Hyde Park & Kenwood
Until the late 19th-century the area south of the city and west of Lake Shore Drive, known as Hyde Park, stood as mostly undeveloped swamp land on the eastern portion and Chicago suburb on the western part. Then, two men had a dream: to make the land the site of the next World's Fair. Out of this dream, architect Daniel Burnham and landscape artist Frederick Law Olmsted created the "White City" in Jackson Park and along the Midway Plaisance, a city that dazzled the millions of visitors who flocked to Chicago for the 1893 Columbian Exposition.
The only building that remains is the Palace of Fine Arts, which houses the Museum of Science and Industry. Yet, the World's Fair put this southern neighborhood on the map, attracting developers to the area. Around the time of the fair, the University of Chicago began constructing its campus near the Midway Plaisance. And, when an economic down turn hit in the 1950's, the University spear headed the effort to revitalize and rebuild the community.
Today, Hyde Park is a thriving community, lauded as one of the most successfully racially integrated in the country. The University of Chicago sits centrally in the neighborhood, with open grassy areas, two- and three-flats, high-rises, and single family homes on tree-lined streets branching out from it. People of all ages and backgrounds, students, professionals, families, and long-time residents, are drawn to the area both for its diversity and large, affordable living spaces. In addition, many of the homes reflect the area's rich architectural history, including Frank Lloyd Wright's famous Robie House.
A stroll down the side streets promises restaurants and shops just as diverse as the residents. Enjoy Caribbean creations or soul food while watching an outdoor chess match at Harper Court. Find Thai, Lebanese, French, or Italian delights at any number of family-owned restaurants and cafes. Shop for antique jewelry or one-of-a-kind works of art at neighborhood boutiques. And, once a year, take in the 57th Street Art Fair, which remains the oldest juried art fair in the Midwest.
Unlike much of the city, Hyde Park boasts acres upon acres of groomed gardens and open land (including Jackson Park and the Midway Plaisance),offering a retreat from the hectic urban pace. The Museum of Science and Industry, the Du Sable Museum of African American History, and the University of Chicago all offer a variety of cultural events, exhibitions, and special speakers. And, the lakefront and Burnham Harbor are just a short ride away.
Nestled slightly north of Hyde Park, Kenwood emerges as one of the most affluent areas of the city,boasting sprawling homes reflecting unique architecture and floor plans. While many of the homes are well over $1 million, newer homes are springing upstarting around $300,000, and thus attracting more of a middle class. Because of the large plots of land the homes rest on, the neighborhood has a more suburban feel than those closer to the city.
Downtown Chicago is easily accessible from both Hyde Park and Kenwood via CTA buses or Lake Shore Drive.
www.hydeparksecc.com
|