Alderman Harry Osterman
4 8TH WARD
Resolution
Whereas, Jan Baxter has been a resident of Andersonville for 49 years and a longtime local business owner; and
Whereas, The City Council has been notified of her upcoming retirement by The Honorable Harry Osterman, Alderman ofthe 48th Ward; and
Whereas, in the mid-1980s, the commercial district in Andersonville was experiencing a period of decline, with empty and underused storefronts; and
Whereas, in 1987, Jan Baxter opened The Landmark of Andersonville at 5301 N. Clark Street; and
Whereas, Jan operated the Landmark of Andersonville as a cooperative, so that individual entrepreneurs could share space and expenses; and
Whereas, the cooperative acted as a tremendously effective small business incubator, spinning off multiple businesses that eventually set up shop in their own storefronts, including Toys Et Cetera at 5311 N. Clark, Chicago Dance Supply at 5301 N. Clark, Painted Light Photos and Framing at 1742 W. Balmoral, and others; and
Whereas, with the Landmark as the anchor of the retail district, and with it spinning off other successful independent storefront businesses, other businesses were drawn to open in Andersonville in the years that followed; and
Whereas, today, with the help of Jan's contributions, Andersonville's business district has gained international renown for its vibrancy and dedication to locally owned, independent businesses; and
Whereas, in 2004, Jan moved the Landmark of Andersonville to a new home at 5245 N. Clark, where she continued to serve the Andersonville community as both a business owner and landlord; and
Whereas, The Landmark of Andersonville served in its new location as a women's clothing store, salon, gift and antique shop that supports local artists; and
Whereas, throughout her years in Andersonville, Jan has acted as a mentor to other business owners, providing counsel and sending them customers; and
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