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Welcome To The Gap

As part of south Chicago's rich cultural history, The Gap is a small neighborhood primed for revitalization and development. Close to Lake Michigan and the Loop with convenient transportation options and plenty of affordable housing opportunities, The Gap is a hidden south side gem that is brimming with new construction, in addition to a renewed interest in its classic row houses. A respectable number of restaurants cover all the basic cravings  get a slice from a Chicago-based pizzeria, or order up a Cajun catfish dish with a Midwest twist.  

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Contents


[Demographics, Shopping, Entertainment, and more...]
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The Gap Home Sales Statistics


The Gap Facts

Location: about 3 miles south of the Loop
Boundaries: 31st Street to the north, Martin Luther King Jr Drive to the east, 35th street to the south and Michigan Avenue to the west
Bordering Neighborhoods: Near South Side, Douglas, Bronzeville, Bridgeport
 Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap to search specific streets and areas for crime incidents.
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Then and Now

This tiny, three-block long south side Chicago neighborhood is called The Gap because it lies in the space (or gap) between a pair of high-rise housing developments at 31st and 35th streets. The Gap is part of the larger community area of Douglas. The Douglas neighborhood is named after the 19th century Chicago politician Stephen Douglas, who, in 1852, purchased 70 acres of land between 33rd and 35th streets. After building a mansion for himself near 35th and State streets, Douglas donated much of his land to a Baptist church. During the Civil War, Camp Douglas was built in the area between Cottage Grove Avenue and South Parkway, 31st and 36th streets. The camp was to be used for training Union soldiers. In the later stages of the war, the camp served as a POW camp for captured rebel soldiers, over 4,000 of who died in the camp due to unsanitary conditions. The devastatingly grim history of the grounds was hard to forget, but as the area was developed for residential use, the neighborhood was given a renewed livelihood, and eventually the area's gruesome past was largely forgotten.

Even in the mid 1800s, Douglas was convenient to many transportation options. A stop on the Illinois Central Railroad, as well as various streetcar lines, made this Chicago neighborhood appealing to many of the city's wealthier citizens who were drawn to the quick commute to Chicago's commercial center. At the same time, the area's close proximity to local industry made Douglas attractive to blue collar workers who began to settle their families in the vicinity as well. The small neighborhood to the north of Douglas, known as the "Black Belt" for its large African American population, began to expand south into Douglas, and by the close of the 19th century thousands of African Americans were calling Douglas home as well. This population growth continued into the 1920s when Douglas, along with the Bronzeville neighborhood to the south, became known as the center of black cultural life in the city. African American-owned businesses thrived as did the nightlife and Chicago's south side soon gained a national, if not international, reputation for music with the biggest jazz acts of the day headlining the neighborhood clubs.

Like much of the rest of the country in the 1930s, Douglas was hit hard by the stock market crash and the Great Depression that followed. Businesses went under, public services suffered, housing markets fell, and economic opportunities were scarce. Starting in 1941 with the Ida B. Wells housing project, the newly formed Chicago Housing Authority began constructing public housing to provide for low-income families. Stateway Gardens, the Robert Taylor Homes and others followed. But lack of public funds -- or perhaps apathy -- these projects lapsed into a state of disrepair and became infiltrated with crime and gang violence.

Today, thanks in part to community organizations such as the Mid-South Planning and Development Commission and the Quad Communities Development Corporation, residents and neighborhood leaders are working with developers in an effort to create and sustain a safe and vibrant mixed-income community in the neighborhoods of North Kenwood, Oakland, Grand Boulevard and Douglas (which includes The Gap). All of the former public housing projects have been demolished and they are currently being replaced with attractive mixed income low-rise housing.
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Real Estate

There's not much to The Gap neighborhood -- seeing as it covers less than five square blocks of land -- but sometimes the quaintness of a small subdivision can bring more beauty and comfort than a larger neighborhood. Such is the case in The Gap. Traditional brick and stone two- and three-story row houses line many of the residential streets in The Gap, with stone stoops leading up from the sidewalks to small porches, some big enough for a chair or two. While most of these elegant homes occupy vintage buildings boasting classic masonry work and attractive limestone accents, a slew of contemporary designs have made an appearance in The Gap giving the neighborhood a boost of modernity and freshness. But whether you prefer the vintage look or something that's been newly built, homeowners will find that most of these row houses offer renovated interiors with the latest upgrades included refurbished hardwood flooring and granite kitchen countertops.

In general, a row house or detached single-family townhome in The Gap neighborhood starts in the upper $200,000s with a lot of options in the four-hundred thousand dollar range. Of course, if you want to splurge there are plenty of properties listed for between $600,000 and $900,000. With four or five bedrooms and multiple floors, these large Chicago homes provide ample living space for families that want to remain close to the city's center but need a bit more leg room. Of course, not every homeowner is concerned with having tons of space. Not to worry, The Gap offers plenty of condos situated in a variety of buildings from four-story walkup flats to high-rise units with far-reaching views of the city. Many of the larger condominium complexes in the neighborhood are located along the neighborhoods main thoroughfares, namely Michigan and Indian avenues, King Drive and Calumet Avenue. Typically, the price for a one-bedroom unit hovers in the low to mid $100,000s, adding another bedroom into the mix will bring the price point up to between $160,00 and $330,000. There are some three-bedrooms available for under $300,000 in The Gap, but really you're probably looking at paying more like four-hundred thousand or more for a place this size.

What's on the Menu?

From tasty fried fish to traditional hoagies to butter-crust pizza, unless you're on a health kick, you'll find lots of good eats in The Gap.

For Gap residents, there's only one place in the neighborhood for a slice of the good stuff. We're talking about pizza, and as the locals know, the best pie around is served out of the kitchen at Reggio's Pizza (3461 S Dr. Martin L King Jr., 312-791-9666). Reggio's is a family-owned Chicago pizzeria chain that has been doing business on the south side for over 35 years. Reggio's is a standout in this pizza-loving town, not only for the distinct flavor of their butter-crust dough, but because it is the only African American-owned pizza franchise in the U.S. But this popular eatery doesn't just do pizza. For those who want a little change in pace, the restaurant's menu also offers Italian beef and sausage sandwiches, fried fish and chicken wings to stave of those hunger pangs. Takeout and delivery are Reggio's main business but there are a few chairs and benches available if you insist on staying to eat. And if you're in the local supermarket, be sure to grab a few of Reggio's original frozen pizzas. They entered the frozen pie market in 1982 and have been going strong ever since.

Okay, we can't all eat pizza every night, right? Fortunately, the restaurateurs in The Gap have taken this fact into account. Although there are several different Taurus Flavors (106 E 35th St, 312-842-7871) located in the Chicago area, we've heard it said that The Gap's Taurus Flavors is the best in the state, but people are free to disagree. What can't be debated is the appetizing selection of lunch and dinner options. The menu is simple; enjoy one of their loaded up hoagies or the steak supreme. This Gap location features daily meal deals and their ice cream treats are delectable after dinner snacks.

Seating is a scarce commodity at Mississippi Rick's (3351 S King Dr, 312-791-0090), but ribs and fish are in abundance. This thriving takeout and delivery joint traffics in soul food, barbecue, and Cajun fare, and the rib tips, chicken and fried catfish keep the customers coming back time and again.

For good food served fast, The Gap has several opportunities for getting a tasty bite on the go. If it's fried chicken, fish or shrimp you're after then J&J Fish (252 E 35th St, 312-949-1253) can hook you up. There are several locations on the south side, including this one in The Gap which attracts a crowd from the surrounding residential streets as well as the nearby neighborhoods. For subs and hoagies, folks in The Gap have options: there's Southtown Sub (240 E 35th St, 312-326-1890) and A A Submarine (303 E 35th St, 312-791-1186). And for those with a hankering for a classic Chicago-style hot dog, Jimmy's Red Hots (110 E 35th St, 312-225-8238) can help you satisfy that craving.
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Best Shopping Stops

If you're looking for a good deal on some footwear -- nothing too fancy -- or just need to upgrade your wardrobe a little, The Gap neighborhood has quite a few storefronts lining the main thoroughfares where residents can go for new shoes and threads.

Good deals on kicks, casual footgear, sandals and slip-ons abound at Payless Shoe Source (216 E 35th St, 312-842-5494). As you probably are already aware, since Payless is a nationwide chain, this place always has a sale or clearance on something and name brands are often listed much lower here than at competing outlets. But if you're a little more serious about what you put on your feet, The Athlete's Foot (331 E 35th St, 312-225-3300) might be more your speed, whatever your sport. Again, this national store is well-known throughout the U.S. so we'll spare you the details. It's just nice to know that you can get that new pair of cleats or specialized sneakers for basketball right down the street from home.

As you might guess, Mr. T's T-Shirts (238 E 35th St, 312-842-3900) has quite the unique stock of T-shirts that will complement your basic closet staples and plus-size women will be able to find deals at Ashley Stewart (3455 S King Dr, 312-567-0405), another chain retail shop you may be familiar with, which offers a line of women's clothing for all occasions from lingerie to business attire.
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Getting Around

The Gap is a south side neighborhood ideally located for trips to the Loop or the beach or any number of points in between and beyond. Although not located within the actual neighborhood borders, there is a CTA Green Line "El" stop just past Michigan Avenue less than a block from The Gap's western edge. The train here -- called the El because of the system's segments of elevated tracks -- provides residents with an easy route to the downtown Loop. Although it is probably within walking distance of most homes in The Gap, you can shorten your trip to the Green Line El station with a quick ride on the CTA #35 westbound bus on 35th Street. Or, stay on the bus and head a little further west because just beyond the El stop is U.S. Cellular field, where you can watch the pride of the south side, the White Sox, play from April though September -- and if we cross our fingers maybe even through October, too.

There's also a Red Line El station located next to the stadium that provides Gap residents with another handy transportation option to the Loop and other parts of the city. We love the #35 bus; it just seems to go everywhere we could want. In addition to Green and Red line El stops and the White Sox home turf, the #35 also takes us out to the 35th/Archer Orange Line station where we can catch the train to Midway Airport to catch that flight to Miami when the winter weather starts biting. Keeping on the subject of the great CTA transit options in the neighborhood, the #3 King Drive bus and the much faster X3 King Drive Express bus will zip you north to the McCormick Place, the Loop and Northwestern Hospital. Or you can take it south for another Green Line option at the 63rd Street station. The #4 Cottage Grove Avenue bus and the X4 Cottage Grove Express go up to Alder Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum -- and don't forget those other Chicago sporting heroes, the Chicago Bears, at their Soldier Field Headquarters (also accessible on the Cottage Grove bus lines).
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School's in Session

The Gap is a small neighborhood, and as such, schools within its borders are limited -- as in, there is only one. Have no fear, your kids won't grow up without an education for lack of neighborhood elementary schools; there are plenty of schools close by where you can send those little scholars to expand their knowledge. Check our Chicago Guide Schools page for a complete list of Chicago area schools and to find out more information on education in the city.

Douglas Community Academy 3200 S Calumet Ave - (773) 534-9263
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Basic Needs

From the nearest public library and gym to navigational tips in and around the neighborhood, we've compiled a list of places in The Gap that will satisfy those simple everyday needs.

Library

Martin Luther King Jr. Public Library 3436 S King Dr - (312) 747-7543

Transit

Chicago Transit Authority (888) 968-7282

SHOPPING

If fashion is your passion (shoes in particular), then Chicago's Gap neighborhood has got you covered.

Payless Shoe Source 216 E 35th St - (312) 842-5494
The Athlete's Foot 331 E 35th St - (312) 225-3300
Sugarfoot 217 E 31st St - (312) 842-8300
Ward Mitchell Co 3349 S King Dr - (312) 326-1529
Just Fit Shoes 236 E 35th St - (312) 842-5451
Mr. T's T-Shirts 238 E 35th St - (312) 842-3900
2 Phat Collection 244 E 35th St - (312) 528-0123
Ashley Stewart 3455 S King Dr - (312) 567-0405

DINING

Ok, we admit fine dining may not be The Gap's forte, but if you want tasty down-home grub or some quick food on the go, you'll find it all on 35th Street and King Drive.

Bars
The Chat Room 3428 S King Dr 312-791-1300

Asian Cuisine
China Chef 258 E 35th St - (312) 842-7509

American
J&J Fish 252 E 35th St - (312) 949-1253
Southtown Sub 240 E 35th St - (312) 326-1890
A A Submarine 303 E 35th St - (312) 791-1186
Jimmy's Red Hots 110 E 35th St - (312) 225-8238
Mississippi Rick's 3351 S King Dr - (312) 791-0090
Reggio's Pizza 3461 S Dr. Martin L King Jr. - (312) 791-9666
Taurus Flavors 106 E 35th St - (312) 842-7871
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Sometimes it makes more sense to view the city of Chicago as a bunch of separate neighborhoodsespecially when it comes to real estate. Whether you are in the market for a loft, condo, townhome, or house, it is just as important to inspect the surrounding area as it is to inspect the home's foundation. The Gap neighborhood is just one Chicago community with an abundance of residential properties, and a life all its own. From where you send your kids to school to where you dine at night, the information we provide is an essential piece of the puzzle when you're trying to decide whether or not to buy that beautiful loft or adorable house in The Gap.
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