The Uptown Street Team ensures efficient and prompt responses to non-emergency issues throughout the Uptown Special Service Area. Ambassadors are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. From providing directions or making great recommendations for where to eat or what to do, to helping neighbors navigate city and neighborhood services, feel free to reach out to the Uptown Street Team at any time.
The Uptown Street Team is one of the most visible elements of the SSA with a measurable impact on the cleanliness and safety of approximately 15 miles of sidewalk throughout Uptown. Through maintenance and operations, landscaping, public art, and event support, the Uptown Street Team works to create a vibrant and welcoming experience. And this is not only through their work to help make it a cleaner and safer district but in their efforts to make a friendlier Uptown. It is not uncommon to see a member of the Uptown Street Team giving directions, providing a personal escort, helping a business owner move a heavy item, or helping an at-need individual find a resource agency. The Street Team does all mentioned above and more on a tight budget, but thankfully as a team they are extremely resourceful!
JUSTIN WEIDL
With more than 20 years of landscape architecture and urban planning experience in the Chicago area, Justin brings critical thought and design leadership to the Uptown Street Team. Before joining Uptown United, he worked at The Lakota Group in Chicago as a Senior Associate providing services in planning, urban design, landscape architecture, and community engagement. Justin and his wife have been involved in organizing neighborhood enhancement efforts such as the Sunnyside Mall Committee since 2010.
ALEX GILBERT
Alex is a graphic designer and artist with a love for bright colors, bold patterns, funky typography, hand-painted signs, and mid-century design. Originally from Iowa, he moved to Chicago in 2009, and has lived in Uptown for almost a decade, becoming more and more fascinated with the neighborhood's supportive community, vibrant arts and culture, and unique architectural history. He's an eclectic music lover, enjoys attending concerts, and hosts a weekly show (Thursdays, 3–6pm) on CHIRP Radio, an independent volunteer-driven station that focuses on local and underrepresented music.
MATTHEW RUFFI
Matthew's professional journey is marked by significant roles and contributions to various organizations. He serves as the Head of Link Up Illinois at Experimental Station, where he enhances the accessibility of fresh foods through the "Link Match" program. As Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Friends of Uplift, he supports efforts to provide educational opportunities and resources. His experience includes serving as Global COO at Adstream and Partner at CigarPlaces.com, showcasing his versatility and leadership skills across different sectors.
MARK SCHMIEDING
Mark has had a long career as an architect for some of the biggest firms in Chicago. He has also lived in Uptown for some thirty years. During that time he developed a bond with Uptown which lasts to this day. When he retired a few years ago, he focused more on art and painting. Through his art, he came to know Uptown United and the efforts they make in assisting and promoting artists in the area. That led to his involvement and current participation with the Uptown Street Team. He takes great pride in helping make Uptown one of the best neighborhoods in the city through art programs and the Street Team's activities.
JACOB LEWIS-HALL
Jacob Lewis-Hall moved to Chicago in 2010, but it was years before he visited Uptown. After relocating to Uptown, he became obsessed with the district’s architecture and character and began the journey to learn about its history. He decided to put together a book in conjunction with the Chicago History Museum and Northside History Collection at the Sulzer Regional Library. Jacob is the primary source behind the Uptown Historical Marker Program and has been an invaluable source of information for Uptown United and the Street Team.
TOMMY THE TIGER
Tommy the Tiger first moved to Uptown in 2022 to celebrate the "Year of the Tiger" during Uptown's Lunar New Year Parade along Argyle Street. Since then, he has taken up residence at the Uptown United office providing overnight security. Tommy loves to attend Uptown's variety of community events, especially the Uptown Candy Crawl which takes place each year along Wilson Avenue the weekend before Halloween. As the third animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, Tommy is associated with power, risk-taking, and vibrant, adventurous energy - making him a great fit for the Uptown Street Team!