The Von Medvey family opened Apple the Second flagship store in 2005 on the corner of Howard Street and Elmwood Avenue becoming the pioneers of renovating commercial property along Howard. Maria Von Medvey and her husband joined the developing business expansion on the 700 block adjacent to Chicago five-star La Cucina di Donatella restaurant and half a mile west of Howard El. “Howard El is the second busiest CTA train station,” said Chicago Alderman Joe Moore (49th Ward). “The Cubs fans from the North Side and North Shore will have more [options] when exiting the train on Howard Street.”
Evanston Alderman Ann Rainey (8th Ward) and Alderman Moore began working closely together to expand business on Howard Street ten years ago. Ald. Moore said, “My vision of Howard Street is to make Howard Street vibrant and diverse commercial strip.” In that time they have installed several urban design street scape identifiers bringing commercial interest and improving residential facade, between the lake front Sheridan Road to the city border of Kedzie Avenue, near Skokie.
Apple the Second is at the center of several housing/condo developments such as the prominent 17 story residential building with 221 units designed by Solomon, Cordwell, Buenz and Associates. “This development is the largest investment ever on the Evanston side of Howard Street,” said Ald. Rainey.
To make way for Apple the Second, Von Medvey Builders Inc. installed 21st century fixtures that allow customers to feel comfortable as they shop for fashion forward garments in a warm, glowing atmosphere. “I have customers flying in to shop here for upscale inexpensive and affordable woman fashion, because of the favoring American dollar value to the Euro,” said store owner Maria Von Medvey. The store is yards away from the drop-off/pick-
Apple the Second is located at 745 W. Howard St., open Monday – Saturday from 12PM until 7PM and closed on Sunday. Store may be reached at (847) 424-0786. Company website: www.applethesecond.com
Lease Space on Howard: http://chicago.craigslist.org/
Cover Publicity • Shoshi Mabina • (847) 905-0029 • shoshi_mabina@
