Near West Side, Chicago

Near West Side, Chicago
Name	Near West Side
Location	Cook County
City	Chicago
Community area	28
Population	34,413
Population as of	2020
Demographics as of	2020

Near West Side, Chicago is a community area located on the west side of Chicago River, adjacent to the Loop and Downtown Chicago. The area is bounded by Ashland Avenue to the west, Kinzie Street to the north, Madison Street to the south, and the Chicago River to the east, and is home to notable institutions such as University of Illinois at Chicago, Rush University Medical Center, and United Center, the home arena of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks. The area is also close to other popular destinations, including Willis Tower, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier. Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of restaurants and shops along Randolph Street and Madison Street, and can access the area via the Chicago 'L' at Ashland or Madison/Wabash stations.

Geography

The Near West Side is situated near the Chicago River and is bounded by several major streets, including Ashland Avenue, Kinzie Street, and Madison Street. The area is also close to other Chicago neighborhoods, such as the West Loop, South Loop, and Pilsen, and is near several major highways, including Interstate 90 and Interstate 290. The United Center and Rush University Medical Center are two of the area's most notable landmarks, and the University of Illinois at Chicago is a major educational institution in the area, with programs at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Engineering. The area is also home to several parks, including Union Park and Skinner Park, which offer recreational facilities and host events such as the Pitchfork Music Festival and North Coast Music Festival.

History

The Near West Side has a rich history, dating back to the early days of Chicago as a major commercial center, with the area playing a significant role in the development of the city's meatpacking industry, led by companies such as Armour and Company and Swift & Company. The area was also home to several major railroads, including the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, and was a major hub for the Illinois Central Railroad. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 had a significant impact on the area, leading to the rebuilding of many structures, including the Rookery Building and the Auditorium Building, designed by famous architects such as Daniel Burnham and John Root. The area has also been home to several notable figures, including Jane Addams, who founded the Hull House settlement, and Richard J. Daley, who served as Mayor of Chicago from 1955 to 1976.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the Near West Side had a population of 34,413, with a diverse range of residents, including students at the University of Illinois at Chicago and employees at Rush University Medical Center and other major institutions. The area is also home to a number of families and young professionals, who are attracted to the area's convenient location and amenities, including restaurants and shops along Randolph Street and Madison Street, and access to the Chicago 'L' at Ashland or Madison/Wabash stations. The area is also close to other popular destinations, including Willis Tower, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier, and is near several major highways, including Interstate 90 and Interstate 290. Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural attractions, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which performs at Symphony Center.

Economy

The Near West Side is a major economic hub, with a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, education, and technology, and is home to several major institutions, including Rush University Medical Center and the University of Illinois at Chicago. The area is also a major center for the meatpacking industry, with companies such as Tyson Foods and JBS S.A. operating in the area, and is near several major highways, including Interstate 90 and Interstate 290. The United Center is a major economic driver, hosting events such as concerts and sports games, and is home to the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks. The area is also home to several major companies, including United Airlines, which has its headquarters at Willis Tower, and Exelon, which has its headquarters at Chase Tower.

Education

The Near West Side is home to several major educational institutions, including the University of Illinois at Chicago, which offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including those at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Engineering. The area is also home to several other schools, including Crane High School and Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, and is near several other major universities, including DePaul University and Northwestern University. The Chicago Public Library has a branch in the area, offering a range of resources and programs for residents, and the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago offer educational programs and exhibits.

Transportation

The Near West Side is well-connected to the rest of Chicago and the surrounding region, with several major highways, including Interstate 90 and Interstate 290, and several major streets, including Ashland Avenue and Madison Street. The area is also served by the Chicago 'L', with stations at Ashland and Madison/Wabash, and is near several other major transportation hubs, including Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center. The Chicago Transit Authority operates several bus routes in the area, including the #20 Madison and #9 Ashland buses, and the area is also served by several private bus companies, including Greyhound Lines and Megabus. The Illinois Central Railroad and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway also operate in the area, providing freight and passenger rail service.

Category:Chicago neighborhoods