How does one identify the holdings of Urban Assets LLC? Of course, the most reliable method is to use the plat maps at the Assessor's office and then examine deeds at the Recorder of Deeds' office. Geo St. Louis is a good back-up. Still, when one is far from City Hall or the Internet, there is a fairly reliable way of telling.Look at the photograph above, showing the north face of the 4200 block of Page Boulevard in the Vandeventer neighborhood (officially "West Page" here.) See the Urban Assets property?
Aha! Here it is: the lovely home at 4255 W. Page Boulevard. Unfortunately, the house was condemned for demolition on June 1 and sits in the 19th Ward, where there is no preservation review. 
How about across the street? My guess is that this one is obvious.
Yes, it's the fine old house at 4230 W. Page. The tell-tale sign of Urban Assets is the use of unpainted OSB boards to cover window and door openings. OSB board is not the most water- or vandal-proof material out there -- how about 3/4" plywood or breathable metal covers used widely in Chicago on vacant buildings -- but it's better than nothing. This is the same style of board-up used by Urban Solutions on McEagle's properties. The Land Reutilization Authority mostly uses plywood for board-up and always paints the boards it installs. Urban Assets' board-up jobs are stark and easy to spot. On one hand, a bright new OSB board is a sign of neglect, but on the other it is a canvas for aspiring artists of every medium. Is there a connection between Urban Assets and the Heidelberg Project?
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What will happen with these properties?
Alderman French posted on his twitter that he blocked the city from demolishing an Urban Assets property.
What happens next?
There's a drug court. Maybe we need a vacant building court?
French is a blessing to his ward -- an active, involved and aware rep who is already using the right tools to protect the community. Smart electorate actually voted in a leader working on their behalf this time.
Maybe Harvey Noble needs to be is tarred and feathered. Maybe his clients need to be put in stocks and pelted with rotten tomatoes. Since our justice system does not serve the interests of the citizenry (ya' know, that whole "seeking redress of grievances" Constitutional thingy), perhaps citizen justice will be needed.
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