Pilsen is a neighborhood on Chicago's Lower West Side known for its Mexican culture and vibrant murals. It was originally settled by Irish and German immigrants in the 1800s, and later became home to many Czech and Mexican immigrants. Today, Pilsen is predominantly Mexican-American and faces issues of gentrification. Notable landmarks include Casa Aztlan Mural, Honky Tonk BBQ, Benito Juarez Park, and the National Museum of Mexican Art. Pilsen offers a culturally rich experience through its art, food, and history representing the diversity of immigrants who have called it home.

1. ConnectionsTOCommunity
PILSEN,Chicago
BY: Brooke, Mary Claire, Natalie, Mairead, and Julie

2. Neighborhood:PILSEN
Main neighborhood of the Lower West
Side, known for its countless
taquerias (Mexican restaurants
specializing in tacos) & vibrant
murals
How to get there:
- take the Red Line south
to Roosevelt
- then take the bus 18 to
18th street & Racine
- the journey is about 1h
long, but it is worth

3. HIstoryofPilsen
- Founded by Irish & German immigrants
- The name comes from the wave of Czech immigrants, who
named it after Plzeň, a Czech city
- Mostly latino since the 1990’s
- Now Pilsen is undergoing gentrification (the process
of renewal and rebuilding accompanying the influx of
middle-class or affluent people into deteriorating
areas that often displaces poorer residents)
- Today, Pilsen is Chicago’s largest predominately
Mexican-American neighborhood

4. Currentdemographics&Facts
-Population: 42,962
-Average Household Income: $47,856
-Total Households: 25,312
-Total Household Expenditure: 76 (below National Average of 100)
-Crime Risk: 224 (above National Average of 100)
-Average Temperatures: High of 83.40° F & low of 19.80° F
(http://www.point2homes.com/US/Neighborhood/IL/Chicago/Pilsen-Demographics.html#Education)

5. Activitiesandlandmarks
8 things to do in Pilsen:
1.Casa Aztlan Mural
2. Honky Tonk BBQ
3. Benito Juarez Park
4. Saint Paul Roman
Catholic Church
5. National Museum of Mexican Art
6. El Milagro Store & Taqueria
7. Zoo Plzen
8. St. Bartholomew’s Gothic Cathedral

6. Funfacts:
- Pilsen has a geotag
- Halas Sports Center is named after the
son of George Halas Sr, late Chicago
Bears football coach and owner, who was
raised in Pilsen
- A Czech restaurant owner dubbed his
small eatery “At the City of Plzen” and
though spelled a little different,
people liked the sound of it and ended
up calling the entire area Pilsen
- Artists fleeing the gentrification of
Wicker Park and Bucktown are attracted
to Pilsen’s cheaper rents and budding
artist community

7. Finalreflection
- Pilsen is a very independent neighborhood, which shows
how diverse Chicago is as a city
- Although it is rarely cited as a notable touristic spot,
trying to find its little treasures is definitely a most
exciting and interesting challenge

8. THANKS
FOR
watching!(:
WorksCited:
http://www.chicagoneighborhoods.cc/neighborhoods/pilsen.html
http://www.choosechicago.com/neighborhoods-and-communities/pilsen/
http://www.point2homes.com/US/Neighborhood/IL/Chicago/Pilsen-Demographics.html#Education
http://stpaulchgo.org/
http://museum.escubes.com/2015/09/national-museum-of-mexican-art-mexican-art-museum/
http://honkytonkbbqchicago.com/