Gold Coast

 

As its name suggests, at one time or another, the Gold Coast has been home to many of Chicago’s most influential residents. After the Chicago fire destroyed much of the area south of the Chicago River, many of the well-to-do Chicagoans of the era, began rebuilding their lives north of the River, settling in what is now the Gold Coast. Millionaire Potter Palmer, dry goods and real estate tycoon, was one of the first to make his way north and built a 42-room mansion on Lake Shore Drive (at Banks Street) and led the movement from Prairie Street, on the south side, to the undeveloped neighborhood along the lakefront. Former residents include the Astors, Robert Todd Lincoln, The McCormicks, and many others from a bygone era. Perhaps one of the most conspicuous, and most expensive properties, is the Archbishop’s mansion which dates back to 1885 and was host to Pope John Paul II and President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

 

Location

The Gold Coast stretches along the Lake Michigan shoreline north to North Avenue, west to Clark Street, and south to Oak Street and lies adjacent to the south end of Lincoln Park.

 

The Vibe and Housing Style

Having a largely residential makeup, the Gold Coast real estate market exudes a quiet neighborhood feel. Due to its history, along its picturesque tree-lined streets, it has a concentration of stately mansions as well as upscale high- and low-rise buildings, some with the most magnificent views of Lake Michigan.

 

The Local Lifestyle

The Gold Coast is conveniently located between two of Chicago’s most popular beaches, one at each end of its boundaries, North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach, and is also nestled between Lincoln Park, the Magnificent Mile, and iconic Rush Street with all of its “see and be-seen” restaurants. With walkways under and across Lake Shore Drive, Gold Coast residents have easy access to Chicago’s scenic Lakefront Trail, an 18-mile paved path enjoyed by bikers, walkers, and runners alike. If you are searching the Chicago Gold Coast real estate market for your next home, let our team be your guide! Contact the Choose City Living real estate team today. 

 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Despite being quite residential, the Gold Coast is also home to Oak Street, the city’s most prestigious and upscale shopping district, which features countless boutiques from luxury brands like Tom Ford, Jimmy Choo, Golden Goose, Tory Burch, Prada, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Hermes, and more. In addition to the Gold Coast’s extensive high-end shopping options, the area is also a popular destination for history buffs. Home to the International Museum of Surgical Science and the Charnley-Persky House Museum, the Gold Coast offers plenty of sightseeing attractions for residents and visitors.

 

For fans of the arts, the Porchlight Music Theatre on Dearborn offers regular productions of classic musicals from Stephen Sondheim and other legends on stage. Meanwhile, Lighthouse Artspace, located near the Gold Coast’s border with Lincoln Park, hosts an immersive exhibit of various works from famed artist Vincent Van Gogh. Further south, Gold Coast residents have access to all that Chicago’s Magnificent Mile has to offer, including landmarks like the 360 Chicago observation deck, Water Tower, and Museum of Contemporary Art. 

 

Nearby Rush Street features favorite restaurants like legendary Gibson’s Steakhouse and upscale French-Vietnamese restaurant Le Colonial. Further north on Dearborn Street, locals love brunch and lunch at the 3 Arts Club Cafe, a high-end, beautifully designed eatery serving American fare. Conveniently located inside the atrium of Restoration Hardware’s Gold Coast flagship, patrons can visit the 3 Arts Club Cafe’s wine tasting room before or after shopping at RH’s world-class selection of luxury furniture.