River North
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One attribute that distinguishes River North from its neighboring communities are the world-class art and antique galleries totaling 100, making River North the country's largest concentration of galleries outside of Manhattan. Art collectors from around the world visit River North to discover works by well-known artists as well as those just emerging on the scene. Gallery openings, art walks, and other events add to the excitement of this area, every day. From a historical perspective, it was in the 1970's that River North started revitalizing from old factories and warehouses into the popular neighborhood of today. Low real estate prices and large spaces attracted artists who began the renovation. Old buildings were rehabbed into superb new galleries, studios, apartments, offices, shops, and restaurants. Specialty boutiques presenting distinctive home furnishings, antiques, and much more, are now a major attraction to this community. Architects, advertising agencies, and other businesses are attracted to the area because of the exceptional loft buildings from the 1890's and 1920's. River North's residential growth exploded, around the new millennium, because of its tremendous concentration of restaurants, entertainment venues, galleries and home design district. Its boundaries are north of the Merchandise Mart to Chicago Avenue, West of Wabash Avenue to the Chicago River's edge. Within this area are three subsections: the gallery district, primarily along Superior and Huron and between Wells and Orleans streets; the Cathedral District located West of Wabash, South of State Street; bordered by Huron and Superior; and, the newly populated area of Kingsbury Park offering single family homes, four story row houses with elevators; modern high rises, brick and timber lofts and concrete lofts which surround the new six acre Ward Park featuring a children's activity area with water park, a fenced dog park section and a four acre beautiful, open grassy area along the bank of the river. During the warmer months, residents enjoy movie night in the park and Sunday farmer markets. Public transportation is a major benefit to commuters who require quick access to buses, the L, Metra train stations, airports and major expressways, which surround the metro area. In order to enhance the quality of life for the River North residents, the River North Residents Association (RNRA) was formed to manage real estate development, improve security, and preserve the excellent reputation of the community. The RNRA works together with city officials and local businesses on mutual matters. More information on the RNRA is available by visiting www.rnrachicago.org.
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