For a lot of Chicagoans the Near South Side's history is some what of an unknown. If you're a history buff or have lived in the neighborhood for awhile, you might realize that Chicago's South Side was once the premiere residential neighborhood in Chicago. According to the sign at the bottom of the page it was Chicago's 'Original Gold Coast'. Early city magnates such as Marshall Field, Philip Armour, and George Pullman built massive mansions on Prairie Avenue. Some of these grand estates are still on display throughout the neighborhood.The Prairie Avenue Historic district is just one of the many spots that are called out on the new historic signs in the neighborhood. We've seen one sign on the east sidewalk by the corner of Roosevelt and Michigan and the another one on the west sidewalk close to the corner of Cermack and Michigan. We imagine there are some others dotted around the neighborhood as well.
Although the signs aren't spectacular, they are nice and informative for people not familiar with the areas rich history. Other buildings highlighted on the signs include Chess Records, Motor Row, the evolution of Central Station, St. Luke's Hospital, the Lexington Hotel, Second Presbyterian Landmark Church.
Not spectacular, but it's a nice touch to make the neighborhood's history a little more prominent.
Too little too late.
ReplyDeleteThey desperately needed a copyeditor for these markers, which are a great idea, but some of what I've read is embarrassing.
ReplyDeleteAgree with anon #2. The sign on the west side of Michigan just south of 14th (if i remember correctly) has text that abruptly ends... as if there should be a "continued on next sign" note at the bottom. Bizarre.
ReplyDeleteRichard, that's the sign I was most bothered by. I looked around the other side to see if the text continued as well. The text is probably covered up by the image; no one proofed it. Echoes of the new CTA train maps on the L trains a few years back. Loved "Bemot" Street on the Brown Line.
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