Uptown History

During the last half of the nineteenth century, the rural beachfront north of Chicago was a favorite recreational destination for the city's elite. Residential development began in the 1860's and grew as commuter rail service extended north from the city early in the twentieth century.

By the 1920's, Uptown had developed a bustling retail and entertainment district, rivaled only by downtown. The Gold Coast, as its wealthy residents called Uptown, boasted 11 theaters, 36 hotels, and beautiful mansions. Three of these venues - the Uptown, Riviera, and Aragon Ballroom - still stand.

At its zenith, Uptown was the hub of café society and entertainment in the Midwest. The film industry began and thrived in Uptown at Essanay Studios on Argyle Street. Before the studios moved to Hollywood, Uptown was the home of well known entertainment figures including Gloria Swanson, Douglas Fairbanks, and, briefly, Charlie Chaplin. Frank Sinatra got his break singing at the Aragon.

Uptown's housing stock suffered after World War II. Relaxed standards encouraged division of large residential units into smaller units to meet an increased housing demand. The neighborhoods further declined in 1960, when 25% of Uptown's historic housing was lost to fire in a single year.

During the 60's and 70's, large numbers of low-income residents poured into Uptown, over-burdening its social services and increasing demand for affordable housing. Urban renewal projects, including large institutions, displaced residents and removed additional historic structures. Between 1960 and 1980, 13 subsidized housing projects (2000 new units) were built for low and moderate income, most in high-rises along the Clarendon and Sheridan corridors.

Fortunately, much of Uptown's architectural legacy remains. Gradual but dramatic improvement of Uptown's neighborhoods began in the early eighties and continues. However, withstanding several notable exceptions, much of Uptown's commercial district still suffers from blight. Many of the community's historically significant commercial buildings are in poor condition, under-utilized, or vacant. A comprehensive effort to redevelop these commercial properties is imperative.

back to top