Isn’t it amazing how history can hide in plain sight? We’re standing in Tri-Taylor, a neighborhood on Chicago’s Near West Side. It’s a place where layers of history intertwine.
Tri-Taylor’s story starts with its name. It reflects the area’s triangular shape and its main street: Taylor Street. In the late 1800s, Tri-Taylor became a gateway for Italian immigrants. Between 1880 and World War I, the Italian population boomed. This shaped a vibrant Italian-American community.
But change was coming. In 1941, construction began on the Illinois Medical Center. This physically cut off Tri-Taylor from Little Italy. Then, in the early 1960s, the Eisenhower Expressway was built. It bordered the neighborhood to the north. This further disrupted the community. Residents feared their neighborhood would disappear. They worried it would be swallowed by the expanding medical district and the expressway.
However, Tri-Taylor found a way to preserve its identity. In 1983, a turning point arrived. The National Register of Historic Places accepted the residents’ application. This designated Tri-Taylor as a historic district. Today, the Tri-Taylor Historic District covers 65 acres. It’s a reminder of the neighborhood’s rich past.
Most of the buildings here are rowhouses. Almost all date back to the late 19th century. They feature decorative elements that are uncommon elsewhere in Chicago. These details tell a story of middle-class residents. They moved here after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Many came from immigrant neighborhoods. Initially, the residents were mainly Western European. German and Irish families were common. Around 1900, the area became predominantly Italian. It remained that way until the 1940s and 1950s. Then the decline began.
Today, Tri-Taylor still shows signs of its past. Walk down Taylor Street. You’ll find independent businesses and local restaurants. They serve foods from different cultures. The immigrant spirit remains strong here. Generations of Italian families continue their traditions. New businesses keep the neighborhood diverse. Tri-Taylor acts as a bridge. It connects different parts of the city. Despite historical shifts, the community connections remain strong. Tri-Taylor represents a village. Its history and culture will never be forgotten. They will only be transformed.