Few Chicago areas have undergone as dramatic a transformation in such a short amount of time as the Near West Side, especially the neighborhoods of the West Loop, Fulton Market and University Village. A downtrodden area for much of the 20th century, the Near West Side turned a corner when the newly built United Center hosted the Democratic National Convention in 1996.
Originally, affluent residents of Union Park wanted a refuge from the increasingly chaotic city, and to create a resort in West Side. But the easy access to the area brought settlement by members of the middle class.
The Great Fire of 1871 originated in the West Side, and its aftermath was followed by even more settlers which created overcrowding. Towards the end of the 19th century, more immigrant settlers arrived furthering the problem of housing.
Hull House, a settlement house, was co-founded in 1889 by Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr and aimed to facilitate settlement while Americanizing the settlers.
The neighborhood has several historic landmarks designated by the city as Chicago Landmarks. They include the First Baptist Congregational Church, Groesbeck House, the Monument of the Haymarket Riot, Holden House, Hull House, Jackson Boulevard District and Extension, Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, St. Ignatius College Prep, Union Station, Union Park Hotel (formerly the Viceroy Hotel), West Town State Bank Building and Fulton-Randolph Market District.
Several notable neighborhoods are in the area, including Fulton River District, Greektown, Little Italy, University Village, Illinois Medical District, Tri-Taylor, United Center area, and the West Loop.
In the past couple of decades, the area has seen increased interest, numerous developments from high rises, single family homes and flats to loft conversions from turn of the century warehouses and manufacturing facilities. Nightlife, trendy restaurants, businesses and even Google now call the area home.
University Village saw significant transformation when the surrounding area was developed into new construction walk up homes, condominiums and lofts which attracted many to the school. Illinois Medical District is home to John H Stroger Jr. Hospital – formerly known as Cook County Hospital, one of the largest county run hospitals and inspiration for the T.V. show ER and move The Fugitive.
The West Loop is home to a thriving restaurant district on Randolph Street, offering up everything from sushi to haute cuisine. In fact, some of the city’s finest restaurants can be found in the West Loop, including the acclaimed Girl and the Goat and Next. Residents can also enjoy a range of excellent dining options in nearby Greektown, Fulton Market, and Little Italy.
The area is serviced by the CTA’s Blue Line, Green Line and Pink Line. Both the Union and Ogilvie station which are major terminals for Amtrak and Metra are found along the eastern part of the neighborhood. Both the I-90 and I-290 cut through the area as well making it easily accessible by both car or public transportation.
