Filter's 11th hour: Beloved Wicker Park coffeeshop to reopen in late November/early December

No one misses Filter more than its owner Jeff Linnane; the Milwaukee/North/Damen lounge-like coffee shop closed its doors in 2007 when Bank Of America took over its former home in the Flat Iron Building, and Linnane has felt a neighborhood void since. But that's all going to change come late November/early December, when Linnane reopens Filter just down the street from its former home, 1373-75 N. Milwaukee Ave., occupying the storefront next to Copenhagen Cyclery (and the area behind it where the kitchen will go). Linnane tells The A.V. Club that the new spot will resemble the old one—vintage furniture culled from second-hand shops across Illinois and Indiana; a lofty, exposed-brick feel—as well as some upgrades—more seating; in-house roasted coffee; free wi-fi with purchases.

Linnane explains that the reason it took so long to reopen, and why he's finding himself drawn back to Wicker Park, is simple logistics. "The hardest part about finding a space in any neighborhood is that our concept doesn't lend itself to a lot of buildings—one side ordering, one side living room," he says. Linnane scoped out multiple spots, including a few in Logan Square and Roscoe Village, and even found himself losing one location two days before the deal was going to close. At this point, though, Linnane's just eager to open—he's been storing coffee shop furniture in family garages for a while now—though he says the next step has crossed his mind. "I told [partner Jeff] Stella, 'We're not stopping here.' We'll find another location. Our concept is strong enough," he says. "But first, we need to open."

(hat tip: Metromix)