The neighborhood was historically considered to belong to Chicago’s Polish Downtown where the oldest Polish settlement in the United States was located, and where the headquarters of many Polish-American organizations are located. West Town is compromised of several distinct and well known neighborhoods, the area, along with Bucktown and the eastern part of Logan Square is sometimes collectively referred to as “the Northwest Side.”
Settlement began in 1851, when Anthony Smarzewski-Schermann moved to a still undeveloped prairie area, just outside Chicago, and he was joined by other Polish immigrants. Though it was thought that the name “West Town” may refer to Western Ave, which was the city of Chicago’s western boundary at the time of settlement, it may just be a clever and abstract name.
West Town is compromised of several well known and distinct neighborhoods including Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village, East Village and River West. Many artists settled in the area during the 80’s and 90’s when community development groups pushed for neighborhood stabilization which coincided with efforts to create an art community in Wicker Park. The abundance of abandoned factories turned lofts, along with public transportation access and vicinity to downtown Chicago, development in the area continued to grow.
With an eclectic mix of hip cafes, independent bookstores, raucous bars, expensive boutiques, art galleries, music venues and peaceful city parks, West Town appeals to a variety of lifestyles.
Over the last several years, the community has seen an influx of trendy eateries, bars and boutiques pop up along Division Street, Chicago Avenue, Grand Avenue as well as Damen Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue. It is a popular destination for shoppers in search of the hottest fashions, foodies in search of a variety of cuisine – with everything ranging from French bistro to sushi, to socialites who enjoy cocktails at turn of the century inspired speakeasies or bars.
The neighborhood has several festivals each year, including Do Division Street Fest, West Fest, Renegade Craft Fair and the West Town Art Walk.
The area has the CTA’s Blue Line that runs through several neighborhoods in the area on the way into further northwest neighborhoods, ending at O’Hare.
