The man in his castle

The First Man on the Island
The  floors are done! The roof is done! The walls are in! Kitchen? Check! Bathroom? Check! So take off your shoes, grab a seat and a cup of tea, enjoy the Sinatra and Coltrane ambiance, and welcome to the YMEN College and Career Residence. After 2 years of planning and 8 months of construction, YMEN has 90% of the College and Career Residence finished. Its first occupant, yours truly, has been keeping careful watch over the building, inside and out for the last 2 weeks.

My take on it? Sweet digs! Aside from a lack of a shower bar, curtains, and paint…the place is pretty nice. The kitchen is faaantastic, the neighbors are quiet and nice people (except for those reclusive Trouts next door, who continue to be a scourge on Avers, especially their hound-from-Hades, Zeek, who manages to bark incessantly and sully the good name of North Lawndale when he does his business all over the lawn), and it’s right off of three major intersections. There isn’t much in the way of amenities that other neighborhoods I’ve lived in sported (such as theaters, sit-down restaurants, and alfresco hang-outs)…in fact, it’s not very 20-something friendly…BUT it is quite a nice little alcove in the city. Tucked between Lou Malnati’s and the Metra BNSF tracks, I make my new home.

I had my reservations. After all, I grew up in this neighborhood, and have lived in Lincoln Park for the last 6 years. North Lawndale was not in my geographical forecast. But when Mike explained the reason for the Residence, I signed on. The chance to own a home and get some solid footing in my transition to adulthood is a great opportunity. I’ve been blessed with a good education and solid mentors, both in part due to my 13 year involvement with YMEN. So it’s my time to give back and throw my cards in. Welcome back, Xavier. This is home once again.