L1 Retail Store Enters New Chapter with Entrepreneur-in-Residence in Washington Park

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Washington Park · November 17, 2025

Washington Park's creative business scene is flourishing this November as the historic L1 Retail Store celebrates its grand reopening under new leadership. In March 2025, Arts + Public Life (APL) celebrated the grand reopening of the L1 Retail Store, and now local entrepreneur Peter Gaona has taken the helm as Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Gaona, along with his brand ReformedSchool, is showcasing unique designs alongside curated selections from South Side brands through June 2026.

The initiative marks APL's deepened commitment to creative entrepreneurship on the South Side throughout 2025. This year-long series of activations is designed to make the store a destination for creativity, collaboration, and community, with plans including the return of the popular Vends + Vibes Arts Marketplace on the nearby Arts Lawn. Located at 319 E. Garfield Boulevard inside the historic first "L" station built in 1892, the store is operated and managed by Arts + Public Life, an initiative of UChicago Arts. Washington Park residents and visitors are encouraged to stop by the store to support local entrepreneurs and participate in upcoming events as the L1 Retail Store continues its mission of fostering economic growth in the community.

Sources:
1. https://www.shopl1.org/about
2. https://news.uchicago.edu/story/uchicago-launches-creative-business-accelerator-program-washington-park