18-Aug-16 – On what would have been his 56th birthday, a street sign honoring Arthur Bryan will be dedicated on September 7.

Art Bryan Way will run west on Ontario Street from State to Dearborn, past The Redhead Piano Bar, the River North icon that Bryan owned and managed for 23 years.

Bryan died on April 14. The cause of death has not been released other than he died “peacefully” in his sleep.

“Bryan was a passionate and dedicated Chicagoan,” reads an announcement of the dedication ceremony, “who supported numerous non-profit community-based organizations, including [The Magnificent Mile Association] and the River North Business Association, which presented him with their Community Impact Award.”

On April 18, River North Business Association wrote to 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly, asking that the block in front of The Redhead be given the honorary name. The proposal was introduced at the Chicago City Council meeting on May 18 and passed on June 22.

According to a resolution adopted by the council on May 18, Bryan was active in numerous charitable organizations, including A Silver Lining Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Lynn Sage Foundation, and One for the Kids, as well as other neighborhood associations such as Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the Chicago chapter of National Concierge Association.

Reilly will attend the ceremony, along with Bryan’s brother, Daniel Bryan, his widow, Mirvat Talaat Bryan, and other friends and neighbors.

The honorary street sign – brown with four six-point stars that symbolize the Chicago municipal flag – will be located at the corner of State and Ontario Streets.