It is named for Patrick L. Touhy. He was a subdivider. He was also the son-in-law of Phillip Rogers. Rogers was an early settler. He helped develop Rogers Park. Touhy Avenue is a major street. It runs through northern Chicago. It also goes through the north and northwestern suburbs.
Touhy Avenue is also known as Patrick L. Touhy Memorial Avenue. The eastern end of Touhy Avenue is near Lake Michigan. The western terminus is at Tonne Road in Elk Grove Village. Here, the roadway continues as Elk Grove Boulevard. Touhy Avenue co-aligns with Route 72 at Lee Street and Higgins Road.
Points of interest along East Touhy Avenue are numerous. They include Loyola Park and the Winston Towers. You can also find the Lincolnwood Town Center and Loeber Motors. The Hebrew Theological College is on Touhy Avenue. There is also the Village Crossing Shopping Center.
The Shure Headquarters Building is another landmark. The Leaning Tower YMCA and the Pickwick Theatre are nearby. The northern end of O’Hare International Airport is close. The crash site of American Airlines Flight 191 is also in the vicinity.
The street naming system was rationalized on January 14, 1895. Touhy addresses needed conversion from Lake Michigan westward. On Tuesday, July 15, 1924, the Chicago City Council changed Kenilworth Avenue to Touhy Avenue. The motion for the name change was put forth by Alderman Touhy.
In 1897, Touhy Avenue in Rogers Park ran from 4422 N. Western Avenue east to the lake. Residential addresses started on page 299 in the Chicago Blue Book. Touhy Avenue’s history is rich. It connects many communities and landmarks. It is a vital part of the Chicago area.
Today, East Touhy Avenue continues to be a significant thoroughfare. It serves residents and visitors alike. It is a testament to the vision of Patrick L. Touhy. His legacy lives on through this important Chicago street.
So, as you traverse East Touhy Avenue, remember its namesake. Consider the history beneath your feet. Think about the many stories this street could tell. Each building and corner holds a piece of Chicago’s past.