Frankie’s Garden: A Tribute to Frankie Saltares
As you’ve passed through Black Cat Alley recently, you may have noticed a new sign in our Alley garden. Here’s the story behind it:
The Executive Director of the East Side BID, David Smulyan, met Frankie Saltares in the Alley in spring of 2022. Frankie lived in the apartment building right next to the Alley, so he and David ended up running into each other repeatedly in the Alley and began to form a friendship. David learned that Frankie helped with maintenance for his apartment building and also frequently detailed cars for his friends.
As David was preparing for the 2022 Summer Soulstice Music Festival, he wanted to spruce up the garden space. Chris Kujawa, Owner of KEI, had recently donated his team’s time and all of the plants and materials needed to bring the Alley garden to life (check out the transformation below). With the new plants and rising summer temperatures, David needed a plan to keep the plants healthy and beautiful all summer long.
Before
After
David asked Frankie if he’d be willing to care for the plants on a regular basis. Frankie agreed, and the two struck up an agreement. From early June through July, Frankie watered the plants nearly every day. He would frequently send David photos of the plants and fun texts about how they were thriving.
Toward the end of July, David texted Frankie but didn’t hear back for quite some time. He walked to where he usually visited Frankie in the alley, and learned from a police officer that Frankie had died in his apartment. No foul play was suspected. For whatever reason, it was just Frankie’s time to go.
David knew he had to do something to remember Frankie’s friendship and attentive care for the Alley garden. He named the Alley garden “Frankie’s Garden” in Frankie’s memory, and added the new sign that reads, “In memory of Frankie Saltares, who nurtured the newly planted greenery in this garden with water and love.”
Please join us in remembering Frankie the next time you enjoy the beauty and nature of our Alley garden.
