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July 2008 |  |
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| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
Our Neighborhood
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own colorful history and unique personality. From Sauganash to Old Irving Park, Albany Park to Mayfair, the 39th Ward is no exception. Links to the following communities will give you an overview of the people and places that make the 39th Ward one of the best places to live in the city of Chicago.
Albany Park top
Named after Albany, New York
The community of Albany Park is currently home to over 49,000 residents and 400 businesses. The core boundaries of Albany Park extend from roughly Pulaski Road on the west, Montrose Avenue to the south, the North Branch of the Chicago River to the north, and Sacramento Avenue on the East.
Legend has it that Albany Park was named after Albany, New York, the hometown of one of its developers. In 1907, the population of Albany Park increased following completion of the Ravenswood train line at the corner of Lawrence and Kimball.
International Community
Whether you arrive to Albany Park from foot, bus, auto, or the CTA train, the community offers a little something for everyone and is truly one of the most international communities in Chicago. At the corner of Lawrence and Kimball, you can visit Albank, one of the cornerstones of the neighborhood. If you're hungry, you can sample a variety of tasty food fares from international cuisines. Stroll along the main streets and you have your choice of Pad Thai, hummos, bi bim bop, pansit palabok, as well as the old standbys, pizza, cheeseburgers, and ice cream.
Neighborhood Improvements
In addition to the thriving commercial activity, we are also fortunate to have institutions that work to make improvements in Albany Park. The Albany Park Community Center serves over 12,000 residents annually, with programs ranging from Day Care and Head Start to adult literacy and job training programs. APCC is also the agency administering the Neighborhood Improvement Fund component of the Lawrence-Kedzie TIF, which provides grants to maintain and improve affordable housing in the community. To date, over 300 housing units have received Neighborhood Improvement Fund grants. Albany Park residents are well served by two longstanding civic organizations, the Jensen Community Organization and the Eugene Field Civic Association.
The Arts
The Albany Park Theater Project is a collaborative arts organization where teen company members are encouraged to develop their stories and talents through self-expression. Although the focus of APTP is the arts, the directors also nurture and mentor company members academically. They encourage members to further their education, often working to find scholarships and other incentives for the teens. APTP was chosen as one of the Chicago Park Districts Arts in Residence programs and makes its home at Eugene Field Park .
Education
Educational opportunities are plentiful in Albany Park. Neighborhood children can walk to Haugan, Hibbard, or Volta elementary schools, and attend high school at Von Steuben, Roosevelt or North Side Preparatory High Schools. After high school, many area teenagers choose to stay close to home and get their college degrees at Northeastern Illinois University or North Park University.
Residents, business people and visitors alike agree that Albany Park is a neighborhood jewel in the city of Chicago.
Sauganash top
A Strong Community
The neighborhood of Sauganash has much to boast of, including great schools, diverse businesses, and a friendly environment. Within all of these assets, Sauganash is an area of our ward inspired and sustained by the people who live there and their pride in this community.
Successful Businesses
Existing primarily from Cicero east to Pulaski, and Bryn Mawr north to Devon, the Sauganash community is dotted with successful businesses. Along the Peterson-Cicero intersection, there are restaurants ranging from the busy Edens Fast Food to the breakfast hot-spot Sauganash Restaurant. Tarpey's Drugs has been the after-school spot for kids from Sauganash School and Queen of All Saints School for many years running. At the Sauganash Village Shops at Peterson and Rogers, a resident or visitor can get coffee at Starbucks, do some banking at First Chicago, and buy their mom some flowers at Donna's Garden.
For the Kids
The Sauganash School recently acquired a new playground, and repairs and upgrades are scheduled for the near future. Queen of All Saints continues to grow, and provides community events such as the Christmas Bazaar and the Saint Patrick's/Saint Joseph's annual party.
Working with the Community
And finally, groups such as the Sauganash Community Association and the Sauganash Park Improvement Association keep the residents interested and involved in sustaining this wonderful reputation that the above assets have earned Sauganash over the years.
A Small Town Within a City
The area was founded and named after the Potawattomie chieftain, known as both Billy Caldwell and "The Sauganash", who was deeded 1,600 acres of land for saving the lives of the John Kinzie family at Fort Dearborn in 1812. Originally to be used as a reservation, Caldwell sold much of it to area farmers. Thus the story of Sauganash's growth began-an area that became a small town within a city, a touch of rural within urban.
Hollywood/North Park top
Cultural Diversity
The North Park-Hollywood Park community area, bounded roughly by Peterson Avenue, the North Channel and the North Branch of the Chicago River, and Pulaski Avenue, dates back to 1877. Originally founded by German and Swedish settlers, this neighborhood is now a melting pot of cultures. Within the radius of few blocks, one can spot Swedish, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Cuban, and German influences.
Higher Learning
The North Park-Hollywood Park community is blessed with two outstanding institutions of higher learning. One of the cornerstones of this neighborhood, North Park University , at the corner of Kedzie and Foster, was founded in 1893. In 1961, Northeastern Illinois University www.neiu.edu was established at Bryn Mawr and St. Louis Avenues and rapidly developed to include the boundaries within Bryn Mawr Avenue to Foster Avenue, and St. Louis Avenue to Central Park Avenue. Both universities enjoy a broad reputation for academic achievement, attracting not only students from the neighborhood, but from the international community as well.
Satisfy your Palate
This cultural diversity is most evident along the commercial streets. Restaurants in Hollywood-North Park offer a variety of cuisine's that will satisfy any palate. If you're in the neighborhood of the 3200-3400 blocks of West Bryn Mawr, you can stop into Midori Restaurant for some sushi or pop into the Tofu House for Korean food. If you're looking for a little after-dinner treat, try the Outdoor Cafe, a charming coffee and dessert venue. Don't forget about the annual Korean Street Festival, celebrated on these blocks in August. The popular Tre Kronor Restaurant, on West Foster, serves cuisine with a Swedish flair. Looking for some Swedish trinkets? After lunch at Tre Kronor, pop into the Swedish Clog Shop across the street for the best in Scandinavian merchandise.
Personalities
In one way or another, many national and international personalities have either passed through or remained in the 39th Ward's Hollywood North Park area. Chicago's oldest public television station, Channel 11's WTTW , is housed in the 39th Ward. WTTW is the host of the discussion show, Chicago Tonight, which always attracts a lively group of panelists. And some people never leave this community. Bohemian National Cemetery, founded in 1877, is the eternal resting place of several Chicago notables, including former Mayor Anton Cermak.
Unique Oasis
What once was the Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium at 5801 North Pulaski is now the beautiful North Park Village. North Park Village is a unique oasis in the middle of the city, offering programs and services for people of all ages. The Gymnastics Center, operated by the Chicago Park District, is always bustling with the sounds of children. The North Park Village Nature Center sponsors activities for the entire family. The newly renovated Jens Jensen Rock Garden offers a peaceful retreat from fast-paced city life.
Educational Excellence
The year 2001 marked milestones in the lives of two longstanding institutions in Hollywood - North Park. The Hollywood-North Park Community Association celebrated 50 years of serving the community and Mary Gage Peterson Elementary School observed 75 years of educational excellence.
With all that is offered in the North Park-Hollywood Park neighborhood, residents and visitors alike can always find something special to enjoy.
West Walker top
A Strong Community
If you find yourself in the area bounded by Montrose, Irving Park, Pulaski, and Central Park, you will be in the community known as West Walker.
A Cornerstone
Although primarily residential in nature, the West Walker community is home to several thriving businesses. First Chicago Bank and Trust (formerly Labe Bank) has served the community for over 100 years and is a cornerstone of the neighborhood. Located at the corner of Pulaski and Elston, First Chicago Bank has made involvement to this community a high priority.
Farmers Market
After people visit First Chicago Bank, they often drop by the Farmers Market Garden Center at 4110 N. Elston. Items from the Farmers Market decorate the yards of many West Walker residents. It is here that people shop for perennials and trees, while catching up with the latest from their friends and neighbors. Compared to First Chicago Bank, the Farmers Market Garden Center is a relative newcomer to the area, having opened in 1919.
Bringing the World to You
If you need to fill up your refrigerator, then Tony's Finer Foods on Elston is the place to be. Want the freshest in seafood? Then stop by The Fish Guy on Elston for the best in seafood.
Neighborhood Issues
Residents from this area are well represented by an active civic organization, the West Walker Civic Association. This civic has committees that work on neighborhood issues ranging from commercial development to crime. They recently instituted the West Walker Vision Committee, an active committee of neighbors dedicated to the future of the community. The West Walker Civic Association celebrated its 90th birthday in 2002, having faithfully served the community since 1912.
Mayfair top
Classic Chicago bungalow
The charming community of Mayfair is located between Foster, Pulaski, Cicero, and Montrose. Strolling along the streets of Mayfair, one is struck by the beautiful well-maintained houses, many of which are built in the classic Chicago bungalow style.
Peaceful Refuge
The community of Mayfair has much to boast of. Gompers Park has recreational activities for people of all ages. Driving down Foster Avenue, you can't miss people playing softball or swimming at the park. The lagoon at south Gompers Park offers a peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life. Renovated in 2001, the lagoon is a perfect place for people to take a quiet walk and catch up with neighbors.
High Quality Education
Within such an obviously family-oriented community, schooling cannot go unmentioned. Families in Mayfair are fortunate to send their children to St. Edwards and Palmer Elementary Schools, both well-regarded schools offering a high quality education to students. In 2001, Palmer celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary of service to Mayfair children.
Tradition
Since 1950, Mayfair residents have been regulars at Marie's Pizza at 4129 W. Lawrence, enjoying some of the best pizza in Chicago. A visit to Marie's during the holidays is a tradition for people throughout the city. The restaurant Christmas decorations are not to be missed! The Kildare Restaurant at 4300 West Lawrence is another favorite eating spot for Mayfair residents.
Community Involvement
Mayfair owes much of its impressive community involvement to their civic organizations. Since 1929, the North Mayfair Improvement Association has represented residents north of Lawrence Avenue. The Mayfair Civic Organization is the eyes and ears of the community south of Lawrence Avenue. The Mayfair Garden Club hosts annual Garden Walks and community clean-ups. And the Mayfair Lions Club is one of the area most active philanthropic organizations.
Patriotic Spirit
Mayfair residents are always proud of their patriotic spirit and are grateful to those who serve our country. A drive through the neighborhood and one can see American flags proudly displayed in front yard after front yard. The annual Fourth of July parade is a popular tradition in Mayfair. Mayfair residents and veterans recently came together to erect a permanent tribute to those who served our country. The result can be seen at the southeast corner of Lawrence and Keeler, the site of the Mayfair Veterans Memorial. The Memorial, was dedicated in November 2001 to honor the men and women who served in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
Groundbreaking
Residents of Mayfair and the entire 39th Ward are eagerly anticipating their new 17th District police station. The station will be located in south Mayfair, on Pulaski Road. Groundbreaking for the station is anticipated to be in early 2003.
One visit to this neighborhood and you'll agree, the Mayfair community has a lot to offer.
Old Irving Park top
At the southern end of the 39th Ward is the neighborhood known as Old Irving Park. This community is bounded by Montrose, Pulaski, Addison and the Milwaukee Road railroad tracks.
Architectural Styles
The initial thing first-time visitors to Old Irving Park notice are the beautiful homes. Many of the homes date back to the early 1900's. The Gray House, built in 1856 at 4362 W. Grace, is the area's oldest home. A variety of architectural styles are represented in the community-old farmhouses, bungalows, and Victorians can be found, as well as newly constructed townhomes.
Unwind
After being awed by the architecture of the area, people can then take some time to explore the busy retail and business strip in Old Irving Park. The variety of shops, restaurants and stores offers a little something for everyone. Need to satisfy your sweet tooth? Then, stop into the Sweet Mysteries Bakery on Montrose and you won't be disappointed. Old Irving Park residents often frequent Sabatino's, La Pena, and La Villa restaurants for some of the best food in Chicago. After a tough day at work, people can get off the El or Metra train, pop into the Old Irving Park Tap and unwind with their favorite libation. For the ultimate in pampering, the new Sunflower Day Spa will melt your stress away.
Community Activities
Residents of the area are well served by the Irving Park Historical Society and the Old Irving Park Neighborhood Association. These groups offer a variety of community activities to the residents, including a neighborhood housewalk, ice cream social, holiday potluck dinner, and spring Easter egg hunt.
Irvington?
The area known as Old Irving Park was originally developed as an exclusive suburb of Chicago. The chain of events leading to the development of Irving Park began in 1843 when Major noble purchased a 160-acre tract of land from Christopher L. Ward, upon which Noble established a farm. The original name of chosen for the suburb was "Irvington" after the author Washington Irving, but it was discovered that another town in Illinois had already used the same name, so the name of "Irving Park" was adopted.
(Thanks to the Irving Park Historical Society and the Old Irving Park Association for information)
Independence Park top
Gateway to the Northwest Side
Welcome to Independence Park, a diverse family-oriented community on Chicago's Northwest side. Situated along Irving Park Road near the Kennedy Expressway, Independence Park is conveniently located between downtown Chicago and O'Hare Airport along the Metra and CTA blue lines.
As an older neighborhood that was originally established in the 1800s, Independence Park retains the vintage character of oversize lots, mature trees, and generously sized homes in a variety of period styles. These attributes are what give Independence Park its unique character and make it such a tranquil inner city neighborhood in which to live.
The Independence Park community hosts a number of amenities including the Murphy Academy of Arts and Sciences, Athletic Field, and Independence Park itself. Numerous civic groups contribute to a sense of community involvement including the Greater Independence Park Neighborhood Association (GIPNA), the Athletic Field Park Advisory Council, the Independence Park Advisory Council (IPAC) , and several clubs devoted to books, gardening, and athletics.
Individuals Who Care
In 2003, neighbors who believe that a unified community can affect real, lasting change joined to form the Greater Independence Park Neighborhood Association (GIPNA). GIPNA is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in the Independence Park community by involving, informing, and encouraging people to participate in matters relating to the community, and by protecting the historical, social, cultural, and architectural character of the neighborhood.
Community Spirit
The Independence Park community hosts a variety of events throughout the year that are sponsored by one of the many civic groups.
Farmers Market: Held in the park on the third Sunday every month from May through October, the Independence Park Farmers Market is jointly sponsored by GIPNA and IPAC. Fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts are on sale from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Independence Park Talent Show: Sponsored by GIPNA and hosted by one of the neighborhood schools, the Talent Show is a great opportunity to come out and meet the neighbors, enjoy some local entertainment-and maybe even get up and perform. It's all done in good fun, and proceeds benefit the local schools and community gardens.
The Independence Park Spaghetti Dinner: Sponsored by IPAC and held in the Independence Park Field House, the Spaghetti Dinner is the annual spring fund-raiser for Independence Park. As the longest running event in the community, the Spaghetti Dinner attracts large crowds of local residents who enjoy the dinner, raffles, and silent auction, as well as getting out to meet old friends.
Movies in the Parks: Each year the local community groups and the park advisory councils jointly sponsor movies in both Athletic Field Park and in Independence Park.
Independence Day: What would Independence Day be without a July 4th celebration in Independence Park? Come out and enjoy the fun as the community gathers to celebrate our nation's founding with a parade, games, and barbeque in the park. This might be the only parade you'll ever see where everyone's is marching in it and there aren't any spectators. Dogs in patriotic costumes encouraged!
GIPNA Gourmet Pancake Breakfast: Sponsored by GIPNA, the Gourmet Pancake Breakfast is the main fund-raiser for GIPNA and is held in the Women's Building in Independence Park. Hungry hordes devour sumptuous pancakes served with a variety of toppings in the genteel ambience of the Woman's Building, a bungalow built in 1917 and later donated to the park.
Parks
The Independence Park community has two parks which provide recreational and civic-related facilities to the neighborhood. Athletic Field Park has a playground, athletic fields, tennis and basketball courts, a ceramics building and meeting rooms. Independence Park has a large field house with indoor basketball courts, fitness center, swimming pool, auditorium and meeting rooms as well as outdoor facilities including a play ground