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Uptown consists of: Buena Park.
From the bustling and historic entertainment district to the picturesque lakefront, Chicago's Uptown neighborhood is buzzing with a variety of interesting shops, ethnic restaurants, exciting clubs and eclectic boutiques. Sharing its coveted Lake Michigan beaches with other communities along the water's edge, Uptown owns the market on island paradise-like sands and beautiful shoreline parkland. There is even a public skatepark where rollerbladers and skateboarders can practice their moves and share wipe-out stories with fellow Uptown skaters. Set back from the Lake Michigan shore are the sought-after residential blocks of stately, landmark mansions and vintage, courtyard condominiums. Uptown has its share modern lofts and rehabbed residences, too. Upgraded condo conversions and top-of-the-line finishes are standard in much of the real estate available today. But, if you prefer that antiquated charm, with a fixer-up feel the old, un-renovated buildings of Uptown will be right up your alley.
An historic neighborhood, Uptown's tree-lined streets are filled with landmark mansions as well as condominiums and an array of homes fitting most styles and budgets. Uptown has become increasingly popular with young working adults and middle income families who want to live lakeside without paying the higher Near North Side prices.
In the 1900s, many of the mansions and apartment buildings were converted into affordable housing, upsetting their original charm and splendor. In an effort to beautify and salvage the heritage of this Chicago neighborhood, many of Uptown's buildings have since been renovated and restored to their original glory.
Originally part of the Edgewater neighborhood, the area now known as Uptown was developed as a summer playground for members of Chicago's elite class in the late 19th century, due in large part to its close proximity to Lake Michigan. But the area's desirable location soon began to attract permanent residents in addition to those looking for a warm weather getaway. In the early 1900s, all of the city's northbound trains traveling from downtown ended in the Uptown area, and the neighborhood became a popular entertainment destination.
Uptown history includes a huge nod to film as the neighborhood was also the country's movie capital at one point. Between 1907 and 1918, Essany Studios (the historic building is still located on Argyle Street) made more than 2,000 silent movies. Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, Wallace Beery and Francis X. Bushman were frequent visitors at the studio. By 1918, though, the movie industry moved west, driven away by the often-wintry Chicago weather to the sunny climate of Los Angeles.
Still, in the 1920s, Uptown was the city's fastest growing area. The neighborhood became independent of Edgewater due to a construction and economic boom, and was promoted as Chicago's version of New York City's Manhattan island—packed with glitz, glamour and excitement. Even the street at Uptown's commercial center was crowned 'Broadway.'
Large apartments and hotels were erected to accommodate the growing influx of single adults. Often new to the city, they met up at the neighborhood's many bars, restaurants, dance halls and theaters. In fact, Uptown soon became the north side's leading retail and entertainment district with places like The Rainbo, a popular outdoor music garden, the Arcadia Ballroom and the 5100 Club, a hip comedy nightclub.
The entertainment district's popularity waned throughout the second half of 20th century, but over the past few years it has been experiencing a revival. New restaurants, bars and shops are opening every year, tucked in among the district's historic surviving members like the Aragon Ballroom and the Green Mill Lounge, which is famous for being a favorite spot of Al Capone.
As Chicago neighborhood experts, Dream Town has successfully sold properties in Uptown. Dream Town holds a well-earned reputation for its impressive sales volume and dedication to personal, attentive service. Benefit from the Dream Town advantage when selling your Uptown home. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, Dream Town drives more sales than any other Chicago brokerage.
School data provided by GreatSchools.School service boundaries are intended to be used as reference only. To verify enrollment eligibility for a property, contact the school directly. GreatSchools Ratings provided by GreatSchools.org.
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