River North Illinois Real Estate

River North
By Julie Farby

River North is a neighborhood in the Near North Side community area of Chicago, Illinois, bounded by Clark Street, Chicago Avenue, and the Chicago river. This vibrant Chicago neighborhood has the largest concentration of art galleries in the United States outside of Manhattan. Just steps away from The Magnificent Mile and State Street shopping corridors, River North is Chicago’s Shopping District, Chicago’s Design District and Chicago’s Gallery District and boasts world-class restaurants and trendsetting nightclubs. Along with hundreds of art galleries, the scores of bars, dance clubs, popular restaurants, and entertainment venues make River North one of the most happening spots in the city.

According to the River North Association, an “ongoing renaissance is transforming the old downtown neighborhood into an exciting new district for residents and visitors alike.” The impressive skyline features an eclectic mix of modern condos, high-rise offices and hotels that soar over vintage loft buildings “with the architectural richness of times past.”

River North has witnessed substantial changes over the years. After railroad tracks were laid along the Chicago River’s North bank in the 1890’s, industry quickly moved in, and soon, the area became known as “Smokey Hollow.” After World War II, manufacturing declined and factories closed or were converted into warehouses. By the mid-1970’s, the area was a veritable urban wasteland with many neglected and abandoned buildings. However, low real estate prices and large spaces began attracting the artistic set and creative entrepreneurs, sparking a much-needed revival in the River North community. A new set of residents moved into the area and began the reclamation.

Promising old buildings were gutted and rehabbed into great new galleries, studios, offices, apartments, restaurants and shops. Unusual boutiques are now a hallmark of River North, offering antiques, custom housewares, home furnishings and much more. Lofts from the 1890’s to 1920’s attracted lawyers, architects, advertising agencies and other businesses and professionals. Today, River North now boasts the highest concentration of restaurants and entertainment venues in the city, and has quickly become the fastest growing residential neighborhood in Chicago. River North’s incredible collections of art offered by the neighborhood’s nearly 70 world-class art and antiques galleries, make it home to the largest number of art galleries outside of New York City.