North Center was settled in the latter part of the 19th century and the early 20th century largely by Germans who worked in what is known as the industrial corridor along Ravenswood Avenue, and the large industrial plants along the Chicago River to the west. In the 1870s, the area was only accessible by the Chicago River and Little Fort Road (now known as Lincoln Avenue). Since then, it has grown tremendously. North Center is considered a vibrant neighborhood with an eclectic mix of retailers, restaurants, live music, live theater, and service-oriented businesses.

North Center’s history is deeply rooted in many European cultures, including German, Polish, Czech, Romanian, Serbian, Greek, Croatian, and French. This is evident in the architectural charm of the homes and buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many are unaware that during the late 19th and early 20th century, the Selig Polyscope Company produced some of America’s earliest motion pictures and was based in Chicago. Along Byron Street near Oakley Avenue and Western Avenue, historic production buildings of the company are still standing and being used as residences and retail businesses. The neighborhood is continuing to grow and become more culturally diverse.

45 minutes to Midway Airport

25 minutes to Chicago Loop

25 minutes to O’Hare Airport

Distance to Downtown

0-1 mile

North Center is bordered by Montrose Avenue on the North, by Diversey Parkway on the South, the Chicago River on the West, and Ravenswood Avenue on the East. It includes the neighborhoods of North Center, Roscoe Village, St. Ben’s, and Hamlin Park. The Brown line has stops within the community area at Addison and Irving Park.

North Center is a vibrant community with unique shops and diverse and delicious restaurants. North Center is home to some of the city’s most iconic destinations, including Half Acre Beer Company, the world-renowned Globe Pub, and one of Chicago’s most popular summer street festivals, Rib-fest Chicago.

The neighborhood includes bowling alleys, three city parks, including an indoor ice arena, a nearby library, a nearby movie theater complex, and North Center Town Square. The North Center Chamber of Commerce hosts many free family and community events throughout the year. Northcenter Town Square is also home to a Farmer’s Market on Saturdays from June to October.

North Center is home to Lane Tech High School, a top ranked well-rounded and diverse high school in the state, as well as Coonley & Bell Elementary. North Center was voted one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods by the Chicago Magazine in 2014.