In mid-July a gathering of about 30 members of the Chicago area Ely Chapter of Lambda Alpha International (LAI) toured Uptown for their monthly networking gathering. Lambda Alpha International - the Honorary Society for the Advancement of Land Economics - provides opportunities for distinguished practitioners and scholars to come together to discuss, debate and perhaps solve dilemmas involving use of land resources. The organizer of the event was Jackie Loewe of Sheridan Park Consulting, also an Uptown resident and Chair of Uptown United's Development Partners.

The LAI group met in the grand banking hall of Bridgeview Bank Uptown to take in the coffered ceiling and other decorative touches that are original to the 1920s space. Following was a short walking tour of the Lawrence-Broadway entertainment district led by local historian & tour guide Al Walavich who offered up the background on Uptown's development and 1920s architecture like the former Borders complex, Riviera & Uptown Theatres, and the Green Mill Gardens building. The tour finished up with a social hour and tour courtesy of the historic Aragon Ballroom .