Sea Side Scrap Book » Chicago’s River North

Chicago’s River North

Quick Quiz: How many square blocks does it take to house two of the largest structures in North America, the second highest concentration of art galleries in the United States, a thriving design community, a major metropolitan newspaper, more theme restaurants than a fleet of tourists could ever hope to fill and incredibly sought-after real estate, to boot?

Assuming you’re not taken aback that all of this in addition to scores more fantastic resources are actually all nicely nestled inside a neat-and-tidy thirteen blocks by nine, then you’re doubtlessly familiar with Chicago’s River North area! Bordered by Michigan Avenue towards the East, Chicago Avenue on the North, and the Chicago River establishing de facto Southern and Western borders, River North is a tiny but beautiful treasure within Chicago’s Near North Side.

It wasn’t always this way, though. Despite having the cultural and economic importance of Merchandise Mart, the region which would develop into River North used to be known to be one of the more dangerous sections of the city before the ’70′s.

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It’s real estate developer Alan Friedman who the city has to thank for River North’s modern revitalization. In 1974, Friedman hired a slue of professional photographers, advertisement agencies, shops and art galleries to sweep in to one of the very most unjustly underdeveloped neighborhoods in Chicago, gave it an artsy and architectural make-over of tremendous proportions, and christened it with the punchy nickname “River North.”

As of then, River North has expanded exponentially in societal importance and property worth. Home to the city’s “Gallery District,” a descendant of Friedman’s original fine art house implantation, the community currently has the most art galleries in america outside of Manhattan. It is also regarded as the “Cathedral District” for the gorgeous juxtaposition of the Catholic Holy Name Cathedral and the Episcopalian St. James Cathedral against a skyline of glass and steel. Include in the Rock ‘n Roll McDonald’s, the very first Pizzeria Uno, the office space of the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper, a immense amount of luxurious condo buildings as well as the 2nd highest construction in The united states, The Trump Hotel and Tower, and you don’t just have the makings of a major tourist attraction . . . you’ve discovered a significant life-line of a key city. .

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