3. History
A range of social classes from affluent residents to German farmers
inhabited Lincoln Park during the nineteenth century. In 1871 the
Great Fire swept through the Lincoln Park and destroyed many of the
buildings in the neighborhood. After the fire, industrial plants and
furniture factories concentrated the area nearest the river. In 1898, St.
Vincent’s College (Now DePaul University) opened up in Lincoln
Park. By the twentieth century Lincoln Park was a firm residential
neighborhood and hosted many of Chicago’s cultural institutions.
During the Great Depression housing stock depreciated and left
Lincoln Park in danger of becoming a slum. In 1954, the Lincoln Park
Conservation Association was organized to encourage the
rehabilitation of private property. They also used tools such as federal
urban-renewal funds and a stricter enforcement of housing code. In
1960, the city of Chicago implemented its General Neighborhood
Renewal Plan, which revived the housing price in the neighborhood,
but caused many poor people to be displaced from their homes. By
the end of the twentieth century, Lincoln Park had become one of the
highest-status neighborhoods of Chicago.
4. Attractions
Second City comedy show
North Avenue Beach
Green City Farmer’s Market
Lincoln Park Zoo
See a play at Steppenwolf Theatre
5. Demographics
Total Population: 65,307
Male Population: 47.5%
Female Population: 52.5%
Median Age: 29.70
White Collar workers: 19,506
Blue Collar workers: 13,167
Total Households: 34,656
Family Households: 10,483
Graduate Degree: 38.6%
Bachelor’s Degree: 43.6%
Average Household Income: $141,567
Median Household Income: $84,430
8. Reflection
Connections to community was a great experience because it
gave me the opportunity to hang out with new people while
experiencing a new part of the city. I probably would have
never been to Lincoln Park Zoo had it not been for this
assignment. But It was an experience I recommend to
anyone. I find it funny that there are animals from all over
the world in this tiny zoo. It makes me realize that there are
many different things to do in Chicago.
9. Sources
"10 Great Things to Do in Chicago's Lincoln Park
Neighborhood." About. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2014.
“Encyclopedia of Chicago." Encyclopedia of Chicago. N.p., n.d.
Web. 22 Oct. 2014.
"How Rich Is Your Neighborhood?" Crain's Chicago Business.
N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2014.
"Lincoln Park." Demographics & Statistics. N.p., n.d. Web. 22
Oct. 2014.
