July 2021 – Southport Corridor News and Events

Wrigleyville Mills Fashion Outlet shops coming soon

In addition to the fire-sale of Baez, Bryant and Rizzo, everything must go at Wrigley Field to make room for the Wrigleyville Mills Fashion Outlets

After a Cubs firesale, everything must go at the Wrigleyville Mills Fashion Outlet coming soon

Tom Ricketts releases a statement after Rizzo, Bryant and Baez trades

The end of an era.

“I want to personally thank Anthony Rizzo, Javy Báez and Kris Bryant. Together they played critical roles for one of the most successful runs in Chicago Cubs history. They each secured a place in the hearts of Cubs fans everywhere. While their days taking the field together as Cubs have come to an end, they gave us memories we will hold forever.

I also wish to acknowledge Jed and his team for making the tough decisions necessary to build the next great Cubs team.”

In His First Game With the New York Yankees, Of Course Anthony Rizzo Homered to Break a Tie

Anthony Rizzo is making his debut with the New York Yankees tonight, and while I wish him nothing but instant and tremendous success, here’s the reality: it’s a little tough to see him in the Yankees gear. And it’s tough to see him hit his first homer, in a tie game, to give the Yankees the lead.

It’s a big moment with a team that is no longer the Cubs:

The best in the Rizz. pic.twitter.com/ACO6LKcOVy
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 31, 2021

From Bleacher Nation

End of an era: The Cubs trade Kris Bryant to the Giants

Cubs Send Shortstop Javier Báez to Mets as Sell-Off Continues

Anthony Rizzo is officially a New York Yankee

Treat him well, New York.

With these tweets from the Cubs and Yankees, it’s a done deal.

To @ARizzo44, the heart and soul of the greatest Cubs team of all time.

For all you’ve done on the field and for all you do off it.

Thank you. #TeamRizzo pic.twitter.com/1OQPagPHSo
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 30, 2021

There was no doubt the Cubs were going to be sellers at the trade deadline, but they didn’t wait until the deadline to make a seismic move, trading franchise cornerstone Anthony Rizzo to the New York Yankees for a pair of prospects.

The Rizzo Show continues in the Bronx. @ARizzo44 👊 pic.twitter.com/rwv6ehvJDY
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 30, 2021

Anthony Rizzo leaves Wrigley Field for the last time

Anthony and Emily Rizzo leave Wrigley Field with the dog Kevin after being traded to New York. July 29, 2021.

Anthony Rizzo’s dad thanked #Cubs fans for being the greatest fans on the planet & made his wish for @ARizzo44’s legacy

“I want him to be next to Ernie Banks taking a ball out of his back pocket” pic.twitter.com/V2yIjUFKgV
— WGN TV News (@WGNNews) July 30, 2021

Anthony Rizzo and his family – a last walk around Wrigley Field

A collective cry is in order as Anthony Rizzo has been traded.

Anthony Rizzo & his family soaking up Wrigley Field. 💔

(📸: @amartinez_11) pic.twitter.com/ggJRdKFcIc
— Cubs Zone ™️ (@CubsZone) July 29, 2021

Anthony Rizzo leaving Wrigley Field for the last time:

Thank you for everything @ARizzo44 pic.twitter.com/ttXDL3F5ml
— Murphy’s Bleachers (@murphysbleacher) July 30, 2021

Anthony Rizzo with pup Kevin walk through Wrigley Field that last time. July 29, 2021

Cubs Reportedly Set to Trade Anthony Rizzo to Yankees (receiving outfielder Kevin Alcantara and pitcher Alexander Vizcaino)

One of the most beloved players in the history of the Chicago Cubs is likely on the move, as multiple reports have indicated that first baseman Anthony Rizzo is close to being traded to the New York Yankees.

According to YES Network’s Jack Curry, the Yankees are “moving closer” to acquiring Rizzo:

The Yankees are moving closer to acquiring Anthony Rizzo from the Cubs. #yankees
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) July 29, 2021

Amazon Studio’s Paper Girls filming in Chicago’s Southport Corridor Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Paper Girls will be filming on Chicago’s Southport Corridor north of Waveland this upcoming week.

The history, and now dismantling of Southport Lanes

Southport Lanes was built by the Schlitz brewery in 1922 as one of the hundreds of “tied houses” in the Midwest

Southport Lanes is officially closed, and the auction of items has ended. Signs have begun to be taken down and for the first time in decades, you are able to see the old facade.

Leo’s Southport Lanes in the 1960’s and 1970’s

Excerpts from the Chicago Bar project from several years ago:

Southport Lanes was built by the Schlitz brewery in 1922 as one of the hundreds of “tied houses” in the Midwest (only Schlitz beer could be served). Once Schlitz sold the bar, the menu offered fornication to help fund the transitional purchase to its new owners in addition to its nobler alcohol distribution efforts. Because prostitution was, and still is, illegal in Chicago, the owner had to subtly advertise the delights to be found upstairs. He did this by having M.K. Siegner paint murals on the walls depicting nymphs frolicking in negligees.

Because prostitution was, and still is, illegal in Chicago, the owner had to subtly advertise the delights to be found upstairs. He did this by having M.K. Siegner paint murals on the walls depicting nymphs frolicking in negligees. These murals can still be seen today, both in the front room and above the bowling pins. Additional murals of these nymphs, sans clothing, could be found along the staircase and in the second floor bedrooms but those have since been painted over.

In 1991, the bar was purchased and renovated by the same owners that later brought us the Daily Bar & Grill, and such now-defunct dillies as Corner Pocket (now Victory Liquors), Hudson Club, and Lucky Strike (now Seven Ten, which also offers bowling and billiards).

Ownership of Southport Lanes has since transitioned to the Spare Time empire, who also owns Seven Ten, Firehouse, Riverview Tavern, Robey Pizza Company, and Popkin Tavern (Richmond, Virginia). Fortunately, the new owners did not mess with the formula that made the original, “Leo’s Southport Lanes,” an excellent tavern. Leo’s was run by Leo and Ella Beitz dating back to 1960, who took over from Leo’s parents who ran it since 1946.