Located on the west side of downtown Chicago, Ukrainian Village is a community that tells the story of the immigrants who settled there in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. After the Great Fire struck in 1871 the uninhabited area was developed, and by 1930 it was vastly outnumbered by those of Ukrainian descent. It is still home to roughly 10,000 Ukrainians, but the demographic is rapidly expanding and the popularity of this small community is growing wildly.
Ukrainian Village is bordered by Division Street on the north, Western Avenue on the west, Grand Avenue on the South, and Damen Avenue on the east. Together these neighborhoods form East Village, a working-class setting with beautifully rejuvenated homes – workers cottages, two and three-flats, single family residences, and large apartment buildings – from back when the neighborhood was first established.
The area is located just 10 minutes from the Chicago Loop, and public transit boards a few blocks away from the residential district. Shopping and dining are in constant growth, and the neighborhood is full of artistic diversity and entertainment.
A love of the fine arts is evident in this small community, with over 15 different art galleries and museums in an area less than 5 square miles long.
Ukrainian Village was designated a Chicago Landmark District in December of 2002.
Information provided by: http://www.chicago.com/neighborhoods/Wicker_Park/
http://egov.cityofchicago.org/Landmarks/U/UkranianVillageDist.html
http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/2160.html
