Gold Coast Historic District

Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, including the famous Astor Street, was developed after the Chicago Fire of 1871. Potter Palmer built his mansion as Lake Shore Drive was created, and other wealthy Chicagoans built major homes in the neighborhood.

The neighborhood is roughly bounded by North Ave (1600N) and Oak Street (1000N), from Lake Shore Drive to Clark Street. Strictly speaking, East Lake Shore Drive is also included in the neighborhood, which you can see at this link.

In the 1980’s, the Gold Coast was the 2nd most affluent neighborhood in America, behind Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Over the years, some of the properties have been torn down to make way for mid- and high-rise housing. Multi-story buildings from the turn of the century to mid-century to the 70’s and even 2020’s provide great housing options, many with magnificent Lake Michigan and city views. Some of the historic mansions have been made into condominiums, while other landmark properties still serve as single family homes for affluent Chicagoans.

The Dearborn Garden Walk is a favorite neighborhood event, and the Farmers’ Market on Division Street is a popular weekend visit for residents. Famous landmarks in the Gold Coast include Renovation Hardware (Originally the Three Arts Club), Lathrop House (Fortnightly of Chicago), Charnley House, and the Archbishop Residence of Chicago.