. He built the 16-unit mixed use development at 1412-14 W. Morse three years. It is now all rentals until the condo market turns around.
Here is a sampling of comments from the audience: "We need something like on Morse." - "We need sidewalk traffic on Morse and this will bring it." - "We can make our neighborhood safer by having more people spend their dollars here." One person described Xippo as having a "lovely, understated decor -- like out of Crate and Barrel II."
A person who opposed it said there are enough taverns in the area, and said she has seen problems with taverns in mixed-use buildings. Samardzija said there would be a a restaurant focus here rather than a bar focus. He wants the tavern license so he can keep food costs lower and serve liquor after the kitchen closes. Samardzija said he would employ 12-16 people.
Alderman Moore said folks could still comment on the zoning change via email or by calling his office at 773-338-5796.
