Dan O'Donnell

Dan O’Donnell was the owner of Armitage Hardware and a long time supporter of Irish students. Dan became an owner of Armitage Hardware in 1967. The original store from 1896 had been for general merchandise before it became a hardware store in 1922 under previous owners. Dan and his wife, Kathleen, lived above the store and bought and restored historic properties in the area. The O’Donnell’s quite literally helped rebuild Lincoln Park from a gang ridden, run down neighborhood residential and commercial area, to the beautifully restored and prosperous neighborhood it is today.

He started to employ Irish students who were on work visas and staying at a nearby youth hostel. This became a decades long collaboration; through the years he helped thousands of Irish exchange students with summer employment and housing.

Dan was an invaluable support to the neighborhood residents and businesses. He was the go-to guy and would be found giving words of support or a hand shoveling snow. He would also organize support for the local food pantries, for hurricane relief all over the country, and for medical support for young travelers. Dan offered whatever support he could for anyone in need.

50-Year member of the Kiwanis Club of Lakeview

---

Honorary Dan O’Donnell Way

900 West Armitage Avenue

 

Approved: 2021

Ward: 43
Alderman: Smith
Neighborhood: Old Town

Armitage Hardware
925 W. Armitage Avenue

d. January 19, 2021. Age 80.

---

Source

DePaul

https://coordinateproperties.com/blog/2021/4/29/april-2021-newsletter

Martha Lavey Way

Martha Lavey was the Artistic Director of Chicago’s famous Steppenwolf Theater Company for twenty years. She was also an actor. Her first performance with Steppenwolf was in 1981 a production of “Savages” by John Malkovitch. Martha appeared in many productions in Chicago theater including: Goodman, Victory Gardens, Remains, and Northlight Theaters. She joined the company at Steppenwolf in 1993 and became the Artistic Director in 1995. During this time Steppenwolf became a theater which introduced Tony Award winning productions and performances destined for Broadway. It became an an incubator and launching pad for new works and highly acclaimed remakes established works.

Alumni
Northwestern University, BS, MA, Doctorate

YouTube, Honorary Chicago Playlist: Martha Lavey

---

Honorary Martha Lavey Way

1650 N. Halsted Street

 

Approved: 2017

Ward: 43
Alderman: Smith
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

b. February 20, 1957. Kansas
d. April 2017. Age 60. Chicago

Near
Steppenwolf Theater
1650 N. Halsted

---

Source

Steppenwolf

New York Times

American Theater

IMDB