The neighborhoods of Near North community and accomplishments
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast boundaries now defined as North Avenue and Division Ave on the North, Lake Michigan on the East, Chicago Ave on the South and Clark and Franklin on the west. It was formed after Potter Palmer built Palmer mansion and the wealthy individuals followed making Gold Coast one of the richest neighborhoods in Chicago and ranks it 7th in the richest urban neighborhoods in America. Gold Coast is known for its lively culture with many things for people to do varying from fancy restaurants, shopping, and entertainment of all mediums. In addition to many new renovations it is known as a historic district with oldest and unique architecture.
- One of Gold Coasts first accomplishments is the Gold Coast Art Fair, which is known as the Granddaddy of Art Fairs. Last year being the 58th annual fair expresses how long it has been around and the lasting impact on those in the area. It show cases the work of more than 350 artists from around the world with varying prices. This fair is ranked in the top 40 art festivals in the nation. Although currently in Grant Park, it has moved numerous moved from Rush Street location to River North area to Grant Park. The address may be different but it has been the same art fair showing a variety of artists and causing great interest for those around the area.
- The second accomplishment is the Museum of Contemporary Art. Established in 1967, it is one of the world's largest contemporary art venues. It is run gallery style and each exhibit can be composed of either temporary or permanent pieces or both. Many notable exhibits include Frida Kahlo's, Jeff Koons, David Bowie, and many more. Josef Paul Kleihes designed the current building and this location was opened in June 1996. The Museum of Contemporary Art provides many opportunities to see media and critical analyze complex, simple, and beautiful pieces with a lasting impact on the Near North community and around the world.
|
Old Town
Old Town is home to many Victorian-era and some of the few buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire. In the 19th century many German immigrants came to this area and began farming the swamp land planting potatoes and cabbages. The name "Old Town" came as a result of the Old Town Triangle Association where many people wanted to improve the conditions of the building. Old Town has one Brown/Purple Line L station which is one of the oldest's standing stations.
Choosechicago.com describes Old Town as: "From artsy to affluent, this historic neighborhood has been home to immigrant families, gays, hippies and young professionals alike over the years. An incredibly popular neighborhood destination, largely because of its close proximity to the lake and downtown, Old Town keeps up a lively pace day and night. Victorian-era buildings, brick alleyways and narrow, tree-lined streets are charming backdrops to a busy main strip that runs along Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street.For entertainment, comedy takes center stage—with The Second City and Zanies Comedy Club providing the laughs—and the resident theater scene is stellar as well. Shopping is quite eclectic as you can pick up specialty spice blends, imported olive oils, chunks of fudge, rare wines and premium cigars all in one single spree down Wells. Family-owned restaurants are fixtures of the neighborhood and the depth of the variety runs deep: barbeque ribs, sushi, steak frites, pasta and pizza are all noteworthy. You can continue to soak up area history at one of the more seasoned taverns, though new bars and boutiques keep Old Town forever young" |
|
Goose Island
As said by Apartments.com
"The Goose Island neighborhood in Chicago consists of a small, man-made island surrounded entirely by the Chicago River. Although residents do not physically live on the island, this neighborhood combines a surrounding residential community with an industrial location. Goose Island has a small collection of niche restaurants and shops that help create an enjoyable living environment." Many of these restaurants and shops make Goose Island and interesting place to go with its short walking distance to places. |
|
River North
Best said by Choosechicago.com River North is "a stylish urban neighborhood that borders the Magnificent Mile and is just across the bridge from the Loop, River North is the go-to district for those who appreciate fine art and design. And for those who appreciate fine dining and drinks, the momentum behind the latest trendsetting openings continues to build and the late night energy swells.Dormant factories and industrial warehouses began their transformation in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming work spaces and studios for artists and entrepreneurs. What followed was an influx of new businesses that densely concentrated the area and have made River North a hub for creativity and entertainment. Anchoring the area is the massive Merchandise Mart, with its endless trade showrooms for furniture and design wholesalers, and surrounding this epicenter are eye-catching galleries, home stores and antique shops. And architectural standouts are plenty, from the twin corn cobs Marina City to its neighbor the stately, steel and glass 330 N. Wabash building by Mies van der Rohe.
Cultured by day, River North shifts into high gear by night. The dining scene is always buzzing-from knockout noodles and Spanish small plates to high-end steakhouses and famed pizzerias. Just about every type of cuisine is covered in this mix of award-winning restaurants and local favorites. And for some after-hours revelry, slip into any of the sleek new clubs, upscale wine bars and craft cocktail lounges that dot the scene." |
|
Magnificent Mile/ Streeterville
Best stated by chicago.localtourist.com, "many people have been to these favorite Windy City spots dozens of times over without ever realizing they were living it up in the heart of Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood. Blocks of name brand and designer retail stores, clusters of packed pubs and daytime delis, amusement park attractions and live performances, and unobstructed views from one of the tallest buildings in the city. Yep, Streeterville is definitely a hot Chicago tourist scene, dotted by residential high-rises and some of the city’s most prized architecture and popular sites.
Perhaps the heightened interest in the area’s specific features (such as the Michigan Avenue shopping strip, stunning Chicago River district and never-ending action at Navy Pier) has overshadowed its identity as a neighborhood. Well, the Streeterville name may have escaped the limelight, but this highly-energetic section of Chicago brings fun, leisure and excitement to the forefront! From an afternoon spent hitting up the crowded “vertical malls” and snacking at the famous Cheesecake Factory, to an evening show at the IMAX Theatre and a dinner cruise along the shoreline, Streeterville is full of enjoyable activities and experiences that make it a memorable Chicago destination for people of all interests"
Perhaps the heightened interest in the area’s specific features (such as the Michigan Avenue shopping strip, stunning Chicago River district and never-ending action at Navy Pier) has overshadowed its identity as a neighborhood. Well, the Streeterville name may have escaped the limelight, but this highly-energetic section of Chicago brings fun, leisure and excitement to the forefront! From an afternoon spent hitting up the crowded “vertical malls” and snacking at the famous Cheesecake Factory, to an evening show at the IMAX Theatre and a dinner cruise along the shoreline, Streeterville is full of enjoyable activities and experiences that make it a memorable Chicago destination for people of all interests"
|
Works cited
"About Us." Golden Triangle. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2016.
"Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place | Broadway in Chicago." Broadway in Chicago. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2016.
"Chicago's Historic Old Town Neighborhood - Dining, Nightlife and World-Renown Comedy." Chicago's Historic Old Town Neighborhood - Dining, Nightlife and World-Renown Comedy. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2016.
"Chicago Neighborhoods | Choose Chicago." Chicago Neighborhoods | Choose Chicago. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2016.
"Goose Island Neighborhood Guide - Living in Chicago." Apartments.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2016.
"Goose Island." Guide, Moving to Chicago. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2016.
"The Newberry - Chicago's Independent Research Library Since 1887." The Newberry - Chicago's Independent Research Library Since 1887. Web. 27 May 2016.
"Old Town Art Fair." Old Town Triangle Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2016.
"Our Impact | Mercy Home for Boys & Girls." Mercy Home for Boys Girls. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2016.
"The Poetry Foundation: History and Mission." Poetry Foundation. Poetry Foundation, n.d. Web. 20 May 2016.
"Steppenwolf Theatre Company." Steppenwolf Theatre Company. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2016.