Nestled within the heart of Chicago, the Near North Side stands as a distinctive enclave among the city’s 77 community areas. This dynamic district, flanked by the Loop and the Near South Side, exudes an air of historical grandeur and contemporary sophistication.

Stretching northward and eastward of the meandering Chicago River, its eastern border meets the majestic waters of Lake Michigan. Anchored by North Avenue to the north, a boundary that harks back to the city’s origins in the 1800s, the Near North Side is a testament to the city’s evolution.

As of 2020, the Near North Side proudly claims a population of 105,481 residents, elevating it to the rank of the most populous community area in Chicago, a distinction that once belonged to Lake View. Its distinction doesn’t stop there - boasting both density and height, the Near North Side is not only the most densely inhabited community area but also hosts the city’s second-highest concentration of skyscrapers, second only to the iconic Loop.

The fabric of the Near North Side is woven with opulence, best showcased in neighborhoods such as the illustrious Gold Coast, the iconic Magnificent Mile, and the captivating Navy Pier. These neighborhoods are marked by a skyline punctuated with soaring skyscrapers, adding a touch of modernity to the historic backdrop.

However, beneath the veneer of contemporary grandeur lies a history that spans centuries. The Near North Side proudly carries the mantle of being Chicago’s oldest sector. In the 1780s, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable etched his name in history by founding “Eschecagou,” the city’s inaugural permanent settlement. The very grounds he graced now find homage in Pioneer Court, a reminder of the district’s humble origins.

Amid the bustling streets of Rush and Erie, the legacy of the McCormick family reverberates. Once dubbed McCormickville, this area was once the residence of the famed McCormick family, renowned for their ingenious mechanical reaper invention. Their stately mansions, which took shape during the late 1800s and early 1900s, stand as architectural relics, a nod to an era gone by.

In essence, the Near North Side is a symphony where the notes of history harmonize with the crescendo of affluence and the innovation of modern architecture. It’s a microcosm of Chicago’s journey, encapsulating the city’s past, present, and future within its vibrant embrace.

*Map From The Map Collection, University of Chicago Library.

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