History of Lakeview Chicago

Lakeview, the second largest Chicago neighborhood, is located on the near north side, between the boundaries of Irving Park Road, Lake Michigan, Diversey Parkway and Ravenswood Avenue. Lakeview Chicago is most recognized as the home of Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs, and is the location of the first and one of the most famous gay villages in North America.

Lakeview Chicago was first used as a camp for the Miami, Ottawa, and Winnebago Native American tribes. In 1854, the Lakeview House hotel was built near Lake Shore Drive and Byron Street as a resort for potential investors in local land. The area gained what was characterized as a resort atmosphere and developed into a summer getaway for the city's residents. Soon after the completion of the Lakeview House hotel, a cholera epidemic hit Chicago and many residents fled to the countryside near the hotel to escape the disease. Many of the refugees were so enthralled by the country air and view of the lake that they invested in Lakeview real estate.

Lakeview's early industry was farming, especially crops of celery, and the population grew with farming families immigrating to the area. The population grew to 45,000 residents in 1887 and was incorporated as a city. Two years later, despite a controversial vote and the recalcitrance of Lakeview officials, the city was annexed to Chicago. In 1889, a real estate boom became a major economic stimulant, and over 40% of the neighborhood's present-day buildings were constructed during this time.

The urbanizing Lakeview neighborhood attracted not only new residents, but also burgeoning commercial and recreational facilities. A baseball park at Clark and Addison, later known as Wrigley Field, attracted Chicagoans who lived outside of Lakeview, and Wieboldt's Department Store anchored a new shopping district. Factory workers within Lakeview sought homes near their jobs and apartment buildings were built to accommodate the residents who could not afford the area’s homes.

Lakeview Chicago Today

With its ideal location and diverse cultural attractions, Lakeview continues to flourish. Young professionals enjoy the spirited pace and atmosphere of Lakeview, while many families are choosing to purchase Lakeview real estate. Lakeview Chicago is a very young neighborhood, with much of its population under 30. Lakeview’s four mile proximity to the Loop makes it a prime real estate destination. At 3.16 miles, Lakeview incorporates shopping, restaurant and nightlife areas, combined with beautifully maintained tree-lined streets and rows of houses ranging in age from century old to modern construction.

A popular location within Lakeview, Lakeview East or Boystown holds the distinction of being the nation's first officially recognized gay village. In 1998, the Mayor of Chicago began a $3.2 million restoration of the North Halsted Street corridor and erected rainbow pylon landmarks along the route. Boystown caters to a Chicago nightlife featuring more than sixty gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Lakeview Real Estate

Lakeview real estate is some of the most desirable in all Chicago neighborhoods. Tree-lined streets are especially beautiful during the spring and summer seasons, allowing Lakeview residents to enjoy a break from the city life. Lakeview’s popularity is also derived from its diverse architecture, as new homes are built next to century old buildings. Housing ranges from very affordable to very expensive. Buyers can choose from condominiums, townhouses, single-family homes, cottages and mansions, with prices ranging from the low $200,000’s to over a million. The prime location within Chicago attracts many to invest in Lakeview real estate.

Lakeview East consists of upscale, high rise, one and two bedroom condominiums overlooking Lake Michigan. Many upscale mid and high rise apartments are also available, many offering move-in specials for renters. Lakeview East contains a variety of homes, including Victorian greystones, large single-family houses and lavish mansions that date back to the 1800s.

The Wrigleyville area of Lakeview Chicago features lowrise brick buildings and houses, some with rooftop bleachers. These bleachers are known as Wrigley Roofs, and spectators can purchase seats to watch baseball games without having to pay Major League Baseball ticket prices. Throughout this neighborhood you will find many brick and stone single-family homes dating back to the early 1900’s. The Wrigleville neighborhood of Lakeview Chicago also contains a mix of 1920’s structures that are two-, three- and four-flats, rehabbed Victorian greystones, as well as a few coach houses tucked behind many of the street facing properties.

West Lakeview Chicago has recently undergone a large scale renovation and is now a prime Lakeview real estate location for the young professional. West Lakeview contains many rehabbed vintage apartments, condos, two- and three-unit buildings, multi-unit condo buildings, storefront conversions, lofts and single-family homes.