North Center, Chicago

Northcenter

The neighborhood known as Northcenter refers to a neighborhood in the North Side of Chicago, Illinois. The boundaries of Northcenter are Addison on the south, Montrose on the north, the Chicago River on the west and Ravenswood (1800 W) on the east. Northcenter has grown since the 1870s when the area was only accessible by the Chicago River and Little Fort Road (now known as Lincoln Avenue). Northcenter is considered a vibrant neighborhood with an eclectic mix of retailers, restaurants, live music, live theater, and service-oriented businesses. It is also home to some of the best public schools in the City of Chicago. Lane Tech College Prep High School, a top ranked well-rounded and diverse high school in the state; as well as North Park Elementary School, Coonley & Bell Elementary. Northcenter was voted one of Chicago's best neighborhoods by the Chicago Magazine in 2014.

Northcenter's history is deeply rooted in European cultural influences, from German, Polish, Czech, Romanian, Serbian, Greek, Croatian, French making the majority and that history can be seen in the architectural charm of the homes and buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Also during this time, the Selig Polyscope Company produced some of America's earliest motion pictures and was based in Chicago. Along Byron Street near Oakley Ave and Western Ave, historic production buildings of the company are still standing and being used as residences and retail businesses. The neighborhood continues to grow and become more culturally diverse. The neighborhood includes bowling alleys, three city parks - including an indoor ice arena, a nearby library, a nearby movie theater complex, and Northcenter Town Square. The Northcenter Chamber of Commerce hosts many free family and community events throughout the year. Northcenter Town Square is also home to a Farmer's Market on Saturdays from June to October.

Roscoe Village

Roscoe Village refers to a neighborhood in the North Side of Chicago, Illinois. While not part of any official city map, Chicago residents perceive the boundaries of the neighborhood to be Addison Street to the north, Belmont Avenue to the south, Ravenswood Avenue to the east and the Chicago River to the west. The primary feature of Roscoe Village is Roscoe Street, an east-west street which bisects the neighborhood's northern and southern halves. Roscoe Street is populated by businesses and residences. In 2023 the area was estimated to have 10,843 residents.

From 1904 to 1967, Roscoe Village was home to the "largest amusement park in the world", Riverview Park, a 76 acre amusement park stretching from Belmont Avenue to Lane Tech High School, and from Western Ave. to the Chicago River. Today, the Area 3 Police Headquarters, DePaul College Prep, and Riverview Plaza Center now stand on the space.

St. Ben's

St. Ben's is an unofficial neighborhood with boundaries at Irving Park Road on the north, Addison Street on the south, Damen Avenue on the east, and Western Ave. on the west. It is named for Saint Benedict's Parish, with its Roman Catholic school, on Leavitt Street. Since 2021, St. Ben's has the first Chicago outpost of Dave's Hot Chicken. LA-Based Dave’s Hot Chicken to Open First Chicago-Area Location This Week Eater, Ashok Selvam, July 26, 2021

Hamlin Park

The Hamlin Park neighborhood is bounded by Belmont Avenue on the north, Ravenswood Avenue on the east, the Diversey Parkway on the south and the North Branch of the Chicago River on the west. It has its namesake park in the center of the neighborhood. This neighborhood also has the northern half of the Julia C. Lathrop Homes, a CHA housing project.

Politics

North Center has reliably supported the Democratic Party, and Harris Walz signs were visible in the neighborhood during the 2024 United States presidential election.

Places of interest

• Cook County Circuit Court
• WGN-TV Studios
• Chicago Fire Soccer Center
• Clark Park Boat House
• Kerry Wood Cubs Field
• Chicago rat hole

Schools

• Audubon Elementary School
• Bell Elementary School
• Coonley Elementary School
• Chamberlain College of Nursing
• DeVry Institute of Technology
• DePaul College Prep (formerly known as Gordon Tech High School)
• Jahn Elementary School
• James Adams Alternative High School
• Lane Technical High School
• North Park Elementary School
• Pilgrim Lutheran School
• St. Benedict Elementary School
• St. Benedict High School
• Hamilton Elementary School

Former places of interest

• Riverview Park, now the site of DePaul College Prep High School (see above)
• American Theater Company, which shuttered in 2018.

Notable people

· Only people who already have a Wikipedia article may appear here. This establishes notability. · This list must mention how they are associated with North Center, whether born, raised, or residing. · The fact of their association should have a reliable source cited. · Alphabetical by last name please. · All others will be deleted. · The community area of an address can be verified at this link: https://gisapps.chicago.gov/ZoningMapWeb/?liab=1&config=zoning

• Robert E. Gerstung (1915–1979), soldier and recipient of the Medal of Honor for heroic actions during World War II. In 1951, he resided at 3042 North Oakley Avenue.
• Joseph F. Fanta (1914–1988), member of the Illinois House of Representatives during the 74th Illinois General Assembly. He resided at 2156 West Waveland Avenue during his time in the legislature.
• John J. Hoellen Jr. (1914–1999), member of the Chicago City Council from 1947 until 1975. Hollen resided at 1842 W. Larchmont Ave. for most of his life.
• Steve Wilkos (b. 1964), television personality. He was a childhood resident of Roscoe Village.

Citations

General and cited references

• "Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce Map" (http://www.rvcc.biz/map.asp). Retrieved Oct. 24, 2006
• "Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce Directory" (http://www.rvcc.biz/directory.asp). Retrieved Oct. 24, 2006
• Hadley, Chuck (2002). "A History of Roscoe Village and RVN" (http://www.roscoevillage.org/Default.aspx?pageId=46910). Retrieved Sept. 10, 2008.
• "2000 U.S. Census: Table DP-1. Profile of General Demographics Characteristics: 2000. Geographic area: Roscoe village, Illinois" (http://censtats.census.gov/data/IL/1601765611.pdf) Retrieved Mar. 22, 2005.

References

1. "Community Data Snapshot North Center".
2. "Chicago Neighborhood Details:North Center".
3. "North Center Is One of Chicago's 12 Best Neighborhoods".
4. "Home".
5. "Roscoe Village Neighbors website". Roscoe Village Neighbors.
6. (July 1, 2023). "QuickFacts Roscoe village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau.
7. Kogan, Rick. (June 25, 2017). "Remembering Riverview Park, 50 years later". [[Chicago Tribune]].
8. (2013-11-30). "RIVERVIEW". [[WTTW]] Chicago.
9. [http://www.chicago.com/neighborhoods/North_Center/ North Center] chicago.com
10. (October 25, 2021). "LA’s Celebrity-Backed Dave’s Hot Chicken Opens First Chicago Restaurant". Eater.
11. Paral, Rob. "Chicago Community Areas Historical Data".
12. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2018/03/16/american-theater-company-is-shutting-down-the-company-behind-disgraced-and-original-grease/
13. (April 25, 1951). "SLATE 4 HOUR NIGHT PAGEANT FOR M'ARTHUR: Hero Will Be Center of Spectacle". [[Chicago Tribune]].
14. "Illinois Blue Book 1965-1966".
15. Joravsky, Ben. (June 25, 1999). "The Grand Old Party's Last Stand". [[Chicago Reader]].
16. Malooley, Jake. (September 1, 2012). "Steve Wilkos Interview". Time Out Chicago.