@CIRE_NeighborhoodGuide_City 2023

douglas

D ouglas is a neighborhood steeped in history.

Before there was a thriving community within this picturesque neighborhood, the land was purchased by a speculator and later used as a Union training camp during the Civil War. Today, the area has undergone a revitalization and has many condominiums and large apartment complexes offering residents a convenient location and lifestyle. The eastern half of Douglas borders Lake Michigan and 31st Street Beach, offering a park and stunning skyline views, while the southern portion of the neighborhood is flanked by Washington Park, a 366-acre park with a community pool and three playgrounds.

The cultural heartbeat of the community continues to grow in part to local artists, as well as a lively comedy and jazz scene that was once home to several famous musicians including Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker. Along with bars and shops, a selection of restaurants can be found in the neighborhood. The Mies van der Rohe-designed Illinois Institute of Technology is also located in Douglas and contributes to the area’s unique styling. Just east of the school is The Gap, a 20-block pocket that features a mix of historic homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright as well as newer townhomes and rehabbed properties. In addition to attached homes, there are new construction single-family options that sit among majestic older homes with landmark status. And with easy access to the CTA and Metra, commuters enjoy easy access to surrounding neighborhoods.

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