Wicker Park, named for the triangular park at its center, was once the western border of Chicago, and is now a hip neighborhood with great boutiques and restaurants specializing in cuisine from South America to France. And it’s no wonder; Wicker Park has a long history of diversity from the various ethnic groups that settled the area in the 1800s to the artists and musicians that populated the area in the 1980s.
Today the heart of Wicker Park is located at what is often called the “Six Corners,” or the intersection of North Avenue, Damen and Milwaukee. The neighborhood as a whole is bounded by Division on the south, the Bloomingdale tracks (1800 N) on the north, Ashland on the east, and Western on the west. Over the past several years the area has gone through a major revitalization with new residents and businesses moving into this thriving community. Housing is dominated by new/newer construction, but amazing greystones and Victorian-era housing still remain, particularly in the historic district. The area also maintains it’s distinctly laid back feel, and has easy access to the Loop via the blue line.
In 1991 the City of Chicago designated the area southwest of the Six Corners as a Chicago landmark. This area contains some of the city’s best and largest examples of Victorian-era architecture, development that was fueled after so many Chicagoans became homeless after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. By the end of the 19th century the area was known as the “ethnic Gold Coast.” Hoyne Street in particular became known as “Beer Baron Row” as many of Chicago’s wealthiest brewers built mansions there. While many of these buildings have not yet been restored to their former glory, walking down these tree lined streets give you a glimpse into an amazing history.
Despite all the growth in recent years, the area has been able to maintain the same eclectic feel that drew so many people to the area in previous years. Wicker Park is a thriving and welcoming community that really has something to offer to everyone.