The Silver Room Says Goodbye To Wicker Park

By Gina Provenzano in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 26, 2015 2:50PM

Image courtesy of The Silver Room's Facebook page.

Saying Wicker Park has changed a lot since 1997 is a bit of an understatement. Milwaukee Avenue north of Division has gone through a major transformation in the last two decades. No longer the home of Championship Vinyl, many of the old independently owned galleries, cafes and bookstores have shuttered in favor of sports bars and chain retailers. And unfortunately this weekend will see another one of its old mainstays close. The Silver Room’s last day of business at 1442 N. Milwaukee Ave. will be this Saturday, March 28, after 17 years in the neighborhood. The shop, which has specialized in custom jewelry, art and apparel and has acted as an art gallery, event space and even juice bar, is moving down to Hyde Park (1506 E. 53rd St.) and reopening on April 2.

Owner Eric Williams, recently interviewed by DNAInfo Chicago said "Right now the University of Chicago neighborhood is making a push for diversity in retail. I feel like my energy is needed there.”

Although Williams is moving his creative hub down to Hyde Park, he’s not completely done with the Wicker Park neighborhood. He’s set to open ‘Needs’, a new men’s apparel shop just a few doors down at 1410 N. Milwaukee Ave. in April. The location is a familiar one for Williams, as it served as the original location for The Silver Room from its opening until 2005. No word yet on what will become of the annual Silver Room Summer Block Party.

To celebrate the mark its left on the neighborhood, The Silver Room plans to thank its loyal patrons with a serious lineup of DJs. The party starts tomorrow at 6 p.m. to share memories as they thank their loyal patrons for nearly two decades of business. There will most definitely be dancing and the Room’s motto of whatever you need from “a $2 box of incense or a $2000 platinum wedding ring; with a smile" will surly be missed.