The old market site is now just empty parking lots. See what the old market site looks like today: 01 (25K); 02 (28K).
While the market existed, in order to remove the people, Mayor Daley argued that the land was needed for UIC research labs. He now wants the old market site to be used for a new Bears stadium. The UIC, after pleading that the market had to be kicked out to make way for new research labs, now is seeking a private developer to use the land for a luxury hotel and performing arts center.
Almost all of the people in this exhibit are still alive. Jims Hot Dog Stand is still on the corner of Halsted and Maxwell, although many other of the Roosevelt/Halsted permanent businesses are shut down or struggling just to barely survive. Judge Hightower occasionally still sits in front of Jims. Nate's is out of business and the building was torn down by UIC. Nate has moved his residence farther south and is no longer in business of any kind. I saw Granny Clara Jenkensbey playing in the Loop for a while. Lew vends at the new market but doesn't earn as much. Piano C. Red, Wayne, and Willie James frequently play in the new market.
Two market characters (not shown here), Jewtown Jimmy Davis and Larry Calahan have since died.
The parishioners of Saint Francis Church at the corner of Roosevelt and Newberry were kicked out and the building was slated to be demolished. In the middle of being demolished, the parishioners broke in, occupied the church and have restored life to it. The archdiocese now officially recognizes this resurrected church. So you see, there is hope. You can see the church as it was while the market was alive, then during the occupation, and now in its current struggles by going to the Save Saint Francis of Assisi Home Page.
The new market at Canal and Roosevelt Road, though smaller, is worth visiting and indeed it is physically cleaner than the old market. Commissioner Caroline Shoenberger is doing a very good job of running the new market though she works under many constraints. But the "funk is gone" as one Blues musician expressed to me.
The market was its people, location, diversity, and size. Both can still be brought back together again.
- Steve Balkin, 6/29/96
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