111th Street Takes The 10-Year Challenge

CHICAGO - A recent social media trend caught everyone by storm in recent weeks. The "10 Year Challenge" brought to light how much people have changed over the past decade or even longer.

Of course, internet hilarity ensued, but the concept remains an interesting one.

The challenge got some of us thinking: what about local businesses and other neighborhood places? How have they transformed over that same time span?

Let's begin with a look at 111th Street in Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood. Back in 2007, I took a number of photos of businesses as an intern for the Southwest Observer news website that covered Beverly, Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood before the days of Patch.

In 2018, I walked along the same street to get an updated look.

This being Mount Greenwood, of course many places haven't changed a bit. Small businesses like S&T Provisions, The Lamp Shop, Alternate Reality, Baron's Shoes and of course St. Christina Church haven't gone anywhere and are still running strong.

There's still the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (although complete with a barn now), Mt. Greenwood Park, the Post Office, La Fiesta and others.

But as much as some things stay the same, there has been a notable amount of change on the street. Let's take a look as 111th Street takes the 10 (actually 12) year challenge.

A few restaurants have either changed hands, names and/or locations.

Not pictured in that corner of 111th and Pulaski is The Flower Guy, who neighborhood residents know was always at that corner selling flowers until just last year. There's also "Bicycle Bill," a neighborhood icon who was often spotted on the street until he died last year.

And what about 10 years from now? How will the 10, or 20-year, challenge look on the street by that time? We've all heard that Wonderburger is coming, but other than that anything else could be a possibility.

Let us know what you'd like to see open on 111th Street over the next decade by leaving a comment below.

All photos by Tim Moran