It's been empty for years, ever since Sears moved its headquarters elsewhere. But unlike some big empties, folks here haven't given up hope for this sleeping giant. A group called Crosstown Arts wants to salvage the 84-year-old art-deco building through retail and residential development. In an ideal world, the building could house artist live/work space and exhibition space.I had the pleasure of touring the building a few months back, an opportunity I'd dreamed of for years and years. I love urban spelunking. Here's an inside shot of one of the warehouse floors. Floor after floor looks just like this:
So what does this have to do with delicious vegan food? Last Thursday, Crosstown Arts hosted its second MemFEAST Dinner on the roof of the old Sears parking garage. I went to the first MemFEAST back in October, which you can read about here. At each dinner, artists present public art proposals for my neighborhood. At the end, everyone present votes and the winner gets $5,000 to make the project happen.And of course, diners enjoy delicious catered vegan food from Another Roadside Attraction while we listen. Here was my plate — Quinoa Tossed with Seared Tempeh, Warm Spring Veggies, and an Heirloom Lettuce Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette. Not pictured is my dessert of rum-soaked strawberries:
There was also a pork loin dish offered for meat eaters, but most options were vegan. My vegetarian friend Greg also lives in my 'hood, and he loved the quinoa:
As did I, but I really wanted seconds of the warm veggies:
Unfortunately, we didn't make it back for more food in time. Everything ran out because it was so delicious.Artist Robin Salant had the winning proposal. She plans to install glowing, colored lights on timers in the large water tower of the building, as well as white lights all across the top. If she can secure additional funding, she will also put colored lights in some of the warehouse floor windows. It's going to be awesome!
