Dear Neighbor,
It was a huge honor to recently receive the “Friend of Rogers Park Award” from the Rogers Park Business Alliance in recognition of my commitment to serving Rogers Park. It was a full-circle moment for me as I reflected on my mother Ramona’s long-standing Rogers Park business, Salon Pastiché, which was located at 1226 W. Loyola for 25 years.
A few days later, my staff and I visited Archie’s Cafe and Roman Susan Art Gallery (right next to the former location of my mom’s salon). This is the flatiron and iconic building at 1224–1234 W. Loyola next to the Loyola Red Line Station. Loyola University purchased the entire building and plans to demolish it.
I hold vivid memories of Kristin and Nathan Abhalter Smith – owners and directors of Roman Susan – and my mom devising a calming color scheme for her salon in this space in 2017. My heart is heavy as Archie’s closes its last week serving the Rogers Park community as they are displaced from the building.
I will continue to stand with the Rogers Park and Edgewater communities in strongly demanding that this historic building at 1224–1234 W. Loyola be preserved. We must prevent displacement and protect longtime residents and community institutions.
Sincerely,
Senator Mike Simmons
7th Senate District
Senator Simmons Receives “Friend of Rogers Park” Award from Rogers Park Business Alliance
Caption: Executive Director Sandi Price and restaurant owner Antonio Diaz present the Friend of Rogers Park Award to Senator Simmons.
Caption: The award plaque created by artist Lisa Harris.
I recently had the great honor of receiving the “Friend of Rogers Park Award” from the Rogers Park Business Alliance. Thank you to Executive Director Sandi Price, Antonio Diaz, and the Rogers Park community.
The artwork on my award was created by local artist Lisa Harris, depicting community life in Rogers Park.
Roman Susan Art Gallery Visit and Reflection on 1224–1234 W. Loyola
Caption: Senator Simmons reflects on Roman Susan Art Gallery in Rogers Park.
The building at 1224–1234 W. Loyola has a special place in my heart. Loyola University’s planned demolition includes Archie’s Cafe, 35 affordable apartments, Roman Susan Art Gallery, and my mother’s former salon space.
Caption: Senator Simmons with Nathan Abhalter Smith inside Roman Susan Art Gallery.
My favorite art piece was a tapestry reading “STOP REPEATING HISTORY.”
Caption: Former Salon Pastiché space inside the building.
News Stories about 1224–1234 W. Loyola Building Demolition
Caption: Archie’s Cafe and Salon Pastiché storefront.
- Loyola Phoenix coverage of Senator Mike Simmons’ community representation
- Block Club Chicago: Community opposition to demolition of Rogers Park building
- WBEZ: Roman Susan Art Gallery future uncertainty
- Chicago Reader: Coverage of 1234 W. Loyola demolition plans
- Block Club Chicago: Closure of Archie’s Cafe in Rogers Park
Glenwood Arts Festival 2024 Recap
Thank you to all volunteers who supported our booth at the Glenwood Arts Festival.
Caption: Volunteers at the Glenwood Arts Festival booth.
The festival brought together art, music, and community across Rogers Park.
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