End of the Semester

Namaskar (greetings) everyone!

     I focused my last few weeks within the semester to documenting within the neighborhood and noting the new businesses and upcoming events that will take place in the summer on Devon Ave. I have been in contact with the West Ridge Chamber of Commerce and the events that they host throughout the week to help community residents and store owners. Recently, there have not only been ethnic stores opening, but more chain operations. I found out that there is another Starbucks that will open a couple blocks south of Devon Ave on Western.

     Even though semester is ending, I am pleased to inform that my work on Devon Ave. will not. I will continue to do archival and demographic research during the summer for Dr. Pincince. This will not only include taking pictures, but interviewing active members within the neighborhood and actually getting involved in the programs that are offered to primarily immigrant residents in the neighborhood. This research experience has truly opened my eyes to the complexities of demographics, migration and economy within a metropolis such as Chicago. Devon Ave was the perfect case study because of its rich diversity and immigrant population. It has enhanced my research skills and has made me much more assertive in how I approach individuals and tackle my tasks at hand. I am truly overjoyed to be taking part in this project and really appreciate the time you all have taken to read my blog and follow my journey within the internship.

Week Eleven: Spring Closings

Namaskar (greetings) Everyone!

     This week I focused on the stores that have closed down and the new stores that have opened in their place. There have been numerous new stores that have opened between California and Talman on Devon Ave. There has been a plethora of primarily restaurants and herbal stores that have opened up. Something interesting I found out was that many of these stores are the exact same as the one that was there prior. Simply the name and management has changed. A few years ago this area used to be home to predominantly Russian businesses, but there has been a decline in the recent years. I wonder if this is due to the fact that Russian residents are moving out of the area.

   I also ventured away from Devon Ave itself and noticed there were several American chain stores being established. For example, a new Walgreen and Chase Bank were built just south of Devon Ave on Western. Another store is estimated to be built this summer there as well. There is also a Starbucks scheduled to open near Broadway and Devon Ave. I recently spoke to a CAPS police officer and he stated that gentrification and the opening of these stores are good for the neighborhood. I beg to differ. There is a certain authenticity and feel to this neighborhood. I hope it remains. I enjoy going to family owned businesses and chatting with the owners in my native language. It creates a sense of home. I do not want this neighborhood to become identical to another. I want it to remain unique. The police officer also notified me that there have been plans made to add a series of murals near California and Devon and will be financed by the City of Chicago.

    

Week Ten: Mock Interviews Cont.

Namaskar (greetings) Everyone!

     This week I continued my mock interviews on Devon Ave with relatives and I have continued to keep an eye on the stores that have been opening and closing. I am sad to inform that Standard India has gone out of business. This was one of the first Indian restaurants to open on Devon Ave in the 1980s, but it relocated near Clark and Belmont in Chicago. This restaurant was a popular hotspot for locals and namely non-Indian customers. Unfortunately, it went out of business. This is interesting because the restaurant was in a different neighborhood and yet it faced the same doom numerous other Indian restaurants face. However, the restaurant did outlast the majority of Indian/Pakistani restaurants that have opened in the past three decades. Now all that remains is a "For Sale" sign across the storefront. Pista House restaurant on the intersection of Campbell and Devon has also closed down. This establishment was fairly new and owned by the same family that owns Ghareeb Nawaz. I thought that Pista House would have done well because of the success of Ghareeb Nawaz. Also Pista House was in the heart of the Indian/ Pakistani community while Ghareeb Nawaz is farther east. Again I must go back and modify the businesses that are located on Devon Ave. It is becoming increasingly difficult because a business seems to close down or spring up every week!
   
  I have continued with my mock interviews. I found interviewing one individual led me to so many more because families usually own these businesses. For example, I interviewed one store owner and realized that the rest of the employees of the store were all related to him. It is also helpful to know the store owners because they are really friendly and open to sharing their experience. Usually what happens is that one individual immigrates to the United States and then sponsors their other relatives to join them. These family members usually move in with the initial member or move in close proximity to them. If a family member starts a business, they usually do it with the help of their kin. The store owner also mentioned that it is more cost efficient to hire family than others. I am learning so much about the social dynamics of this neighborhood and why Devon Ave has become host to such an enormous Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi community in a mere two decades.