About Lincoln Park
Named for the city's largest park, Lincoln Park has a little bit of something for everyone. The park itself is undoubtedly the neighborhoods greatest asset. Originally named Lake Park, the park obtained its current name in 1886, when it was changed to honor the fallen president, Abraham Lincoln. The park itself contains 1,200 acres and boasts an world class zoo, a botanical conservatory, bike paths, and four of the city's beaches.
Lincoln Park is a community of paradoxes, change, and constant movement where turn of the century ivy covered brownstones fall under the shadow of luxury highrise apartments. Steeped in Chicago history and settled in the 1850's by German immigrants, Lincoln Park is one of Chicago's oldest communities.
The great Chicago Fire of 1871 contributed to a building boom that created Lincoln Park as many residents were forced to build further north to avoid the blighted areas claimed by the fire. During the 1920's and 1930's, Lincoln Park was considered a high end residential neighborhood. However, following World War II, many of the homes were turned into rooming houses to accommodate the returning GI's. Soon thereafter, the neighborhood fell into decline and city administrators officially declared the neighborhood an undesirable place to live. The 1960's brought urban renewal and so began the transformation of Lincoln Park.
Shopping, bars, dance clubs, and restaurants abound. Lincoln Park is one of the most popular neighborhoods in all of Chicago, and the preferred address of many Chicagoans. The housing in Lincoln Park is as diverse as the neighborhood itself. From highrises that dot the lakefront to beautifully restored graystones and brownstones to stunning new construction walkups, Lincoln Park has it all!
